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Clark Faces Tough Competition for World Cup
25 Nov
Summary
- Caitlin Clark invited to first senior national team camp.
- Clark faces strong competition from Olympic gold medalists.
- She aims to prove fitness after injury-plagued 2025 season.
Caitlin Clark is among 18 players invited to her inaugural senior national team camp in December. This marks a significant step as the United States prepares to defend its FIBA World Cup title. Clark's participation comes after a challenging 2025 WNBA season, where injuries sidelined her for a considerable period, limiting her to just 13 games.
The upcoming three-day camp in Durham, North Carolina, will be a critical evaluation period for Clark. She must demonstrate that she has fully recovered from a nagging groin injury that plagued her and concluded her season. Her performance will be assessed by national team managing director Sue Bird and head coach Kara Lawson, with input from assistant coaches, including Clark's own WNBA coach.
Clark faces formidable competition for a World Cup roster spot, with Olympic gold-winning guards like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Paige Bueckers also invited. Despite her immense popularity, her inclusion hinges on proving her physical readiness and surpassing seasoned players. This camp is a pivotal moment for the 23-year-old as she aims for an immediate senior national team debut.
