“They impact me as much as I impact them.” One step at a time, Caitlin Clark is changing the way systems work. After bringing a whirlwind to women’s basketball, she now steps out to connect with little kids. On Friday, the All-Star rookie returned to her hometown West Des Moines, amidst the Indiana practices, to enrich young students. Moreover, her foundation joined hands with Nike and Gatorade to give something special, valuable, and memorable to students.

The Des Moines Register broke the news of how the athlete’s Caitlin Clark Foundation gave away school supplies to 350 students. These were from various Des Moines Public Schools. However, what these parents and kids were not expecting was to meet the Iowa sensation herself. Hence, when asked about it, the Indiana Fever rookie responded, “I know how fortunate I was to have a strong education and access to tools that allowed me to be successful in the classroom. School supplies are essential for every student’s learning and development. The Caitlin Clark Foundation is grateful to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible.”

Under the Caitlin Clark Foundation’s “Back To School Backpacks” initiative, Nike provided the backpacks. Hy-Vee’s donation filled them with necessary school supplies. From notebooks, pens, and pencils to Gatorade’s water bottles, these kids have half of their preparation done to begin their new school year on a high note. Caitlin Clark not only helped distribute these back-to-school packages to the kids in the North High School gymnasium she also took selfies and signed their shoes and cards.

Certainly, the rookie is grateful to her hometown and everything that the place has done for her. Interestingly, her thoughts were just as humble as hers.

Caitlin Clark shares a few pennies on “being able to give back”

After completing her foundation’s mission, the first overall pick also talked about what this day meant to her. Giving back to a place like West Des Moines, her birthplace, by using her resources and platforms is “cool” for her. We have all seen her take out some minutes before and after every game to connect with her fans. In fact, such acts have been an integral part of Caitlin Clark’s life.

Talking about the same, she said, “Honestly, it makes me smile in return.” The guard further noted down how her parents had always been supportive of her playing sports but have also preached how there’s so much more to life. She gave a hint of her words before when Indiana lost a game, and all Caitlin Clark said was that it was just a game, something she could not fret about for too long.

The 2x National Player of the Year also mentioned why she likes to interact with her fans, “Just giving them something to smile about. Just taking a second out of my day to give them a high five, to sign their shoe, sign their poster whatever it is, I think that can mean the world to them. Change their lives. Because that’s what it was for me. Whether it was the athlete I wanted to meet or was inspired by, I feel like they impact me as much as I impact them. For me, that’s what’s special.”

It is certainly special to see a 22-year-old athlete who has achieved great heights in her collegiate career continue to be down to earth. Especially, when it comes to the relationships she builds. Whether it is Bri Lewerke, her photographer, teammates, coaches, or fans, Caitlin Clark is always herself and inspirational.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.