Caitlin Clark’s highlight reel of a rookie season came to a screeching halt on Thursday. In fact, it took lack of just 2 possessions, for the Indiana Fever to drop out of the playoffs following a tough first-round battle against the Connecticut Sun. Despite the disappointment, Clark is already looking ahead.

While reflecting on her team’s Round 1 exit, Clark stated “You know, next year we’re wanting to be a top-four seed. We believe we can build this place into a championship contender. That’s what I believe, and that’s what I’m going to do—everything in my power to help this organization get there. But you got to let it hurt you a little bit and really drive you throughout the offseason.”

The Des Moines native’s ambitions for the Indiana Fever reflect a profound understanding of what it takes to succeed in the WNBA. The Fever, coming off a dismal 1-8 start at the start of the regular season, went on to finish 6th in the standings and secure their first playoff berth since 2016 speaks volumes about the team’s potential. A sentiment Clark clearly shares, declaring her intentions to gun for the playoffs again next year during her exit interview.

Clark will have to push even harder in the off-season to keep her promise to her franchise and more importantly her fans. The rookie sensation, who averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, and scored a staggering 769 points— much to Sheryl Swoopes’s chagrin— during the regular season has proven her mettle time and again. 

But while the regular season tested her resolve and skills, the offseason will determine just how ready she’ll be for the next step in her career.

So what’s next for the Rookie of the Year? 

The Fever who reached the playoffs after 7 years, will undoubtedly look to build around their star rookie. However, to beat the likes of an A’ja Wilson-led Las Vegas Aces or a Breanna Stewart-led New York Liberty, they will have to make massive improvements in the upcoming off-season.

For Clark, the goal isn’t just to make it to the playoffs again— it is to be a consistent title contender, as evidenced when she mentioned that the team is aiming to be a top 4 seed next year. That drive in and of itself speaks volumes about her leadership and her vision for the Indianapolis-based franchise.

All of this will hinge on Caitlin Clark’s off-season work ethic and will set the tone for the next season for the entire team. If the WNBA learned anything from the past season it was that the Des Moines native is ready to rise to any occasion no matter how daunting. However, will she be able to carry on her epic performance in the next season? Or will she falter when it all matters? Only time will tell.