Picture this: A rising basketball star scrolling through her phone for just the right picture. It’s Flau’jae Johnson from LSU, ready to post a birthday tribute to her friend and fellow athlete Caitlin Clark. She finds the perfect shot—one that captures their connection on and off the court. The result? “Elite Pic,” from Clark in reply. And just like that, the internet was buzzing with birthday wishes for one of basketball’s brightest stars.

Caitlin Clark turned 23 on January 22, 2025. This wasn’t just any birthday, this was a moment for the basketball community to show their love and admiration for a player who has impacted the game.

Caitlin Clark celebrates 23rd; love was shared and received

The 2024 ROTY ensured her 23rd birthday did not just come and go. Not limiting herself to soak up the spotlight on her special day, Clark made a difference. The 23-year-old announced a partnership between the Caitlin Clark Foundation and Scholastic’s United States of Readers program to make a generous donation. 

CC reportedly pledged 22,000 books to schools in Iowa and Indiana, based on her own experiences growing up. “I remember picking out the books from the Scholastic flyer and how empowering that was for me as a child, and how motivated I was to read,” Clark said in a news release. She wishes the same for the kindergarten kids through to the eighth graders, who stand to receive the books.

But she wasn’t only on the giving end.

Indiana Fever added a little more joy to her day, throwing a surprise party at practice. The staff was ready with a cake and balloons reading ’23’ as she stepped into the exercise room after finishing her workout. Clark can be heard saying, “you didn’t have to do that,” as she made a wish and blew out the candles. Loved as much as she is, the celebrations are only expected.

Wishes roll in for the basketball sensation

A host of wishes for the basketball star who pulled in nearly 10 million viewers for the 2023 championship game, started with Indiana Fever. Lauding their Rookie of the Year, the team shared, “today’s for 22.” Former Iowa teammate, Jada Gyamfi, was the next to follow with, “Cheers to 23! I love you, kid.”

Aliyah Boston, making the other half of the Fever’s dynamic duo, who averaged 13.8 points on pick-and-roll sets, did not hold back either. She chimed in with a vibrant, “Happy Birthdayyy sistaaa❤️❤️have the best day and year everrrr you deserve it.” 

Lexie Hull, who has not only shared a best-friend energy with Clark but has often expressed admiration for the 2024 ROTY, couldn’t miss out. She shared numerous photos of the two together and added a simple, “happy birthday.”

Former Iowa teammates, Kate Martin and Gabby Marshall, making up the Hawkeyes’ iconic trio, also made their way to CC’s re-shared stories. Both shared a collage of Clark’s images, sharing a common “Love you,” with a white heart. Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, who has been a common presence in the Fever star’s game and vice versa, was another. “Happy Birthday @Caitlinclark22!!” he wrote with an image of him, his girlfriend, CC, and Connor McCaffery at what appeared to be a concert.

Then, of course, her boyfriend did not miss out. Almost two years into their relationship, McCaffery had a heartwarming note for the basketball icon. “Happy 23rd CC ❤️ (finally we’re celebrating together this year 🥹)! You have an incredible ability to inspire and lift up those around you, and I am lucky to learn from you every day. Thank you for always being you 🤞🏼I love you,” he captioned his Instagram post.

Love flowed in from everywhere for Clark who drew 2.1 million viewers on her debut game, was tied to every sixth ticket sold in the W, helped Fever record the highest audience, and even garnered 34 million impressions on social media with her LPGA debut. The 23-year-old is not only making history but continuing to inspire a whole new generation.

So here’s to Caitlin Clark – a basketball phenom, a role model, and somebody who has just begun.