Caitlin Clark, a guard for the Indiana Fever, faced a challenging season marked by injuries that limited her participation to just 13 games. During her recovery, she learned that leadership extends beyond performance; it involves emotional support and empathy. Reflecting on her experience, Clark stated, 'It definitely sucks... how isolating it is' to watch her teammates compete while sidelined. This period of rehabilitation reshaped her understanding of the emotional toll that injuries can take on athletes. She emphasized the importance of checking in on injured teammates, vowing to always be the one to offer support during their recovery. Clark's new perspective on leadership highlights that injured players require more than just medical updates; they need connection and encouragement from their teammates. Her journey through rehab not only taught her about her own resilience but also instilled a deeper sense of empathy that she plans to carry throughout her career. This experience has made her more aware of the struggles faced by others in similar situations, reinforcing the idea that mental and emotional support is crucial in the world of sports.