Caitlin Clark builds hometown courts, deepens Iowa community ties
Caitlin Clark Continues to Give Back originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
No matter where Caitlin Clark goes or what she does, the spotlight follows. In her second season with the Indiana Fever, Clark has become one of the biggest sports figures in the world.
The former Iowa Hawkeyes star has dealt with injuries throughout the 2025 WNBA season, but that hasn’t stopped her from being an ambassador for the game and her community.
On Tuesday, Clark returned home to Des Moines, Iowa, for a special event. Through the Caitlin Clark Foundation, she partnered with Musco Sports Lighting and Des Moines Public Schools to help build four new community basketball courts in the city.
The Musco Sports Lighting social media account shared the news with photos from the groundbreaking ceremony.
“A big day celebrating the power of partnership and the impact it can have on students and communities! Thank you to all partners, including the @caitlinclarkfoundation and @desmoinespublicschools, for making it possible.”
As the news spread online, fans flooded social media with praise and appreciation for Clark.
"I ❤️to see Caitlin giving back, especially to the youth!!🙌🏻."
"Caitlin Clark Effect 💯 Superstar 💯 Face of WNBA 💯 .. and community and kid friendly ❤️."
"This is what it's all about ! This is bigger then basketball and she understands that .👏"
"This is actual, real, non-performative advocacy and activism, shoutout to Caitlin Clark and her foundation for helping the marginalized, underrepresented communities in her home state of Iowa 💯."
"Always giving back ❤️❤️❤️ we love to see it."
"They’ll never make me hate you, Caitlin!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥😍."
What is the Caitlin Clark Foundation?
The Caitlin Clark Foundation focuses on giving back through three key pillars: education, nutrition and sports. According to the foundation's mission, via their website:
“Caitlin’s passion and joy on the court inspire her foundation’s work off the court. The Caitlin Clark Foundation’s mission is to uplift and improve the lives of youth and their communities through education, nutrition and sports, three pillars Caitlin believes were foundational in her success.”
Notable Caitlin Clark Foundation Events So Far
There have been numerous events put on by the Caitlin Clark Foundation. Some of them include:
- 22,000 Book Donation
- Jersey Retirement Grants
- Stock Up Campaign
- Warm Up Campaign
- Gear Up Campaign
- Fuel Up Campaign
- Back-to-School Backpacks
What Des Moines and the State of Iowa Mean to Caitlin Clark
Clark was born and raised in West Des Moines. She starred at Dowling Catholic High School, earning McDonald's All-America honors before becoming a national name at the University of Iowa.
As a freshman, she led Division I in scoring and earned All-America honors. She went on to lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA Tournament finals and set the Division I women’s records for most career and single-season points and 3-pointers.
Despite her rise to international fame, her ties to Iowa remain deep and genuine.
Next Chance to See Caitlin Clark on the Court
Clark’s status for Wednesday’s home game against the Phoenix Mercury is uncertain due to her groin injury.
Here’s a look at Indiana’s next five games:
- Friday at Dallas Wings
- Sunday at Seattle Storm
- Aug. 5: at Los Angeles Sparks
- Aug. 7: at Phoenix Mercury
- Aug. 9: vs Chicago Sky
Whether she’s on the floor or in the community, Caitlin Clark continues to lead with purpose.
Related: Indiana Fever Rookie Makes Honest Admission on WNBA Teammates
Related: Aliyah Boston Comments on Caitlin Clark's Clear Change in Physical Appearence
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
