Caitlin Clark expressed awe after meeting former President Barack Obama as he took the WNBA All-Stars by surprise at his Presidential Center on Friday. Clark described her chat with Obama as “a moment I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.”
The Indiana Fever star shared, “It was obviously super cool. He just complimented me for the way that I handle everything, with everything that’s been going on.” Reflecting on his own experience, Obama told her, “When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s.”
Obama addressed the players briefly on the basketball court at the center, which opened recently. “Some of you I’m meeting for the first time. All of you are extraordinary and I could not be bigger fans,” Obama said.
He acknowledged the growth in the game’s popularity, remarking that it delighted basketball fans. After his remarks, Obama spent about 10 minutes taking photos and shaking hands with the players, including Caitlin Clark. He expressed appreciation for their off-court efforts inspiring young people.
“I know many of you are involved in some wonderful ventures off the court, looking out for other young people and inspiring them. I just wanted to say thanks,” Obama said.
Obama gave a special mention to A’ja Wilson during his talk and then interacted with her. Jonquel Jones, a New York Liberty star, also shared a playful moment with Obama on the court.
Jones commented, “I feel like as a hooper, you know when someone’s challenging you. So I thought, let me go over there with the basketball.” Having met Obama once before, Jones expressed admiration for him as a role model.
Obama shared that he refrains from playing 5-on-5 to protect his Achilles but noted he christened the court with a game of “horse.”
He holds a unique history with the WNBA, having been the first sitting U.S. President to attend a WNBA game in 2010 and having hosted many champions at the White House. Obama received a No. 44 WNBA All-Star jersey to be autographed later.
This was the first professional sport event on the center’s basketball court, which started operations in June. Obama regretted he could not attend Saturday’s All-Star Game due to a prior engagement with his wife, Michelle.
“It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. She emphasized the significance of Obama’s inspiration and connection to basketball.
Following his time with the players, Obama spoke to league investors and around 100 high school girls.
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