“Many parents damage young players,” claims Jensen, whose program has placed children in WNBA and Division I programs around the nation. “I won’t mention names, but I know of several instances of children who had the potential to be excellent young athletes, but their parents simply don’t see things in the right light, which is frustrating. A big portion of it is social media. It’s becoming a lot more about the NIL, the transfer portal, and the option for parents to simply leave if they don’t like it.”
Because her parents, Brent and Anne, haven’t allowed her to, Clark hasn’t been enmeshed in her success.
“Oh my goodness, isn’t Caitlin Clark the best thing ever? Her parents won’t ever say that to you.” Says Jensen. They’re thankful for everything Caitlin has been able to obtain and they’re going to keep her grounded. They believe they are undeserving of anything. Nothing is promised; everything must be earned.”
She is cheerful, jovial, and even sardonic, according to her former coach. In the closing moments of Iowa’s only defeat of the season, a game against Kansas State, Clark front-rimmed a 3-point try as Iowa had a slim chance to rally. Since then, she and Jensen have made jokes about her poor shot. When Iowa held the ball in the last seconds of the game against Maryland, she botched a layup after receiving a long baseball pass from a teammate.
She was beaming after missing.
“She’s still in the game,” Jensen remarks. She’s playing a game, and for many of these collegiate athletes, it becomes their job. When you have a career, you probably don’t like it as much as you could over time because you have good days and bad days.
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