Caitlin Clark Visits Hometown During Injury as Local Kids Call Her “Better Than Stephen Curry”

Caitlin Clark Visits Hometown During Injury as Local Kids Call Her “Better Than Stephen Curry”

Whether it’s a step-back jumper, a logo three, or a shot from 36 feet out, Caitlin Clark has amazed the world with her oh-so-uncommon downtown shooting. Even Stephen Curry, to whom she’s often compared, couldn’t help but admit: “It’s crazy, though… Her shot is, it’s like that, it’s at that level. If you really watch her floor game, it’s as impressive, so she’s kind of the total package.” Total package – no doubt. Because CC isn’t just a deep-range sniper; she’s also leading the league in assists with 8.8 dimes per game. So… does that mean she’s better than Curry, who averaged 6 in the last campaign?

Well, that’s a highly debatable topic, because a lot happens on the floor that a stat sheet cannot fathom. But if you ask the kids at McCombs Middle School, it’s a resounding yes. “She might be better than Steph Curry,” replied one kid. “Bro, she’s better than Steph Curry,” added another. And just like that, the debate went on… and on… and on.

Now, while whether she’s better than Curry remains as elusive as the GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, one thing is crystal clear: the 23-year-old Iowa native isn’t slowing down. Yes, she’s been through three different soft tissue injuries this year, after having played 185 straight games over the four seasons at Iowa and then her rookie year in the W. But she’s not your typical superstar who takes a back seat and waits for motivation to return. Instead, she’s grinding, even off the court, to become someone others can look up to.

So recently, she returned home for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of her foundation’s newest basketball court at McCombs Middle School – the second of four Des Moines Public Schools set to receive a Caitlin Clark Foundation court. Well, it was her way of giving back to the metro area she grew up in, a gesture that came to life through a multi-use community court.

With support from partners like Hy-Vee, Musco Lighting, and DMPS, her foundation brought a full-length basketball court to life in McCombs’ backyard at 201 County Line Road – complete with a built-in soccer goal and the Caitlin Clark Foundation logo proudly marking center court. And even after the formalities ended, Caitlin stayed behind, letting her actions speak louder than words.

Clark gifted every student in attendance bookbags filled with school supplies, books of their choice, Gatorade bottles, and food for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. “We were lucky enough to do this last year and help over 500 kids in the community,” Clark said. “And we’re able to do it again this year here.” The Fever star founded the Caitlin Clark Foundation back in 2023 with a mission to uplift youth and communities through education, nutrition, and sports. And ever since then, she’s been serving that mission wholeheartedly. The first of Caitlin Clark’s courts was unveiled at Weeks Middle School, located at 901 E. Park Ave., on May 13. Similar installations are also planned for Callanan and Hiatt Middle Schools in the coming months.

So it’s no surprise that Mary Coffin, president of the Caitlin Clark Foundation, said: “Not only is Caitlin an international star and an unbelievable athlete, she had the wherewithal to understand, as she went through her experience at Iowa, what it meant to be a part of a great community.” And she’s absolutely right. Former Iowa Hawkeyes star isn’t just an unbelievable athlete – everyone agrees on that – but she’s also someone genuinely rooted in service, as this isn’t a publicity stunt. This is who she’s been since day one!

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How is Caitlin Clark more than just a superstar?

Caitlin Clark’s impact isn’t just about signing big endorsement deals; it’s about showing up for her community in unforgettable ways. Remember her 23rd birthday in January 2025? Sure, there was a celebration and cake, but instead of just blowing out candles, she lit up lives. The Caitlin Clark Foundation, in partnership with Scholastic’s United States of Readers initiative, donated a whopping 22,000 books to kids across Iowa and Indiana. Now that’s how you throw a birthday party!

Also, since CC’s used to being historic and setting records, this collaboration was the first time a WNBA player’s foundation had partnered with Scholastic at such a massive scale to encourage kids to read. Clark, who grew up eagerly flipping through Scholastic flyers, said she wanted to recreate that same magic for today’s kids, especially those in under-resourced schools, hospitals, and nonprofits.

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So, this wasn’t just a book drop; it was a statement about access, literacy, and empowerment. But this ain’t the only thing her organisation does, as it also emphasizes boots-on-the-ground involvement and high-impact giving. And that’s why during the WNBA’s Olympic break last year, CC returned to Des Moines to personally hand out 350 backpacks filled with school supplies, Gatorade bottles, and Nike gear—partnering with Hy‑Vee and PepsiCo to make it happen.

And, that same spirit of direct engagement showed up at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa’s 60th Anniversary Gala in November 2023, where her foundation surprised the crowd with a $22,000 donation and over $13,000 in winter gear and sports equipment. Adding to that, just days before her jersey was retired at the University of Iowa, the foundation awarded four $22,000 grants to youth-focused nonprofits that shaped her journey, including the UI Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics Iowa–East Central.

Clark’s foundation has become a key player in fighting food insecurity and building athletic infrastructure. Since 2022, she has supported the Coralville Community Food Pantry, helping raise over $100,000 through jersey-number-themed drives and events. But what’s even more impressive is that she’s donated nearly her four-year rookie salary to help provide food for those in need. So, you know why she’s unbelievable!