INDIANAPOLIS — Among the whirlwind of texts, tweets and media interviews, Indiana Fever draft pick Caitlin Clark took a moment to answer a call welcoming her to Indiana.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb called Clark from São Paulo, Brazil, where he has been visiting on an economic development trip, to welcome Clark to the Hoosier State.
"Congratulations, Caitlin! I have a permanent smile on my face," Holcomb said. "On behalf of 6.8 million Hoosier basketball-crazed fanatics, let me just add my 'Welcome to Indiana' chorus."
"I can't wait. It's a basketball state. I know that ticket sales have been amazing, so I can't wait," Clark said. "Obviously, I've played at Gainbridge a few times, so I know how amazing it is. I can't think of a better place to start my career."
Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes reached the Big Ten Tournament championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 2021 and 2022. They lost to Maryland 104-84 in 2021, then beat Indiana 74-67 the following year to start a run of three straight conference tournament titles for the Hawkeyes.
While she hasn't quite gotten the key to the city - yet, at least - Holcomb offered Clark a spot to practice out of the public eye.
"If you ever need a quiet, private place to hoop it up, I built a full court at the Governor's Residence with the Fever logo on it," Holcomb said in the phone call.
Holcomb's international trip will take him to Mexico before returning home Friday, April 19.
"Can't wait to meet you in person and your family, but welcome to Indiana. So proud of what you've been able to do," Holcomb told Clark.