Caitlin Clark Has VIRAL Moment With A Fan At The Pacers Playoff Game

April 23, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN

Caitlin Clark may be making headlines in the WNBA, but over the weekend, the Indiana Fever rookie had the internet buzzing for an entirely different reason—an unforgettable moment with a young fan during the Indiana Pacers’ playoff game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

In a sold-out arena buzzing with energy, the Pacers were taking on the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. But during a timeout in the second quarter, the cameras caught a heartwarming and spontaneous interaction between Clark and a young girl seated a few rows behind the Pacers’ bench.

As Clark stood courtside—cheering on her home-state NBA team—an eager fan, no older than eight or nine, held up a hand-drawn sign that read: “I ❤️ Caitlin Clark! You’re my hero!” Clark noticed the sign, turned around, smiled, and walked over to the girl. She gave her a high five, posed for a quick selfie, and then took off her custom Fever hoodie and handed it to the star-struck fan.

The moment was captured by the arena’s Jumbotron and later posted by multiple fans on social media. Within hours, it had gone viral, racking up millions of views on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

“I was just there to watch the Pacers, but when I saw her sign, I knew I had to say hi,” Clark said in a postgame interview with a local sports outlet. “I was that little girl once. I remember what it felt like to meet someone I looked up to. Sometimes, one small gesture can mean the world.”

The young fan, identified later as Ava Mitchell from Greenwood, Indiana, was beaming in every photo, proudly wearing Clark’s hoodie—which appeared comically oversized on her. Her parents later spoke to local news, saying Ava hasn’t stopped talking about the encounter since it happened.

“She told us it was the best night of her life,” Ava’s mom, Kristen Mitchell, said. “Caitlin was so kind. She didn’t have to do that. It’s something our family will never forget.”

The interaction drew praise from fellow athletes, sports commentators, and fans across the country. NBA stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard reposted the clip, calling it “inspiring” and “what sports is all about.” WNBA legends, including Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings, also chimed in with praise for Clark’s grace off the court.

Clark, who recently made her WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever, has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball. Her transition from college legend to professional star has come with a massive fanbase—and increased media attention. But despite the pressure, Clark continues to show the humility and charisma that made her a household name at the University of Iowa.

“Caitlin Clark is not just a great basketball player—she’s a role model,” ESPN analyst Andraya Carter said during Monday’s broadcast. “Moments like this show why she’s connecting with fans in a way that’s truly special.”

The Pacers went on to win the playoff game in a dramatic overtime finish, but for many fans, the highlight of the night wasn’t on the scoreboard—it was the touching gesture between a rising WNBA star and one very lucky young fan.

As for Ava? She’s already told her parents she wants to play basketball “just like Caitlin,” and she’s hoping to go to every Fever home game this season.

And who knows? Maybe someday, she’ll be the one giving her hoodie to a fan of her own.