Indiana Fever Send Strong Message: “Caitlin Clark Is Not Alone Anymore”

Indianapolis, IN – After a grueling rookie season that saw Caitlin Clark become the focal point of both highlight reels and aggressive defense, the Indiana Fever are rewriting the script for the upcoming WNBA season.

The team’s latest roster moves are a bold declaration to the league: Caitlin Clark will be protected—physically, emotionally, and strategically.

This week, the Fever announced the signings of three seasoned WNBA veterans: Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and DeWanna Bonner—each bringing grit, experience, and a well-earned reputation for toughness. It’s no coincidence that these additions follow a season in which Clark endured repeated hard fouls, flagrant contact, and targeted physicality, often with little protection on the floor.

A Rookie Season Under Fire

Clark, hailed as one of the most hyped WNBA rookies in history, entered the league with immense expectations. Her court vision, scoring ability, and charisma helped boost viewership and fan engagement league-wide. But on the court, she quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.

Game after game, defenders pushed the limits—physical defense turned into unchecked aggression. The Chicago Sky, in particular, drew attention for their physical approach, with players delivering body checks and hard fouls that sparked national conversations about sportsmanship, race, and league officiating.

Despite the bruises—literal and figurative—Clark rarely responded with theatrics. Her poise and determination won her respect, even from critics. But the Fever front office saw the writing on the wall: if Clark was to thrive long-term, she needed a different kind of support.

Enter the Enforcers

“We saw what Caitlin went through last season. The constant double teams, the physicality… it was clear we needed to address that,” Fever General Manager Tamika Catchings said during a press conference announcing the roster overhaul.

Let’s take a closer look at what each new signing brings:

Natasha Howard: The Backbone of Defense

A former WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2019), Natasha Howard is no stranger to high-stakes basketball. She’s a fierce interior presence, capable of guarding multiple positions and delivering game-changing plays on both ends.

Howard’s presence will help discourage the kind of unchecked physicality that plagued Clark’s rookie campaign. But she’s not just a stopper—Howard is a versatile scorer with range, helping stretch the floor and open space for Clark’s elite passing game.

“Natasha is a game-changer,” Catchings said. “Her defensive presence alone will transform our team.”

Sophie Cunningham: Fire, Flair, and Floor Spacing

Few players match Sophie Cunningham when it comes to competitive edge. She’s a relentless defender, a career 37.8% three-point shooter, and—most importantly—she’s not afraid to get physical.

Cunningham’s presence gives Clark a sharpshooting partner on the wing and someone who won’t back down when games get gritty. Her spacing will allow Clark to operate more freely, while her tenacity adds muscle to the Fever’s perimeter defense.

“Sophie brings a toughness and energy that’s contagious,” Catchings noted. “She’s not just a shooter—she’s a tone-setter.”

DeWanna Bonner: Veteran Leadership and Championship DNA

The signing of DeWanna Bonner signals something bigger than just added toughness—it signals ambition. A two-time WNBA champion with five All-Star appearances, Bonner brings championship experience and leadership to a young team hungry for success.

Bonner’s scoring ability, veteran savvy, and unshakable composure make her an ideal mentor for Clark. In late-game situations, she’ll provide a steadying hand and a second offensive focal point.

“DeWanna is a proven winner,” Catchings said. “She knows what it takes, and her voice in the locker room will be just as important as her presence on the floor.”

A Message to the League: We’re Not Backing Down

While these acquisitions have elevated the Fever into playoff—and even championship—conversations, they’ve also ruffled feathers across the league. Some critics have labeled the signings as overkill or “sending bodyguards” for Clark. Others argue it’s simply smart basketball: protect your investment, build around your star, and don’t let talent get buried beneath cheap shots.

Regardless of the interpretation, one thing is clear: the Indiana Fever are done watching their superstar get pushed around.

This is no longer just Caitlin Clark’s team. This is a team built for battle.

The Bigger Picture: Growth, Grit, and Gender

Beyond the stat sheets, this moment also speaks to broader themes in women’s sports. The treatment of Caitlin Clark has sparked national debates—not just about basketball tactics, but also about race, gender, and media expectations.

Many fans and analysts saw the rough treatment Clark received as indicative of deeper issues in how young, successful female athletes are treated—particularly white players in majority-Black leagues, or vice versa. The Fever’s moves won’t resolve those debates, but they’ve ensured their star won’t be isolated anymore.

As the WNBA prepares for what promises to be a dramatic and transformative season, all eyes will be on the Indiana Fever. They’ve made their intentions known:

They’re here to win. And Caitlin Clark is here to stay.