Caitlin Clark's Soccer Roots May Have Altered USWNT Legacy

A Multisport Prodigy: Caitlin Clark’s Early Soccer Journey

Caitlin Clark, known for her incredible achievements in basketball, had a fascinating early career in soccer. Before becoming a household name in the NBA, she was a standout athlete in multiple sports, including soccer. Her journey in the sport was marked by talent, dedication, and a unique blend of power and skill that caught the attention of coaches and peers alike.

Starting Young and Making an Impact

Caitlin Clark began playing soccer at the age of just 5 years old. She started in co-ed teams and quickly became the best player on the field, regardless of gender. By the time she was 11, she had already shown remarkable ability during a tournament final, where she scored a goal straight from the kick-off. This moment was a clear indicator of her potential and determination.

Her youth coaches often described her as a perfect mix of power and skill. One of her coaches, John Sheridan, highlighted her strength and ability to dominate on the field. With the lower body strength she developed through consistent shooting in basketball, she was able to excel in soccer as well.

Competitive Success and High School Achievements

During her early teen years, Caitlin joined Sporting Iowa, a club with partnerships with West Des Moines and Johnson/Urbandale soccer clubs. There, she played alongside Maya McDermott, forming a powerful forward duo. Coach Sheridan praised her ball striking abilities and raw power, noting that she was as clutch as it could get.

At 13, Caitlin scored two goals in a state cup final to break a 0-0 tie. The following year, she hit the winning goal from a distance of 40 yards. These performances showcased her talent and composure under pressure.

After her time with Sporting Iowa, Caitlin continued her soccer journey at Dowling Catholic High School. In her freshman year, she scored an impressive 26 goals in just six games. Her performance earned her first-team all-state honors, making her the only freshman to receive such recognition. She carried this momentum into her sophomore year, leading her team to the State tournament.

A Shift in Focus

Despite her success in soccer, Caitlin eventually decided to focus on basketball. After her sophomore year, she gave up soccer and recognized that her future lay in basketball. She acknowledged that this was where she would be the most successful.

Her coaches believed that had she continued with soccer, she would have been a Division I prospect. They saw great potential in her and were confident she could have made a significant impact at the collegiate level.

Could She Have Made the USWNT?

While it's impossible to know for sure, many of Caitlin's coaches believe she had the potential to make the USWNT. Her youth coaches, Ross Moffat and John Sheridan, stated that she could have easily played at the junior national team level when she stopped playing soccer.

They pointed to her vision, instincts, and technical skills as key factors that set her apart from other players. In a 2024 interview with Hawk Central, her father, Brent Clark, echoed these sentiments, stating that he believes Caitlin could have been just as talented in soccer as she is in basketball.

Legacy and Potential

Although Caitlin Clark chose to pursue basketball, her brief but impactful soccer career highlights her versatility and athletic ability. Her coaches' praise and the potential they saw in her suggest that she had the talent to make a significant contribution to the USWNT if she had continued down that path.

Caitlin's story serves as a reminder of the diverse talents that athletes can possess and the difficult choices they must sometimes make to focus on their primary passion. Her journey in soccer, though short, was a testament to her skill and dedication.