With her relationship with Connor McCaffery, Caitlin Clark has become an unofficial but high-profile supporter of Butler basketball. She rarely misses a game, earning the nickname “lucky charm” from fans who noticed she was always there when the Bulldogs pulled off a win. So when Butler’s regular-season finale rolled around, she couldn’t sit this one out—even with Iowa playing at the same time.
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Juggling between two arenas just 17 minutes apart, Clark made sure to be there, cheering for Connor from the stands. But even with her unwavering support, something still felt incomplete.
A few days later, Clark was spotted once again, this time at Madison Square Garden, as Butler faced St. John’s in the Big East Tournament. Dressed in a Butler T-shirt, a baseball cap, and a black hoodie, she kept a low profile while sitting behind the Bulldogs’ bench. She blended in, yet stood out—because, for all her support, one thing was missing.
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A “We Love Coach Connor” T-shirt!
The rest of the crowd wore them proudly, showing love for Connor in his first year as a Butler assistant coach. But Clark? She stuck to casual wear. Not because she didn’t support Connor—she’s been his biggest cheerleader—but because she was there for someone else, too: Patrick McCaffery.
While Connor was stepping into coaching, Patrick was closing out his collegiate career. His time at Butler was nearing its end, and Clark ensured to be there for the moment. After the game, Patrick reflected on his journey with an emotional Instagram post: “Above all else, I did it my way. Thank you, CBB, and everybody who made my dream a reality. On to the next.”
Connor quickly jumped into the comments, keeping it short but heartfelt: “You earned everything. Love you.”
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It was a simple but powerful message. For Connor and Patrick, this journey has been about more than just basketball. Patrick, a thyroid cancer survivor, has been through battles that extend far beyond the court. Diagnosed at just 13, he faced not only the disease but the mental health struggles that came with it.
So, seeing him finish his college career and contribute at Butler was more than just another milestone—it was a testament to everything he’s fought through for Clark and Connor. But the connection Indiana Fever standout has with Patrick isn’t limited.
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Caitlin Clark and Patrick McCaffery may have initially connected through Connor. Over time, their relationship has grown into something more. Both elite athletes made their mark in Iowa. They understand the pressures of the spotlight—the expectations, the setbacks, the constant grind. Their camaraderie is clear, whether it’s through social media interactions or Clark showing up for Patrick’s biggest basketball moments.
One of the most telling examples? His senior night at Butler. With everything on her plate—WNBA obligations, Iowa ties, national media attention—Clark still prioritized being there. Her presence spoke volumes about their friendship.
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NEWARK, NJ – NOVEMBER 16: Patrick McCaffery #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes attempts a shot as Tyrese Samuel #4 of the Seton Hall Pirates defends during the first half of a college basketball game at Prudential Center on November 16, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Patrick himself has acknowledged their bond. In a recent Instagram post, he shared a picture with Clark and fellow Iowa basketball star Kate Martin, captioning it: “My dawgs fr.”
It’s a simple line, but one that says a lot.
Clark and Patrick have walked different paths but share a deep understanding. Patrick battled cancer and came out stronger. Proving doubters wrong again and again, Clark has defied expectations at every turn. They both represent resilience.
And their friendship? It’s built on that shared experience. Beyond basketball, beyond Connor, it’s a bond that keeps growing.
Written by
Edited by
Jacob Gijy