This offseason gave fans plenty of Caitlin Clark, but very little actual basketball. After suffering a severe groin injury in July, the Indiana Fever star was ruled out for the entire 2025 WNBA season. Now, the wait is finally over. Clark is set to make her long-anticipated return at Team USA’s women’s national team training camp, and fans couldn’t be more excited.

As per the latest updates, the 6-foot star has landed in North Carolina for the training camp, scheduled from December 12th to 14th at Duke University in Durham. While her last season ended just after 13 games, Clark has spent the offseason focusing on recovery, staying engaged with her team, and exploring her hobbies.

Her participation in this camp marks her first real step back into competitive action, and her chance to make an early statement ahead of the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying window

The training camp roster features 18 players, including Paige Bueckers, Clark’s arch-rival Angel Reese, Brittney Griner, and her Fever teammate Aliyah Boston.

The program will be led by 2025–28 USA Basketball head coach Kara Lawson, supported by an elite staff, including Stephanie White, who coached the USA national team in 2023, Natalie Nakase, who guided the Golden State Valkyries to their first NCAA Tournament appearance, and Nate Tibbetts. Together, they will focus on evaluating talent and preparing the team for the upcoming international cycle.

“(Caitlin Clark is) hard working because of what she’s been able to accomplish, but until you see it … there’s no wasted movements, no wasted reps, no wasted anything,” the Fever head coach and Team USA coaching staff, White, said during her conversation with Sue Bird on her podcast, Bird’s Eye View.

“You have such a level of respect for how she goes about her work every day, and understanding the spotlight she’s on and the weight she carries. She’s literally Taylor Swift 2.0. Somehow, she’s able to compartmentalize, come to the gym, and get what she needs to get done.”

With the team’s managing director, Bird also praising the young star, social media quickly erupted with reactions from fans, highlighting the anticipation and admiration surrounding Clark’s return.

Fans celebrate Caitlin Clark’s comeback

For fans who have gone months without seeing Clark play, the excitement is palpable. Her arrival at camp not only signals a comeback but also sets the stage for the next chapter in her career, one that fulfills her dream! Seeing the clip of Clark arriving, posted by USA Basketball on X, one fan tweeted, “It’s happening, everyone act normal 😂.”

During the 2025 off-season, recovering and getting healthy has been one of the main priorities of the Fever star, but representing her country was just right next to it. After she was left off the 2024 Olympic team, Clark opened up about preparing for the team back in October.

“USA Basketball stuff that is probably my top priority right now, that I need to prepare for. And I think that will help me prepare for (the 2026 WNBA season), too,” Caitlin Clark said when asked about her off-season plans.

Another fan, unable to control their excitement, added, “Lfgggg queen CC has arrived!! 🤩😍” Meanwhile, one fan wrote, “Welcome back to basketball Caitlin! We’ve missed you 🥹🥹.”

In the 13 games she played last season, Clark was averaging 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, and while many assumed the team would crumble without their star player, the Fever reached the semifinals, all thanks to key pieces like Aliyah Boston, who averaged 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

The chance of getting to see both these players teamed up again is another reason why fans have been buzzing.

One fan humorously wrote, “I’VE BEEN GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWALS THANK U 😭❤️.” And well, we can all resonate with them. Watching Clark in action had everyone glued to their seats. During her college days, her rivalry with Reese and games against Bueckers made headlines every day, and now these three superstars will join hands to represent their country.

Furthermore, one fan wrote, “Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! The goat is back!” and yes, she is back!

As the camp is all set to kick off in just a few hours, it’s safe to say that fans will keep their eyes on Caitlin Clark to catch a glimpse of her playing, something which fans have been deprived of for months.