When Caitlyn Clark entered the WNBA, the excitement around her arrival was palpable. A transcendent talent, she had dominated college basketball, breaking records and reeling in fans with her remarkable shooting range and basketball IQ. Naturally, the WNBA was ready to embrace her, but it didn’t take long for Clark to find out that professional basketball came with a different set of challenges—challenges not just from the defense but also from the league’s veterans.

The transition to the WNBA has been anything but smooth sailing for the 23-year-old. While Clark’s talent was never in question, the league’s players—many of whom have been waiting years for this moment—have been less than welcoming. Rather than merely facing tough defense, Clark found herself the target of trash talk, aggressive fouls, and outright attempts to intimidate her. This is part of the rookie initiation process in any sport, but the level of vitriol and physicality directed at Clark has been on another level, perhaps because she is perceived as a rising star who has quickly ascended to the league’s elite tier.

From being hit in the face to being shoved after hitting a deep three-pointer, Clark has had to endure far more than her fair share of aggressive play. Yet, what makes her different from many rookies is that she has refused to back down.

The Chicago Sky, and players like Dana Evans and Chennedy Carter, have been among the most vocal in their attempts to throw off Clark’s game. Evans, a fiery 5’6″ guard, tried to give Clark a dose of reality with some hard fouls. But Evans’ physical approach crossed the line during one game when she locked arms with Clark and sent her crashing into another defender. Rather than backing down, Clark responded the way only she could—by draining a series of three-pointers and playing with a vengeance. The result? Not only did the Fever win, but Clark put on a masterclass in scoring and playmaking that left her opponents looking foolish.

Chennedy Carter, perhaps the most notorious antagonist in Clark’s early WNBA career, took things further. After Clark sank a three-pointer, Carter hit her with a hard, unnecessary shove. It was a clear attempt at physical intimidation, one that would have rattled a lesser player. But Caitlyn Clark? She shook it off, made the free throws, and continued to dominate on the court. In the end, the Chicago Sky paid the price, losing that game and the season series to the Fever.

It’s not just rookies or fringe players who’ve taken aim at Clark. Even established stars like Las Vegas Aces’ Alicia Clark (no relation) have found themselves caught up in the controversy. Alicia Clark, a seasoned veteran, committed a blatant foul on Clark during a game, hitting her in the head. After the foul, Alicia ran away as if to deny any wrongdoing, a move that drew criticism from both the media and fans alike. In response, Caitlyn Clark simply went back to work, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists—keeping her focus entirely on the game, as she has done so many times before.

One of the most striking incidents came in a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, where Diana Taurasi, the legendary point guard, took a jab at Clark during a pre-season interview. Taurasi, who has been at the pinnacle of women’s basketball for years, confidently warned the young star that “reality is coming,” suggesting that Clark’s dominance over younger players wouldn’t carry over when facing the grown women of the WNBA.

But when Taurasi and Clark finally met on the court, it was clear that the “reality” Taurasi spoke of was Clark’s undeniable talent. Clark finished the game with a near-triple double—15 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds—while Taurasi’s Phoenix Mercury suffered a loss. If there were any doubts about Clark’s ability to step up when challenged, they were quickly erased.

What sets Caitlyn Clark apart is her unwavering composure in the face of adversity. She doesn’t get bogged down by the trash talk or the hard fouls. While some players might retaliate physically or get caught up in verbal exchanges, Clark understands that the best revenge is not with words but with actions. Whether she’s draining a three from 30 feet out, pulling off a highlight-reel pass, or getting a timely steal, Clark has shown time and again that her basketball IQ and skills are more than enough to shut down any challenge.

It’s no surprise that as she continues to silence her critics, Clark’s game is only getting better. Her ability to stay composed, even when opponents try to get inside her head, has been one of her defining traits. Time and again, after taking a cheap shot or enduring trash talk, Clark has used the moment as fuel to elevate her game. Her ability to block out distractions and respond with dominant performances has left many of her critics—especially those who tried to rattle her—looking foolish.

Despite facing some of the toughest treatment from opponents, Caitlyn Clark has risen to the challenge, showcasing why she is the future of women’s basketball. Her combination of scoring, playmaking, and mental toughness makes her a force to be reckoned with. While some players may try to trash talk or use physical play to disrupt her, Clark has proven that she is not one to be intimidated. Instead, she has turned every bit of adversity into a learning experience and used it as motivation to perform at the highest level.

As her career progresses, Clark’s legacy will be defined not just by her numbers, but by how she responded to the adversity and disrespect that came her way. If the early part of her WNBA career is any indication, she is on track to become one of the greatest players the league has ever seen. And for anyone who doubts her? They only need to look at the scoreboard to see that poking the bear—Caitlyn Clark—might not be the best idea.