Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce started the year with a bang by inviting WNBA star and noted Kansas City Chiefs fan Caitlin Clark on their popular podcast, New Heights. The collaboration between two of the most iconic sports figures and Clark, a rising star in the basketball world, is bound to generate massive fanfare, but it was a candid moment about Clark’s early basketball career that really captured attention.
In a recently released clip from Thursday's episode, Caitlin Clark opened up about one of the more challenging aspects of her early basketball journey. As part of a conversation with the Kelce brothers, Clark shared an eye-opening revelation: she received her first college recruiting letter in seventh grade. This admission led Travis to remark, "That's insane," highlighting the early pressure athletes face, even at such a young age.
The topic of early recruitment letters struck a chord with Clark, who admitted that it was "honestly sad" how intense the college recruitment process has become. She went on to express her gratitude for her parents, Brent and Anne, who made sure she stayed grounded throughout her young athletic career. Clark's older brother was tasked with hiding the recruitment letters from her, as her parents didn't want her to feel overwhelmed or focused on her college future too early. "They wanted me to enjoy middle school and hang out with my friends, not worry about where I was going to college," she explained.
In an inspiring turn, Clark shared how her parents helped her navigate the pressures of early recruitment. "I feel very fortunate," she said. "I didn’t take any college visits until after my freshman year of high school, and I didn’t make my decision until my senior year." Her story resonated with fans, and many praised her parents for allowing her to enjoy being a kid without the burden of college decisions looming too early.
The WNBA rookie, who went on to break multiple records, including becoming the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, has become a trailblazer for women’s basketball. She was the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and her achievements continue to shine as she represents the Indiana Fever. Her candidness about her experiences, especially the challenges of being a star athlete at such a young age, only adds to her growing legacy.
In a delightful turn, Clark also shared a personal experience involving Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. She reminisced about attending Swift's Indianapolis concert, where she turned into a "full Swifty" along with her mom. Clark attended three Eras Tour shows, and it was evident that her experience was electrifying. The timing of her appearance on the New Heights podcast has sparked fan excitement, especially since fans spotted Clark chatting with Travis Kelce at the concert. As it turns out, Swift’s tour has made an impact on people across various walks of life, and Caitlin Clark was no exception.
Caitlin's appearance on New Heights made history as she became the second female guest to join the Kelsey brothers on their podcast—aside from the first female guest, Travis’ co-star Nii Nash Bets. Fans were quick to react to the episode, with many excited to hear Clark's personal stories, as well as her insights on the WNBA and what it's like to be a professional athlete under the intense scrutiny that comes with being a rising star.
Meanwhile, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs are preparing for their final regular season game against the Denver Broncos, with the AFC West title and the number one seed already secured. Kelce, who has had a stellar season, is also in the running for the prestigious 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his excellence both on and off the field. This honor, which highlights a player's charitable efforts, also includes a $265,000 donation to the winner’s charity of choice.
As Travis and Caitlin continue to make headlines, it’s clear that their shared love for sports and inspiring journeys will only continue to captivate fans well into 2025. Stay tuned as both of them gear up for their next big moments in their respective careers.