The Caitlin Effect
It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the greatest movies of all time. The premise of what life is like –
with and without you in it – is one that lasts the test of time. We all want to feel we make a difference in the world in one way or another. As I watched college basketball last season, I was introduced to Caitlin Clark, the Iowa University point guard on the women’s basketball team. She’s an anomaly, no doubt. She has broken so many records, it’s hard to keep up with all of them. Each game I watched referenced another record she had broken, including the all time scoring record in both men’s and women’s basketball. It was apparent that she was good when she crossed just over half court and hurled three-pointers as accurately as a marine sniper. The common phrase shouted by announcers for many of her shots was “Logo, swish!” Referring to the giant logo at center court and her proximity to it, including on it, when she took the shot. Despite all her finesse and athleticism, I noticed she was not alone in talent on this team. She had at least four other starters who were exceptional in their own right, and they shined impressively.
During one particular game, Caitlin was called for a second foul in the first half. A position many coaches choose to pull the player for some time to avoid a third before halftime. As she sat on the bench, I witnessed these same talented players who had been performing at a high level before her departure, begin to fall apart. They suddenly appeared no different than any other moderately talented team. I couldn’t believe it. The players who had shined in every game I watched prior were fading into the wooden floor planks, almost unnoticed in their abilities. It was apparent that Clark’s influence went well beyond her extraordinary talents.
After several minutes, the head coach had enough of the dismantling and sent Clark back into the game. After about 45 seconds, Clark had a made three-pointer, a steal and a subsequent assist (a pass to another player who scores), and just as quickly as they had fallen, the team rose back up. They ultimately won by double digits.
We’ve seen similar situations before, and it’s special when it happens, as a single person influences a team’s success merely by their presence. A player whose talents win games and something even greater – they lift their teammates to new heights. Their mere presence on the playing surface inspires others to do things to their maximum abilities and beyond. Something about them resonates with their teammates and builds their confidence, giving them a sense of almost invulnerability, “We can’t lose.” I’ve watched it with Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky and Patrick Mahomes.
The difference is Clark is matching those great stars in the game, and she’s managing the massive influx of attention, publicity and spotlight that shines on her in the sport. That same spotlight shines beyond the usual fans of women’s basketball. It extends to all sports fans in general. Those who had never watched a women’s game were suddenly filling the stands at Iowa games, both home and away. Her greatness wasn’t compared to just her gender’s version of basketball; it was extended to all of college basketball, including the men’s. This wasn’t just a star player we were witnessing; this was a phenomenon. A rare event like a solar eclipse that you just had to see to believe. She single-handedly raised women’s basketball television ratings to heights never before seen in the sport, along with media viewership and gameday attendance records, as well.
Despite all this, she managed it admirably. Her interviews displayed expert-level knowledge of the game usually reserved for experienced coaches. She signed autographs after every game and showed a genuine appreciation for the fans. And, there’s one more thing this all time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s basketball accomplished, she was also a record-breaker in assists. How does one score more points than anyone else, AND, provide passes to their teammates who also score more? That’s the true definition of Clark.
There wasn’t the appearance of jealousy or animosity on her team because she cared about their success as well, individually and as a team – a key characteristic that makes her the incredible person she is. An amazing talent that naturally makes everyone around them better. We can’t all have the skills of Clark, but we can do our best to help elevate those around us to new heights. Perhaps, even include others who share this same mindset into your circle of friendship and influence to help you get more out of life. A phenomenal lesson from an extraordinary person.
Hey Caitlin, forget the haters, “You put the good in the good, in the good life. Put the bad in the past, you’ll be alright.”
Musical Selection (caution: language, visuals): Kehlani & G-Eazy – Good Life (from The Fate of the Furious: The Album) [Official Music Video]
