Caitlin Clark denies viral moment from Holy Cross game involved her father

Caitlin Clark didn’t become the greatest women’s college basketball player of all time by being idle and keeping to herself. She’s admitted to being someone who plays up a crowd, and her competitiveness on the court has turned into trash talk from time to time.

During Iowa‘s first-round NCAA Tournament game against Holy Cross, Clark was her usual fiery self. While the Hawkeyes won 91-65, the Crusaders were a bit physical in their (failed) pursuit of stopping her.

In second quarter, the ESPN broadcast cut to Clark during a dead ball and was making her case to someone off screen. The camera then cut directly to her father, Brent Clark, who appears to say “Stop,” back to his daughter. Caitlin Clark has now cleared the air on the situation.

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“Well, I think the first thing is I was never talking to my dad. I don’t know why people thought that,” Clark said. “My dad is my biggest supporter. He’s literally my best friend and he was my first-ever basketball coach and somebody that has always been there. People probably think my dad is super competitive because I am, but he’s never been that way. He’s like a chill, constant person in my life that I can always rely on.

“I think it’s kind of been the same story for me over the course of the two years. It’s like I know people are always watching. I know eyeballs are always on me. That is kind of what happens when you are in the spotlight. … That’s how it is. And I think that’s what has brought me a lot of success.”

While Clark might not have been talking to her father, it does still appear that his message was meant for his daughter. His “chill, constant,” personality could have been put to the side for a moment in the hopes of keeping Clark’s head in the game.

“It’s being able to channel that and use it in the best way,” Clark continued. “Yeah, I mean, my dad is literally one of my biggest supporters, and he honestly hasn’t missed one single college basketball game of mine, and for that I’m forever thankful.

“Yeah, I think our team has always talked about it. There’s always people watching. There’s always young girls with eyeballs on you, so you always want to always be on your best behavior, but also play with that competitive fire and passion that you always had that has brought our team so much success, and I think that’s exactly what we do.”

As Iowa continues its march toward the Final Four, only more eyes will be drawn to Clark’s allure. Now, Colorado stands between her and that goal. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.