The Ultimate Playbook: 5 Things To Know About Caitlin Clark's Boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, And Their Power Couple Status

Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise from NCAA record-breaker to WNBA superstar has made her one of the most talked-about athletes in the world, and naturally, fans are curious about the person supporting her off the court. As of December 2025, that person is her college sweetheart, Connor McCaffery, a former Iowa Hawkeye who is now carving out his own path in the coaching world.

The couple’s relationship is a true sports romance, built on a foundation of shared experiences as elite student-athletes at the University of Iowa. Their journey has continued to evolve as Clark dominates the WNBA with the Indiana Fever and McCaffery takes on a new, high-profile coaching role, proving that a demanding professional life doesn't stop a supportive, long-distance love story.

Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery: A Dual Biography of a Sports Power Couple

The foundation of their relationship is rooted in a shared athletic experience at the University of Iowa. Here is a comprehensive look at the professional and personal profiles of both Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery.

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• Caitlin Elizabeth Clark (The WNBA Superstar)
  • Born: January 22, 2002, in West Des Moines, Iowa.
  • College: University of Iowa (Iowa Hawkeyes).
  • College Career Highlights: NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader (men's and women's), two-time Naismith College Player of the Year, three-time Big Ten Player of the Year.
  • Professional Team: Indiana Fever (WNBA), drafted 1st overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
  • Current Status: One of the most recognizable and impactful athletes in professional sports.
• Connor McCaffery (The Rising Coach)
  • Born: July 13, 1998, in South Bend, Indiana.
  • Family Background: Son of Fran McCaffery, a long-time NCAA Division I men's basketball coach.
  • College: University of Iowa (Iowa Hawkeyes), where he was a multi-sport athlete in both basketball and baseball.
  • Education: Graduated from Iowa in May 2023 with bachelor's degrees in finance and political science.
  • Coaching/Professional Career: Began his career as a Basketball Development Coordinator for the Indiana Pacers (2023-2024 season). He is currently an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Butler University, a move that keeps him close to Clark's WNBA home base.

1. The Iowa Connection: How the Hawkeye Sweethearts Met

The romance between Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery is a classic college love story with an elite athletic twist. The couple met while they were both star athletes for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

McCaffery, a 6'5" guard, played five seasons of men's basketball under his father, Fran McCaffery, the Hawkeyes' head coach.

Clark, of course, was leading the women's program to historic heights, shattering the NCAA scoring record and becoming a household name. Their shared experience of the demanding life of a Division I student-athlete created an immediate and deep connection.

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They officially started dating in April 2023, shortly before McCaffery graduated. The couple then went "Instagram official" in August 2023, sharing a sweet photo that confirmed the high-profile relationship to the world.

Their foundation is built on mutual understanding, a key element for any couple navigating the intense world of professional sports, especially as Clark transitioned to the Indiana Fever and the WNBA.

2. Connor’s Major Career Shift: From Pacers Analyst to Butler Coach

One of the most recent and significant updates in Connor McCaffery’s life is his professional pivot into the coaching world. After graduating from Iowa, he initially took a job with the Indiana Pacers as a Basketball Development Coordinator for the 2023-2024 season.

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This role was crucial as it kept him in Indianapolis, the same city where Caitlin Clark plays for the Indiana Fever.

However, in a move that highlights his ambition, McCaffery recently accepted a position as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Butler University.

This new role is a major step up, allowing him to officially join a collegiate coaching staff. It also solidifies his career path, following in the footsteps of his father, a legendary college coach. The best part for fans of the power couple? Butler is also located in Indianapolis, ensuring the two can continue to support each other in person.

3. The Unwavering Support System: Navigating WNBA Stardom

The dynamic between Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery is defined by public, unwavering support, which is essential given the intense media spotlight on Clark’s WNBA career. McCaffery is frequently spotted at Fever games, cheering on his girlfriend from the sidelines.

This support goes both ways. Clark has been public about her affection for McCaffery, often posting heartfelt birthday messages and celebrating his career milestones.

The couple’s commitment was evident in recent news where Clark was seen supporting McCaffery during a tough, personal family time, demonstrating their bond extends far beyond the basketball court.

Their relationship provides a vital source of stability for Clark as she navigates the pressures of being the WNBA’s biggest star and a major figure in women's basketball history.

4. Shared Athletic DNA: The "Athlete Life" Advantage

The fact that both Clark and McCaffery were elite student-athletes at the same university gives them a unique advantage in their relationship. They understand the demanding schedule, the pressure of a national spotlight, and the need for discipline and focus.

McCaffery’s own career at Iowa was impressive. He was a versatile player who contributed significantly to the Hawkeyes' success and was known for his high basketball IQ and excellent assist-to-turnover ratio.

He was also a two-sport athlete, playing baseball for the Hawkeyes. This shared "athlete life" experience means they don't have to explain the rigors of their respective careers to each other—they simply *get it*. This mutual understanding is a powerful ingredient for a long-distance relationship that spans the WNBA and NCAA coaching seasons.

5. Viral Moments: From Sweet Kisses to Public Defense

As a celebrity couple, their interactions often go viral, giving fans glimpses into their genuine connection.

One notable recent moment was a quick, on-camera kiss at the WNBA All-Star weekend, which fans adored as a rare public display of affection amid the chaos of a professional sports event.

McCaffery has also occasionally stepped into the public eye to defend Clark or comment on her career. He was notably vocal on social media, appearing to "throw shade" at Nike for the delay in releasing a signature shoe for Clark, showing he is fiercely protective and supportive of her brand and legacy.

These moments highlight their supportive and fun dynamic, cementing their status as a fan-favorite power couple in the world of American sports. As Caitlin Clark continues to break records and Connor McCaffery climbs the coaching ranks, their relationship remains a compelling storyline for fans everywhere.