It only took one word for Caitlin Clark to show up for her former teammate. Years after their time at the Iowa Hawkeyes, the connection between Clark and Gabbie Marshall hasn’t faded. So when Marshall announced her life-changing news on Instagram, it was only a matter of time before the Indiana Fever star showed up.

Marshall recently shared the news of her engagement by uploading a post captioned with, “Less than 365 days until I get to marry my best friend 🤍♾️.” And while the post was filled with congratulatory messages, one comment stood out.

Caitlin Clark, now in her third WNBA season, kept it short and sweet, dropping a one-word reaction: “Yayayayaya.”

It was a small moment, but one that reflected the bond built during their time together in Iowa, where the two played key roles in elevating the program into a national contender.

During their run, the Hawkeyes became one of the most talked-about teams in college basketball, with deep tournament pushes and a style of play that drew national attention. In the 3 consecutive years they played together, Clark and Marshall led the Hawkeyes to 85+ wins.

After that, Clark’s journey took her to the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024. But Marshall? She chose a different path.

Following a five-year career under Lisa Bluder, Marshall opted not to enter the WNBA Draft and instead focused on her academics. She graduated with a degree in Health and Human Physiology, stepping away from the game after leaving a lasting impact at Iowa.

But it’s still worth noting that, known for her defensive intensity, Marshall became the 44th player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points and remains the only Iowa women’s player to record both 200 three-pointers and 200 steals.

However, as Marshall now steps into a new chapter, the support from former teammates like Clark continues. And even with their careers taking different directions, a one-word reaction was enough to show that some connections don’t need much to say a lot.

But while moments like these make you stop and appreciate, Clark has been making noise on the court recently.

The ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’ Off the Court

If there’s one thing that’s become clear about Clark over the past few months, it’s that her impact isn’t limited to the box score.

Time and again, Clark has shown that she’s just as present off the court, whether it’s by supporting teammates, celebrating their wins, or creating moments that stick with fans.

She showed that same energy recently when Lexie Hull revealed her off-court venture.

When the Indiana Fever guard announced a collaboration with TELETIES, launching her own collection of hair accessories, it was Clark who quickly responded to show her support for her teammate.

“Slide me some,” she commented.

And it doesn’t stop there.

During Indiana’s preseason win over the New York Liberty, Caitlin Clark created another moment that had nothing to do with scoring or assists. As she walked off the court, she spotted a young fan in the crowd. And without any hesitation, she walked over, took off her sneakers, signed them, and handed them over.

It could have ended there as a feel-good gesture. But there was more to it.

The shoes weren’t just any pair; they were an unreleased version of the Nike Kobe 5 PE, featuring a clean white base, light blue detailing, and subtle camo accents. The kind of pair most players would hold onto. Yet Clark gave them away without a second thought.

Moments like these don’t always make headlines the way stats do, but they add up.

And that’s exactly why even a one-word reaction, like the one she left on Gabbie Marshall’s post, carries a little more weight.