Much like every grand romance, Caitlin Clark and her boyfriend Connor McCaffery’s story began where all great modern love tales often do. On a college campus, with plenty of basketballs bouncing in the background. Back at the University of Iowa, Clark was the can’t-miss talent. Whereas McCaffery was the coach’s son and a dual-sport (basketball and baseball) athlete who managed to win over the game-changer herself.

Ever since then, the two Hawkeyes have been inseparable. They support each other both on and off the court. And one recent display came right after Caitlin’s jaw-dropping 32-point performance (just 3 short of her career high) against the Liberty. The game also marked her third WNBA outing with at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists – a stat line that’s quickly becoming her signature.

So, of course, moments like these deserve an instant celebration. And what better way to do it than hugs that say “you did it.” And as soon as the final buzzer rang and Caitlin Clark realized what had happened, there he was – Connor, waiting with open arms and a wide smile. The cameras did not miss a beat, capturing every second of that moment.

 

Caitlin, too, had a beaming smile. She rushed toward Connor, and that hug spoke louder than any words. CC couldn’t help but close her eyes and feel the moment. She had finally made a grand comeback. This wasn’t just basketball. It was about everything she had fought through over those three long weeks. The rehab, the weight of expectations, and the pressure.

The fans haven’t been able to stop talking about that emotional moment. After all, it’s intriguing to watch their favorite playmaking machine in moments that make her more human than viewers realize. It adds a layer of relatability. It was especially sweet because the two have also faced a lot of criticism in the past. Some of it emerges from Connor’s role as the assistant coach at Butler, where the team has been performing poorly, leading fans to harshly say that CC is “out of his league.” 

What did they say this time?

Remember the backlash that led Connor to delete a post he made? He had shared a short, sarcastic message on X, writing, “Idk why people still yell ‘Go Hawks’ when they see me, like…. No, Go dawgs! Go Quakers! Go Fever!” In his defense, he was trying to gently steer support toward his Butler Bulldogs, his father’s future team, the Penn Quakers, and Caitlin’s Indiana Fever. And it does make sense for him to want to do that.

After all, the Hawkeyes are a part of the distant past for him. Moreover, they fired his father from the coaching position after a 15-year run. It was a decision motivated by a disappointing season (17–16), which also included a second straight year of missing the NCAA Tournament and an ejection during a 106–94 loss in the Big Ten Tournament. Still, everyone has bad patches, right? Connor’s tweet did not sit well with some fans, though.

Thankfully, nothing of that sort happened this time, as one fan wrote, “Yall see this and want her to not be with him??” It was a clear jab at those fans who believe Connor isn’t good enough for Caitlin Clark, a notion that seems baseless when you see the couple celebrating with such joy.

Another person went all out; they seemed like a personal cheerleader of the duo. The comment read:

“Connor just gets her! That was evident when he 1st interviewed her at Iowa. He fell for her brain and knowledge right away. Very mature. Stays in the background without jealously and lets her be HER. Great loving couple. Doesn’t need a fake celeb. He is real!” This interview refers to some of their first interactions back at Iowa, where Connor was a part of the program’s content/communications. He was often seen interviewing Caitlin Clark on several occasions, including on his show “T’d Up with Connor & Patrick.”

The next person commented, “They’re cute idc what ppl say.” Honestly, that’s the kind of energy social media could use more of, one that is free from baseless hate and herd mentality. Stars deserve some genuine appreciation at times instead of constant scrutiny. Because, at the end of the day, they’re human too. Just two months ago, in April, the couple had celebrated their two-year anniversary. Something that seems like a milestone considering the relentless public spotlight they’ve been under.

Lastly, our favorite one. A person, out of light-hearted jealousy, commented, “Get off my page thanks.” And honestly, it’s fair to feel that way. Connor and Caitlin share a rare kind of relationship, one that’s grown into something that looks and feels like family.

They’re often seen alongside each other’s parents and siblings, whether it’s courtside or in comment sections. Like that time when Caitlin Clark playfully took a jab at Connor’s brother, Jack McCaffery, after he posted a photo dump from prom with his date and friends. CC, being herself, dropped a “Bros really in love.” Just another glimpse into how naturally and warmly she’s folded into the McCaffery circle.