Caitlin Clark’s inspirational encounter with basketball legend Maya Moore is one that changed her life.

As a rising star in women’s basketball, the Indiana Fever guard made waves as a record-breaking player for Iowa during her college years. The 22-year-old now holds the title of NCAA Division One’s all-time leading scorer and has been honored twice as national player of the year while with the Hawkeyes.

Her transition into the WNBA this year has seen her continue to excel, and she is on course for a glittering career in the league. Despite the fame and attention that Clark has brought to women’s basketball, she attributes the influence of one particular player to igniting her passion for the game.

In 2012, at just 10 years old, Clark travelled with her family to Minneapolis to see Moore in action for the Minnesota Lynx against the Seattle Storm – a pivotal experience that positively altered her young life.

Moore could be seen as a precursor to Clark in terms of skill, boasting an impressive ability to pass, shoot, and dribble that led her to two undefeated college seasons, four Final Four appearances, and two national championships with UConn.

After her collegiate success, Moore joined the Minnesota Lynx and embarked on a remarkable streak, securing four WNBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and clinching two Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball in 2012 and 2016.

Maya Moore #23 of the Minnesota Lynx in action during the Connecticut Sun Vs Minnesota Lynx, WNBA regular season game at Mohegan Sun Arena on August 17, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Moore is a legend of the WNBA ( 

Image:

Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

The momentous meeting between Moore and Clark happened when the young fan from Iowa made a three-hour trip from Des Moines to Minneapolis to witness the hall-of-famer’s prowess on the court. According to The Athletic, Clark rushed towards Moore and embraced her, marking this the moment that changed her life for the better.

The 22 year old said: “I didn’t have a phone, I didn’t have a Sharpie, I just gave her a hug and I ran away. And she just gave me a hug back. It’s just something that’s stuck with me, that one interaction can change somebody’s life.”

Since then, Clark has emerged as a sensation in the WNBA, delivering an impressive first season with the Fever. Both Clark and her fans will forever be grateful for her young bravery in approaching Moore with a hug back in 2012.