CARMEL, Ind. — In the last few years, Caitlin Clark has dominated the basketball world and most recently joined the Indiana Fever in the spring.
But what if we told you that she's not the only Caitlin Clark in Indiana making a name for herself.
Purdue University’s newest graduate Caitlin Clark is also chasing her own dreams—not on the basketball court but in the U.S. Navy.
"My name is Caitlin Clark — just like the basketball player,” Clark told 13News while sitting in the living room of her mom’s home in Carmel.
Clark said the famous name has led to some funny interactions over the last year.
"Like ordering pizza on the phone, people are like, ‘Oh my gosh!” I then send somebody else in,” Clark said. “Nobody expects the short little 5'4'' redhead to come in when you make a restaurant reservation."
She said sadly the famous name also hasn't translated to three-pointers on the court.
"I don't think anybody would want me to do that. I'm one, far too short, and two, have terrible hand-eye coordination,” Clark joked.
However, Clark has a different talent that deserves recognition of its own.
"I am on my way to being a surface warfare officer in the Navy,” Clark said.
Last spring, the Carmel native was commissioned into the U.S. Navy through Purdue's Naval ROTC program and graduated with a political science degree.
"I've wanted to be in the Navy since I was 8 years old, and it is very surreal that it's happening and that I'm actually a Navy officer now,” Clark said.
Since graduating, Clark has moved to a new state to start her career. She will be stationed on the coast during her new stint on the USS Gravely missile destroyer.
"There will be a very steep learning curve I'm sure, but I'm very excited,” Clark said.
From three-pointers to boarding a naval vessel, these Caitlin Clarks are both paving the way in their own careers and inspiring others along the way.
"My parents have taught me that no goal I have is a crazy goal. So, anything you want to do, you can achieve it with some hard work,” Clark said.
Clark says she has attended an Indiana Fever game and watched number 22 play but has never met the basketball star in person. However, she wouldn't turn down the opportunity.
