Caitlin Clark's former Iowa coach makes MVP opinion perfectly clear originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Caitlin Clark’s historic 2026 season has earned another emphatic endorsement from someone who watched her become a superstar long before she reached the Indiana Fever.
Iowa coach Jan Jensen celebrated Clark’s latest accomplishments in an X post, describing the former Hawkeyes guard as “1-of-1” and saying she remains in “a league of her own.”
The timing was appropriate.
Clark entered the FIBA World Cup break averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists across 36 games. She ranked third in the WNBA in scoring and tied Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas for the league lead in assists.
Those numbers already would make Clark a legitimate MVP candidate. Her latest run made the case considerably louder.
Clark scored 37 points and distributed 10 assists against the Chicago Sky, then followed that performance with 34 points and 12 assists against the Connecticut Sun. She became the first player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in consecutive games.
She also became the first player to reach 800 points and 300 assists in the same season. No player previously had recorded 300 assists and 100 made 3-pointers in one year, either.
Jan Jensen saw Caitlin Clark's greatness comingJensen has a unique perspective on Clark’s rise. She spent Clark’s entire college career on Lisa Bluder’s Iowa staff before becoming the Hawkeyes’ head coach in 2024. Jensen watched Clark become the NCAA’s career scoring leader and carry Iowa to consecutive national championship games.
Pretty amazing to see how @CaitlinClark22 has been 1-of-1 in every stage of her career. Few can keep being “The 1”, but with Caitlin, it’s always been clear…she’s is in a league of her own!🐐So proud of you, Caitlin! Keep being remarkable! Love you! https://t.co/DnIkd8S9ez
— Jan Jensen (@goiowa) August 29, 2026Clark then became the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft and immediately transformed the Fever into one of the league’s biggest attractions. Her 2026 season has been about more than attention, however. Indiana entered the break with a 26-14 record, and Clark’s production has placed the Fever in position to chase a championship.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham takes on new role alongside Fever legend Tamika Catchings
Jensen’s message does not decide the MVP race. Voters will have to compare Clark’s offensive impact with the complete seasons produced by other elite candidates. It does capture how extraordinary Clark’s progression has been. Defenses have adjusted, expectations have increased and the schedule has become more demanding. Her production continues to rise anyway.
Clark has four regular-season games remaining after the World Cup break. If she maintains her current pace, her former coach will not be the only person calling her one of one.
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