Is Caitlin Clark transgender? This question has been circulating online, especially as the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball star continues to dominate headlines. So, to get straight to the point: no, Caitlin Clark is not transgender. She was assigned female at birth and has always publicly identified as a cisgender woman. Despite the baseless speculation that’s spread across social media, there is no credible evidence to support any claims suggesting otherwise.

You might be wondering why this rumor even started in the first place. Well, when female athletes achieve high levels of visibility and success, sometimes people begin questioning things that shouldn’t even be up for debate. Caitlin’s talent and presence on the court have made her a household name, and with that kind of attention comes a fair share of scrutiny. But, as of now, there is no indication that Caitlin Clark has ever transitioned or even hinted at identifying as anything other than the woman she is.

So what exactly is fueling these rumors? Some folks point to her athletic build or the way she plays, but honestly, that’s just the way elite athletes look and perform. There’s no logic or evidence behind the claims. In fact, Caitlin has posted personal photos of her life, including time with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, which only reinforces that these rumors are unfounded. Let’s dive a little deeper and separate fact from fiction.

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Table of Contents

• Who Is Caitlin Clark?
• The Origins of the “Is Caitlin Clark Transgender” Rumor
• What Do We Actually Know About Caitlin Clark’s Gender Identity?
• NCAA Policy on Transgender Athletes
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Caitlin Clark?

Caitlin Clark, born on January 22, 2002, in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball today. Known for her incredible scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership on the court, she played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.

Caitlin has broken numerous records during her college career and is often compared to some of the greats in women’s basketball history. She’s not just a player; she’s a phenomenon who’s helped elevate the entire sport’s visibility, especially on the women’s side.

The Origins of the “Is Caitlin Clark Transgender” Rumor

Like many rumors, this one seems to have started without a clear source. Some people on social media began speculating about Caitlin’s gender identity, suggesting she might be a transgender woman. But again, there’s no evidence to support this. It’s more than likely rooted in the fact that she’s a standout athlete who plays with intensity and strength—qualities that, for some reason, some folks feel don’t fit their image of a female athlete.

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So why do these rumors even matter? Because they’re harmful. Spreading unverified claims about someone’s identity can be deeply hurtful and distracting from what really matters: her talent, hard work, and the impact she’s having on the sport. It’s important to call out misinformation when we see it.

Another point worth mentioning is that Caitlin has never made any statements about transitioning or identifying as transgender. She’s been open about her life, including her relationship with her boyfriend, which only adds to the absurdity of the rumor. The photos she’s shared of herself on a boat with Connor in August 2023 are just a small example of how visible her personal life is—and there’s nothing in there that supports the claims being made.

What Do We Actually Know About Caitlin Clark’s Gender Identity?

Let’s break this down. Caitlin Clark was assigned female at birth and has lived her entire life as a woman. She’s played women’s sports throughout her career and has never, publicly or otherwise, indicated that she’s anything other than cisgender. The idea that she’s transgender is simply not backed by facts.

There’s no public record, no statement from Caitlin herself, and no credible third-party evidence pointing to any transition. The rumors are just that—rumors. Even the NCAA, which does have policies in place for transgender athletes, hasn’t listed Caitlin as someone who has gone through that process.

Some people might be confusing Caitlin Clark with Caitlyn Jenner, the former Olympic athlete and media personality who transitioned publicly. But that’s where the confusion ends. The two are not related, nor do they share the same life experiences.

NCAA Policy on Transgender Athletes

It’s worth understanding the NCAA’s stance on transgender athletes because it gives context to the claims being made. The NCAA allows transgender athletes to compete, but there are specific guidelines they must follow. For transgender women, that typically includes undergoing hormone therapy for a certain period before being eligible to play on women’s teams.

If Caitlin had transitioned, there would be some kind of record or announcement. That hasn’t happened. So unless there’s documentation or a public statement from her or the NCAA, the idea that she’s transgender is just not accurate.

This also brings up a bigger conversation about how we treat athletes—especially women—when they become successful. Sometimes, instead of celebrating their achievements, we end up questioning their identity or their right to play the sport they love. That’s not fair, and it’s not right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caitlin Clark a transgender woman?

No, Caitlin Clark is not a transgender woman. She was assigned female at birth and has always publicly identified as a woman.

Has Caitlin Clark ever come out as transgender?

No, Caitlin Clark has not come out as transgender. There is no evidence or public statement indicating that she has ever transitioned or identified as anything other than a cisgender woman.

Why do people say Caitlin Clark is transgender?

Some people have speculated about Caitlin Clark’s gender identity due to her athletic build and success on the court. These rumors are unfounded and not supported by any credible evidence. Caitlin has lived her life publicly as a woman and has not made any statements suggesting otherwise.

Learn more about transgender athletes in sports on our site, and link to this page for more details on this topic.