For Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, it began with a simple hug—and it’s become a powerful pregame ritual for the Fever. On the Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston podcast, the center revealed how it all started:
“I mean, it really just started one game where we gave each other a hug, and she was like, ‘You’re going to be amazing because you are amazing.’ I said it back, and we’ve just done it every game.”
Boston added, “Even though she’s been out for a while, I make sure I get my pregame hug. I think it’s just nice to give that confidence to each other before every game, and we’ve continued to do that.”
This ritual isn’t just for show—it’s become a mental reset. Indiana’s dynamic duo lean on each other before tip-off, building trust and keeping claws sharpened. With Caitlin Clark sidelined by injury, Boston making sure the ritual continues highlights how deeply they lean on one another.
That chemistry has helped drive the Fever’s season so far. After an 18–15 stretch, they’ve hot-wired chemistry at home and on the road, and Caitlin Clark’s return and renewing those pregame routines could be the spark needed for another run.
Indiana coach Stephanie White even shifted offensive focus midseason to highlight Boston’s versatility—allowing Caitlin Clark to breathe a bit easier offensively. Their shared moment before every game? It’s part pep talk, part sisterhood, and part secret sauce.
As the Fever head into crunch time, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston won’t just remember lines or plays—they’ll remember that hug. And after all, it might be the most valuable play of the season.
Caitlin Clark & Aliyah Boston’s Pregame Hug Sparks Emotional Team Culture
Caitlin Clark’s influence on the Indiana Fever goes beyond scoring—she’s reshaped team culture. That became clear when Aliyah Boston explained their shared pregame hug ritual: a quick, uplifting moment meant to boost confidence and connection.
“Even though she’s been out for a while, I make sure I get my pregame hug…” Boston said, adding it’s a grounding practice they do before every tip-off.
That warm-up moment speaks volumes about Caitlin Clark’s impact. Since Boston joined the Fever as a star rookie, the team has built a strategy around balanced offense and emotional strength. Coach Stephanie White even adjusted plays to lean into Boston’s versatile skill set, giving Clark room to heal and still lead in key moments.
These huddles—hug included—aren’t flash plays. They’re small but powerful reminders: they matter, they belong, and they’ve got each other’s backs. For fans and teammates alike, Caitlin Clark’s culture of connection is emerging as fuel that could carry the Fever deeper into the playoff race.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
