Sydney Colson Chose the Fever: Debunking the Myth That No One Wants to Play with Caitlin Clark !!

In the days following Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA, the noise has been deafening. From online trolls to even former legends of the game like Cheryl Swoopes, a narrative has been pushed: no one wants to play with Caitlin Clark. The implication? That Clark’s presence in Indiana is toxic. That she’s resented. That the locker room is divided. But all of that falls apart when you look at someone like Sydney Colson — a two-time WNBA champion, respected veteran, and one of the first to choose Indiana this offseason.

Sydney Colson didn’t end up on the Fever by accident. She wasn’t traded, waived, or left with no other options. No — Colson signed with Indiana as a free agent back in February, weeks before the WNBA Draft and before Caitlin Clark had even declared officially. If the Fever were supposedly a place no one wanted to be, Colson didn’t get the memo. Instead, she saw something else: a young team on the rise, a culture ready to be shaped, and the chance to be part of something special.

At 34, Colson is not the kind of player who signs just anywhere. She’s a vocal leader, a mentor, and a glue player — someone teams bring in not just for her defensive IQ or court vision, but for what she brings to the locker room. With a career spanning over a decade, including championships with the Las Vegas Aces and deep playoff runs, Colson knows what it takes to win. And perhaps more importantly, she knows how to build chemistry within a roster — something this young Fever team desperately needed as it prepared to welcome the most hyped rookie in WNBA history.

If anything, Colson’s presence is a counter-argument to the claim that no one wants to play with Caitlin Clark. She didn’t just arrive ready to support Clark — she’s been publicly vocal in her support. “I’m gonna have her back,” Colson told the media after training camp. “She’s gonna learn, just like all of us had to. But she’s a great player, and we’re lucky to have her.” That’s not the energy of a bitter veteran jealous of attention. That’s leadership.

Let’s be honest — this narrative that Clark is isolated or disliked didn’t start organically. It’s been fueled by off-hand comments, often out of context, and compounded by unfair scrutiny that only intensifies because Clark is a white player in a predominantly Black league. There’s nuance to those discussions, but they shouldn’t overshadow what’s actually happening on the court and in the locker room.

Sydney Colson isn’t here for clout or controversy. She’s here to win and to elevate the Fever. When you look at how she carries herself, the vibe she brings during media availability, or the way younger players gravitate toward her, it’s clear she’s a unifying force. And that matters more than ever for a team navigating both the spotlight and the growing pains of a rebuild.

It also says something about who Caitlin Clark is that veterans like Colson are embracing her. Clark isn’t trying to big-time anyone — she’s showing up, taking hard screens, making the extra pass, and staying after practice. That’s how you earn respect in this league, and it’s something Colson recognizes. Their interactions on and off the court reflect mutual admiration, not division.

Let’s not forget: the Fever didn’t just bring Colson in for veteran filler. They targeted her. General manager Lin Dunn has always valued high-character players, and in Colson, she found someone who could stabilize the backcourt, lighten the pressure on Clark, and guide the team culture. That’s the kind of move that builds a sustainable foundation — not one you make if you’re worried about “bad vibes.”

And for those still clutching to the idea that “no one wants to play in Indiana,” here’s the truth: players want to win, and they want to be part of something meaningful. Caitlin Clark represents that potential. She brings fans, media attention, and perhaps most importantly, a floor-spacing shooting gravity that makes life easier for everyone else on the court. She’s not just a rookie — she’s a game-changer. And people like Sydney Colson see that clearly.

So let’s bury the myth. No, not everyone is going to be best friends with Caitlin Clark. That’s not how sports work. But to suggest that she’s unwanted, unliked, or unworthy of support? That’s not just wrong — it’s lazy. Look no further than Sydney Colson, who could have gone anywhere but chose Indiana. Not just to play alongside Caitlin Clark, but to help lead her.

If you’re still doubting the Fever’s culture or Clark’s ability to earn the respect of her peers, you’re not paying attention. Because Sydney Colson is. And she’s betting big — not just on Indiana, but on the future they’re building together.