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The Ultimate Playmaker: 5 Fast Facts About Caitlin Clark's Boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, And Their Private Life

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Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise from Iowa Hawkeyes phenom to WNBA superstar with the Indiana Fever has placed her firmly in the global spotlight, making her personal life a subject of intense curiosity for millions of fans. As of late December 2025, the question of "Who is Caitlin Clark's boyfriend?" has a clear and enduring answer: she is in a serious, long-term relationship with fellow University of Iowa athlete, Connor McCaffery.

The couple, who met and began dating during their time as student-athletes in Iowa City, have managed to maintain a strong, private bond despite the overwhelming public attention surrounding the WNBA's biggest star. This article dives deep into the details of their relationship, providing the most current information on Connor McCaffery's career, family ties, and the private moments they share, including recent updates from December 2025.

Connor McCaffery: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Connor McCaffery is far more than just "Caitlin Clark's boyfriend." He is a former high-level collegiate athlete, the son of a legendary coach, and a rising star in the college basketball coaching world. His own athletic background provides a unique foundation for understanding and supporting Clark’s demanding career in the WNBA.

  • Full Name: Connor McCaffery
  • Date of Birth: July 13, 1998
  • Age (as of late 2025): 27
  • Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
  • Parents: Fran McCaffery (Father, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Iowa) and Margaret McCaffery (Mother, former Notre Dame basketball player)
  • Siblings: Patrick McCaffery (also a college basketball player), Marit McCaffery, and Jack McCaffery
  • Alma Mater: University of Iowa
  • Collegiate Career: Played for the Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball team (2017–2023). He utilized his COVID-19 eligibility year, playing a total of six seasons.
  • Playing Position: Guard/Forward
  • Degrees: Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Political Science (University of Iowa, May 2023)
  • Post-Playing Career (2023–2024): Basketball Development Coordinator for the NBA's Indiana Pacers
  • Current Role (as of September 2024): Assistant Coach for the Butler University Men's Basketball team

The Iowa City Connection: How Caitlin and Connor Met

The foundation of Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery’s relationship is rooted deeply in the University of Iowa's athletic department. They were not just two students, but two high-profile, dedicated Hawkeyes athletes who understood the pressures of collegiate sports at the highest level.

A Shared Athletic Background

Both Clark and McCaffery were star players for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball programs. This shared environment—the long road trips, the intense practices, the media scrutiny, and the pressure to perform for the entire state of Iowa—created an immediate and deep connection. Their common experience of being a Division I athlete is a major factor in the strength of their relationship.

Relationship Timeline and Milestones

While they were friends and colleagues for years, their romantic relationship officially began in April 2023. They kept the details private for several months, choosing to focus on their respective seasons, with Clark leading the Hawkeyes to the Final Four and McCaffery wrapping up his six-year collegiate career.

The couple went Instagram official in August 2023, with McCaffery posting a heartfelt photo of the two of them on his social media. Since then, they have shared occasional, carefully curated glimpses into their private life, often celebrating major milestones.

A significant milestone was their two-year anniversary in April 2025, which they celebrated privately before Clark's second WNBA season began. Their relationship has successfully navigated the transition from college sweethearts to a professional sports couple, with Clark in the WNBA and McCaffery in the NCAA coaching ranks.

Connor’s Career: From Pacers Staffer to Butler Coach

Connor McCaffery’s career trajectory since graduating from Iowa demonstrates his commitment to the sport of basketball, moving from a player to a professional coach. This career path keeps him closely connected to the world Clark dominates, providing mutual understanding and support.

The Indiana Pacers Role

After leaving the University of Iowa in May 2023, McCaffery secured a role with the Indiana Pacers (an NBA franchise) as their Basketball Development Coordinator. This was a crucial first step into professional basketball operations. This role put him in Indianapolis, the same city where Clark would eventually land after being drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2024, keeping the couple geographically close during their first year of professional life.

The Move to Butler University

In September 2024, McCaffery made a significant career move, accepting a position as an Assistant Coach for the Butler University Men's Basketball team under head coach Thad Matta. This shift from an NBA front office role to a college coaching position is a clear indication of his long-term goals in the NCAA coaching landscape.

His new role as an assistant coach allows him to apply his extensive knowledge of the game, gained from six years as a high-level player and being the son of the respected Fran McCaffery. The move to Butler, also located in Indianapolis, ensures the couple remains close, allowing them to support each other's demanding schedules in the WNBA and NCAA.

The Latest Update: Supporting Each Other Through Hardship (December 2025)

While their public appearances are rare, the couple's bond is often highlighted during personal moments, both celebratory and difficult. The most recent and poignant update on their relationship came in December 2025, demonstrating the depth of their support for one another.

In mid-December 2025, Connor McCaffery and his family experienced a heartbreaking loss with the death of his grandmother, Marit Smaby. Clark, known for her close family ties, was seen offering public and private support to Connor during this tough time. This moment underscores the maturity of their relationship, showing that their partnership extends far beyond the basketball court, encompassing life’s most challenging moments.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The relationship between Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery is a nexus of several prominent sports entities and concepts, solidifying the article's topical authority on their private life and careers:

  • WNBA Star
  • Indiana Fever (Clark's professional team)
  • Iowa Hawkeyes (Their shared college team)
  • NCAA Women's Basketball (Clark's background)
  • NCAA Men's Basketball (McCaffery's background)
  • Butler Bulldogs (McCaffery's current team)
  • Assistant Coach (McCaffery's current role)
  • Fran McCaffery (Connor's father, Iowa Coach)
  • College Sweethearts
  • Professional Sports Couple
  • Basketball Development Coordinator (McCaffery's former role with the Indiana Pacers)
  • Dating Timeline
  • Relationship Status
  • Private Life
  • Student-Athletes
  • Iowa City
  • March Madness
  • NCAA Tournament
  • Record-Breaking Player

In summary, Caitlin Clark's boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, is a crucial part of her support system. Their relationship, built on a foundation of shared athletic experience at the University of Iowa, continues to thrive despite the pressures of professional sports. With McCaffery's new role as an Assistant Coach at Butler University and Clark's continued dominance with the Indiana Fever, the couple remains a powerful and grounded presence in the world of basketball.

caitlin clark bf
caitlin clark bf

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