A video of Erica Wheeler's interaction with Caitlin Clark's parents during her introductory press conference in April has resurfaced. WNBA fans couldn't contain their happiness to see Brent and Anne Nizzi-Clark giving a warm hug to their daughter's veteran teammate.
In the clip below, Wheeler welcomed Brent and Anne with a hug before Caitlin spoke to reporters a couple of days after the draft. The Iowa product went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever, changing the franchise's fortunes by taking over the league as a rookie.
Anne was all smiles and dancing when she hugged Wheeler, while Brent couldn't help but laugh before wrapping his hands around the veteran guard. She was in her second stint in Indiana, returning in 2023 after her first one from 2016 to 2019.
Fans found the interaction between Erica Wheeler and Caitlin Clark's parents adorable. Wheeler was a welcoming presence for the Indiana Fever in a season that was full of criticism and toxicity.
"Ooh she did E-Dub's hype dance, so cute!," a fan wrote.
"She's great. She connected with Caitlin long before the draft," one fan praised.
"Oh they part of the family now! Love to see this!!!! E has been the best pro for CC to have in her corner!!," another fan opined.
Despite knowing that her starting spot was in jeopardy, Erica Wheeler helped Caitlin Clark get settled in with the Fever. Her interaction with Clark's parents was a testament to how welcoming the veteran was.
"Who doesn't love E-Dub?," a fan asked.
"How did racism rumors ever circulate about this family?," another fan asked.
"She really takes after both her parents - Goofy CC's mom and then the aura dad," one fan commented.
Wheeler currently plays overseas for Nesibe Aydın GSK in Turkey. Her contract with the Fever is expiring, so her future with the franchise is up in the air. The team also has the option to protect her in the upcoming expansion draft.
Erica Wheeler on what it was like to take Caitlin Clark under her wing
Speaking to KGAN-TV's Owen Siebring at the end of April, Erica Wheeler opened up her mentorship of Caitlin Clark.
Wheeler was happy to serve as Clark's veteran and help guide her in her start to life in the WNBA. She wasn't worried about losing playing time to a rookie, which further developed their relationship.
"She's just been doing a great job," Wheeler said. "We're just accepting and receiving it from me. Because as you know, she's one of the biggest players in the world right now, and she don't act like that. ... There's no ego at all. She's not selfish. You can tell she wanna be here, and she wants everybody around."
At the age of 33, Wheeler still has a lot left in the tank, as she recently posted 26 points and 10 rebounds for Nesibe Aydın GSK. She's not just a mentor for Clark but also a veteran voice in the locker room.