When people look at the meteoric rise of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, they usually focus on her historic shooting range or her record-breaking college career at Iowa. But competitive fire runs deep in the Clark household. Caitlin doesn't just play sports at an elite level by accident. She grew up alongside two brothers, Blake and Colin, who shaped her competitive edge from an early age.
If you're wondering about the Caitlin Clark brother narrative, there are actually two brothers in the family. Blake is her older brother, and Colin is her younger brother. Both carved out their own athletic paths in Iowa, growing up in a house where sports dictated the daily schedule.
Meet Blake Clark: The Older Brother and Former College Quarterback
Blake Clark is the eldest of the three siblings. Born into a sports-centric family in Des Moines, Iowa, Blake excelled early on the football field. He attended Dowling Catholic High School, a powerhouse athletic institution in West Des Moines, where he established himself as a standout quarterback.
During his high school tenure, Blake led the Dowling Catholic Maroons to multiple state championships, displaying the kind of poise under pressure that his sister would later mirror on the hardwood. His high school success earned him a spot as a walk-on quarterback with the Iowa State Cyclones football program starting in 2019.
While Blake didn't log massive passing statistics in college—attempting only one pass during his freshman season—he remained a valued member of the team. For three seasons, he transitioned into the role of the team's primary holder on field goals and extra points, even successfully converting a crucial two-point play in 2022. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in industrial engineering, balancing rigorous academics with Division I athletics.
Caitlin has frequently credited Blake with helping her mental approach to sports. Because he understood the pressure of playing high-level athletics in their home state, Blake served as a trusted sounding board when she faced tough games or media scrutiny.
Meet Colin Clark: The Younger Brother and Basketball Guard
While Blake went the football route, the youngest sibling, Colin Clark, followed Caitlin's exact path into basketball. Colin also attended Dowling Catholic High School, where he starred as a guard on the varsity basketball team.
Growing up as the youngest meant Colin took his fair share of losses in driveway basketball games against Caitlin and Blake. That intense sibling rivalry forged a resilient playing style. Colin wrapped up his high school basketball career in early 2023, displaying strong court vision and solid perimeter shooting.
Caitlin often used social media to celebrate her younger brother's milestones, frequently shouting out his high school achievements and supporting him online. The dynamic flipped from her looking up to Blake to Colin looking up to her, creating a complete cycle of athletic motivation within the household.
The Athletic Roots of the Clark Family
Sports success didn't appear out of nowhere for the Clark siblings. Their parents laid the foundation long before Caitlin ever stepped foot in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Their father, Brent Clark, was a multi-sport college athlete. Brent played both basketball and baseball at Simpson College in Iowa from 1985 to 1988, earning four-year letterman honors in both sports. He served as Caitlin's very first basketball coach, teaching her the fundamentals and instilling the gritty work ethic that defines her play style today.
Their mother, Anne Nizzi-Clark, brought her own background in competitive family dynamics—her father was a high-school football coach—and spent years building a successful career in marketing. Anne later stepped into a hands-on role managing business ventures and family-related brand partnerships as Caitlin transitioned into the professional ranks.
Common Misconceptions About Caitlin Clark's Siblings
Fans often confuse the timeline or details of the Clark brothers due to viral social media clips. Here are a few corrections to keep things straight:
- Blake didn't play basketball in college: Despite growing up in a basketball-obsessed state, Blake focused exclusively on football as a quarterback and holder at Iowa State.
- Colin is the youngest: Many casual fans assume Caitlin is the youngest because of her breakout success, but Colin is the baby of the family.
- They didn't all attend the same college: While Caitlin and Blake both studied in Iowa (Caitlin at the University of Iowa and Blake at Iowa State), their paths diverged across rival universities before uniting under family pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Caitlin Clark have a twin?
No, Caitlin does not have a twin. She is the middle child of the family, with an older brother, Blake, and a younger brother, Colin.
Did either of her brothers play in the WNBA or NBA?
No. While both brothers played competitive high school sports and Blake played Division I college football, neither pursued a professional career in the NBA or WNBA. Caitlin is the sole professional athlete in the immediate sibling group.
Where did Caitlin Clark's brothers go to high school?
Both Blake and Colin attended Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. It's the same private Catholic high school where Caitlin herself built her legendary prep basketball resume before heading to the Hawkeyes.
How tall are Caitlin Clark's brothers?
Blake stands around 6 feet 2 inches tall, giving him a prototypical build for a college football quarterback. Colin played guard position in high school with a lean, athletic frame suited for the perimeter.
