In a heartwarming display of compassion and unity, WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese set aside their competitive rivalry to grant the dying wish of a young heart patient, 12-year-old Emily Thompson, whose story has touched the hearts of basketball fans nationwide. Emily, a devoted follower of women’s basketball, had one simple yet profound request: for Clark and Reese to “stop being jealous of each other” and show the world that their rivalry is rooted in mutual respect. The two athletes, known for their fierce on-court battles and the media-fueled narrative of animosity, came together in an emotional hospital visit that highlighted the power of sports to inspire and heal.
Emily, diagnosed with a rare congenital heart condition, has spent much of her young life in and out of hospitals. Despite her challenges, she found solace in watching women’s basketball, particularly the electrifying performances of Clark and Reese. Their college matchups, including the 2023 NCAA Championship game where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, captivated Emily. However, she was disheartened by the social media frenzy and media narratives that often pitted the two stars against each other, amplifying perceptions of jealousy and bitterness. “I just want them to be friends,” Emily told her nurses, “because they’re both so amazing, and they make basketball so fun.”
When Emily’s wish reached Clark and Reese through a viral social media campaign launched by her family, the two athletes didn’t hesitate to act. On a quiet afternoon in early May 2025, Clark and Reese arrived at Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, where Emily was receiving treatment. The visit, kept private to respect Emily’s family, was later shared through a statement released by the hospital, describing the emotional moment when the two stars walked into Emily’s room, wearing their respective team jerseys and carrying signed memorabilia.
“Caitlin and Angel were incredible,” Emily’s mother, Sarah Thompson, said in an interview. “They sat with Emily for over an hour, talking about basketball, sharing stories, and even joking about their so-called ‘rivalry.’ Emily was beaming the whole time. It was like her pain disappeared for those moments.” Clark and Reese reportedly told Emily that their competition is driven by admiration, not envy, and that they’ve always respected each other’s contributions to the game. Clark, the Indiana Fever guard, emphasized, “We’re not best friends, but we’re not enemies either. We push each other to be better, and that’s what makes the game special.” Reese, the Chicago Sky forward, added, “Emily reminded us how much our actions mean to fans. We’re here to lift each other up.”
The visit wasn’t just a personal gesture; it was a powerful statement against the toxic narratives that have sometimes overshadowed their careers. Both athletes have faced intense scrutiny—Clark for her meteoric rise and Reese for her unapologetic confidence—with media and fans often framing their interactions as a clash of personalities. Reese’s “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark in the 2023 NCAA final sparked heated debates, with some criticizing Reese while others pointed out Clark’s similar gestures went unpunished. These incidents, amplified by social media, fueled perceptions of jealousy, despite both players repeatedly expressing mutual respect. Clark defended Reese in 2023, saying, “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” while Reese has praised Clark’s playmaking, noting, “When she gets the ball, I know she’s gonna throw it.”[](https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/05/sport/caitlin-clark-defend-angel-reese-gesture-spt-intl/index.html)[](https://www.glamour.com/story/angel-reese-makes-her-friendship-with-caitlin-clark-instagram-official)
Emily’s wish cut through this noise, reminding Clark and Reese of their shared responsibility as role models. They gifted Emily a basketball signed by both, along with a heartfelt note that read, “To Emily, you’re the real MVP. Keep shining, and we’ll keep playing for you.” The visit culminated in a promise to continue supporting children’s hospitals, with both players announcing donations to pediatric cardiology research in Emily’s name.
This moment underscores the deeper impact of sports beyond the scoreboard. Clark and Reese, both 22, have already transformed women’s basketball, drawing unprecedented viewership and inspiring young fans like Emily. Their ability to come together for a child’s wish shows that their legacy is not just about points or rebounds but about heart and humanity. As Emily’s condition remains critical, her family says this memory will carry them forward. “Emily got her wish,” Sarah said, “and she’s happier than ever knowing her heroes are united.”
