Indiana Fever star Erica Wheeler took time on her off-day to give back to the Indianapolis community, hosting a pickleball event that brought out fans and fellow players to support a worthy cause, The Wheeler Kid Foundation.

The Wheeler Kid Foundation improves the lives of children by giving them the opportunity to CHOOSE a positive path in life through access to and participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs.

Fever guard Erica Wheeler had a full house at the event, including Fever Star Rookie Caitlin Clark, whom Wheeler has been mentoring since Clark’s arrival in Indianapolis. Fever players Lexie Hull and Katie Lou Samuelson also attended, with Lexie and Team Hull delivering some of the afternoon’s most exciting matches.

Hall-of-Famer Tamika Catchings, a community champion in her own right, showed her support, visibly admiring Wheeler’s efforts. Indiana Fever Head Coach Christie Sides was equally enthusiastic, fully engaged as Wheeler and Clark kicked off the event with a spirited match.

The showdown between Team Wheeler and Team Clark had the intensity of a WNBA Finals game. The match was a nail-biter, but Wheeler, a seasoned pickleball player, led her team to victory. Despite the loss, Caitlin Clark showcased her competitive spirit, scoring several impressive points. A video of the match highlights a little of Clark’s fire. Give her a basketball or a pickleball and she is going to bring it.

Erica Wheeler’s contributions to the community often go unnoticed, but events like this underscore her commitment to giving back. Since joining the league, Wheeler has consistently used her platform for positive impact.

“I’m not just a basketball player. One of my passions is giving back. I tell people all the time, before I’m a basketball player, I’m a great person who just wants to make an impact. I think pickleball is a great way to bring people together and do that,” said Wheeler.

Proceeds from the pickleball event will support Wheeler’s goal of organizing a Cervical Cancer Walk next year. Wheeler’s mother, Melissa Cooper, passed away from cervical cancer in 2012. Erica has dedicated her career and community efforts to her mother’s memory, channeling the guidance and strength she received from her.

Just as her mother guided her to achieve great things, Erica Wheeler now uses her platform to inspire and support children across the country. With each event, it’s clear that her mother is watching over her, proud of the remarkable woman and role model her daughter has become.

Witnessing the turnout of Fever players and the community is a testament to the close-knit nature of this team and the culture they are cultivating both on and off the court. Leaders like Erica Wheeler are crucial for the franchise, highlighting that this is about much more than just basketball.