Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend Connor McCaffery announces death of his grandma in emotional Instagram post

Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend Connor McCaffery has paid an emotional tribute to his grandma, Marit Smaby Nowlin, after her death at the age of 80 earlier this week.

The Butler University basketball coach posted a picture of them together when he was a child on Instagram on Saturday night with the caption: ‘I’ve been trying to think of what to say and I can’t. 

‘It’s impossible to put into words how much you meant to our entire family. I refuse to say goodbye, so until we meet again’.

Indiana Fever star Clark then commented on the post moments later with several heart and prayer emojis.

A loving obituary for Smaby Nowlin was posted online on by O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral and Cremation Services in Minnesota. 

It lovingly described her as ‘a lifelong resident of St. Paul and Blueberry Island on Lake Vermilion’ who had a ‘radiant smile’.

The couple have been together for nearly two-and-a-half years, having started dating in April 2023 while Clark was playing college basketball at Iowa.

Since then, Clark has become one of the biggest sporting stars in the United States, enjoying a whirlwind rise after being picked first by the Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

McCaffrey is also involved in basketball, working as an assistant coach at Butler University in Indiana. 

A brief moment during last month’s WNBA All-Star weekend between Clark and McCaffery left fans worried for their relationship.

Clark was unable to compete at the event in Indianapolis due to ongoing injury problems, but was still front and center during the weekend’s proceedings.

And when she arrived for All-Star Friday, where a three-point competition was held, fans spotted a seemingly distant moment between Clark and her boyfriend of over two years.

McCaffery was waiting for Clark the other side of the walkway where media were waiting to take her photo. But as she walked back up to him, she appeared to turn her head away as he leant in to kiss her. He awkwardly kissed her hair, instead.

Then, Clark walked on while McCaffery hung back and stared solemnly towards the floor. 

‘He’s definitely on borrowed time. Body language is quite awkward,’ one fan wrote in response to the clip, which was posted across social media.

The incident ocurred just days after Clark celebrated McCaffrey’s 23rd birthday with a heartfelt message on social media.

She captioned a picture of the two of them together: ‘Happy happy happy birthday Con.

‘You make everyday better and I couldn’t be more grateful. May this be the best year yet, I love you.’