Caitlin Clark’s Younger Self Hypes Her Up in Work from ESPN and State Farm

ESPN CreativeWorks, in partnership with Zambezi’s FIN Studios, released a campaign this weekend for the series’ sponsor, State Farm, alongside the debut of the new ESPN+ Original Series, Full Court Press, that follows athletes Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice as they prepare to lead their teams to national championships and the pivotal roles they play in women’s basketball. 

The campaign titled 'Inner Baller' premiered during Full Court Press, each featuring the three exceptional women athletes and inviting the audience into their hearts and minds as they prepare for competition. Shot to feel like an extension of the docu-series, the three films are directed by Aimee Hoffman and are told from the perspective of the younger version of themselves that still exists within each athlete as a source of strength when facing the intense pressure that comes with shattering barriers and breaking records. 

'Inner Baller' is anchored by a one-minute video featuring Iowa guard Caitlin Clark during an emotional press conference after losing the championship game. Viewers are brought on an intimate journey with Caitlin as she watches herself on TV, hearing and seeing the sights and sounds of the media’s reaction to her loss. But her introspection turns uplifting when she comes face-to-face with a younger version of herself and is reminded that there is still much more that lies ahead as she makes her way to the WNBA.  

“To be a part of this remarkable era in women's sports is truly exciting,” said Aimee Hoffman, director. “As a former young athlete, I witnessed the limited opportunities available for women to excel. Collaborating with women who are creating massive change for future generations has been nothing short of inspiring - everyone can be inspired by these athletes and the movement they're creating.” 

“This body of work is deeply personal and authentic to me,” said Kim Salatino, associate creative director and Writer, ESPN. “I too am a former athlete who, like everyone, has struggled with self-doubt, and I find that practices like this have helped me then and now as a working mother. The hope is that showing these ballers connecting to their most authentic self will encourage others to look within and be reminded of who they are.”

“When picking concepts to move forward with, I find the most impactful and memorable ideas evoke some kind of emotion from the viewer,” said Jamie Overkamp, creative director, ESPN. “When I saw Kim’s “Inner Baller” concept, I knew it could be a hit. And from the feedback we’ve received so far across social, most are saying this creative is giving them all the feels.” 

The work, as with the series, creates a much needed platform for these extraordinary athletes and tells a human and universal story meant to empower and inspire the next generation of women athletes, and quite frankly anyone who needs to find the inner strength to persevere. 

The spots began airing this weekend during Full Court Press and will continue to run on ESPN. Full Court Press Episodes one and two premiered Saturday, and Episodes three and four on Sunday on ABC and live streamed on the ESPN App. All episodes will be available on demand on ESPN+ and Hulu following the initial broadcast.