McCaffery Family Faces Heartbreak: Connor’s Sister Marit Battles Undisclosed Health Ailment..
In a devastating blow to the McCaffery family, Connor McCaffery’s younger sister, Marit McCaffery, has been diagnosed with a serious ailment, casting a shadow over the basketball dynasty led by their father, Fran McCaffery. The news comes amid ongoing family challenges, following the tragic drowning of their grandmother Marit Smaby-Nowlin in Lake Vermilion just weeks ago.
Details of Marit’s condition remain private, as the family maintains a low profile on her health struggles. Recent social media posts and reports hint at a transitional phase in her life post-graduation from the University of Iowa in 2025, where she has been seeking new career opportunities while dealing with unspecified challenges.
Unlike her brothers—Connor, an assistant coach at Butler and boyfriend to WNBA star Caitlin Clark; Patrick, a former Iowa player who battled thyroid cancer; and Jonathan—Marit has largely stayed out of the athletic spotlight, focusing on personal growth and family bonds.
The McCafferys, rooted in Iowa’s basketball heritage, have faced multiple health trials. Patrick’s cancer diagnosis at age 13 required surgeries and treatments, yet he persevered in college hoops.
Connor himself dealt with mononucleosis during his playing days. Margaret McCaffery, their mother and a former Notre Dame All-American, has been a pillar of strength, involved in cancer advocacy through Coaches vs. Cancer.
Caitlin Clark, Connor’s partner since 2023, has shown unwavering support during family hardships, including heart emojis on tributes to their grandmother. As Marit navigates this ordeal, the family draws on resilience forged through past adversities. Friends and fans rally with prayers, hoping for her swift recovery amid this profound misfortune. The exact nature of the ailment is undisclosed, but its impact underscores the fragility of health in high-achieving families.
