After parting ways with Christie Sides, the Indiana Fever has named Stephanie White as their new head coach. White, who previously coached the Connecticut Sun, has a history with the Fever, having served as an assistant coach when they won their first title in 2012. Her familiarity with the franchise and her strong ties to Indiana likely influenced Kelly Krauskopf’s decision to bring her back in hopes of securing a second championship next season. White, now taking the reins as head coach, is thrilled to work with Caitlin Clark.
“This is home. The Indiana Fever and Pacers are in my DNA,” White told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “I grew up in Indiana, played here, and was with the franchise when we won the WNBA championship. Now, with this exciting young roster, featuring a generational talent in Caitlin Clark, back-to-back Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, who had her best season yet, I couldn’t be more excited.”
The Fever had an impressive post-Olympics stretch, winning 8 out of 10 games and beating league heavyweights like the Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun. They also led the league in viewership and sales, with Clark breaking records and teammates like Boston and Mitchell playing key roles. The “three-headed monster” of Clark, Boston, and Mitchell brought success and memorable moments for the franchise.
White expressed gratitude for the opportunity in an ESPN interview on Friday. “It feels like the stars have aligned. Coming back to Indiana always feels like coming home, and now, I am home with this incredible chance.”
A native of Illinois, White has deep ties to Indiana, having attended Seeger Memorial Junior-Senior High School and Purdue University, where she led the Boilermakers to an NCAA title in 1999 and was named National College Player of the Year. She played for the Fever from 2000 to 2004 and later became an assistant coach when the team won its first title in 2012. In 2015, she was promoted to head coach and led the Fever to the playoffs the following year. Her understanding of the franchise and management is well-established.
The Fever now boasts two number-one picks from 2023 and 2024, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, along with Kelsey Mitchell, who has formed a formidable backcourt duo with Clark. Boston and Clark, the Rookies of the Year in their respective seasons, give the Fever a strong chance to compete for the title next season. White also shares a solid relationship with Clark.
When Clark entered the WNBA, White praised her as the most “WNBA-ready” player, recognizing her growth and commitment to improving each year. White supported Clark, urging patience and trust in her potential when the young star faced criticism. White’s admiration for Clark was evident when she spoke about their connection and her excitement for the season ahead.
“She’s a student of the game, passionate about basketball, and handles attention with such poise. She just wants to play and win,” White shared, adding that she recently spoke with Clark and looks forward to the journey together.
