Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and ESPN/ABC sideline reporter Lisa Salters have temporarily stepped away from their professional roles to address a family health concern affecting Salters’ mother. This information was highlighted during Sunday night’s ABC broadcast.
Fever player DeWanna Bonner expressed the team’s solidarity with White during this challenging time, stating, “I really want to win for Steph; she’s going through a tough time with her family right now.” Bonner emphasized the team’s effort to rally together, especially with Austin Kelly taking over as head coach for the Fever during White’s absence.
Kelly led the Fever in their recent game against the Chicago Sky, where they achieved a victory. Meanwhile, Salters was a part of the ABC announcing team for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, featuring the Indiana Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jorge Sedano filled in for Salters during Game 2 of the Finals on Sunday night.
Salters and White share not only a professional relationship but also a personal one, as they are partners and are raising four sons together—three biological children of White and one adopted child of Salters. The couple resides in Nashville.
Despite the challenges they face, the Fever and their supporters are hopeful that a united effort on and off the court will bring strength and resilience to both White and Salters during this difficult time.