The Indiana Fever have appointed Stephanie White as their new head coach, a move made public on Friday. White comes to the team after a successful stint as the head coach of the Connecticut Sun for the past two years. She steps into her new role at a pivotal moment for the Fever, alongside WNBA standout Caitlin Clark.
Kelly Krauskopf, the president of basketball operations, expressed enthusiasm about White’s return, highlighting her deep connection to the franchise both as a former player and as a coach. Krauskopf emphasized White’s understanding of the Fever’s culture and her capability to lead the team toward success.
White will focus on developing a promising young core, which includes Clark and Aliyah Boston, who have been the last two No. 1 overall draft picks. The Fever aims to reclaim a championship title, their last coming in 2012.
A native of Indiana and a former standout at Purdue, White’s history with the Fever is notable. She played for the franchise during its inaugural season in 2000 and served on the coaching staff from 2011 to 2016, including two years as head coach during that period.
Reflecting on her new role, White stated, “I am incredibly proud and honored to return home to Indiana… This franchise has and always will be committed to winning, and I look forward to working every day to help deliver another WNBA title to the greatest basketball fans in the world.”
White’s excitement was palpable as she discussed her talented roster on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” noting the potential of players like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, as well as the impressive season from Kelsey Mitchell.
In her previous role, White had a stellar record of 55-25 with consecutive semifinal appearances with the Sun, earning WNBA Coach of the Year honors in 2023. Before returning to the WNBA, she coached at Vanderbilt for five years and has extensive experience as a basketball analyst.
White takes over from Christie Sides, who led the Fever to a respectable 20-20 record last season and their first playoff appearance since 2016. Meanwhile, the Fever have made significant organizational changes recently, including appointing Krauskopf as president and Amber Cox as COO and GM.
The Fever’s future looks bright with Caitlin Clark, the projected Rookie of the Year and a first-team All-WNBA selection, bringing in increased fan interest, leading the league in attendance, and consistently drawing over 1 million viewers to games. White has already discussed her vision and excitement with Clark, stating that they have a shared eagerness to succeed together.
The WNBA is poised for a transformative 2025 season, with White’s hiring contributing to a record-setting number of new head coaches in the league, signaling a wave of fresh talent and strategic direction. This development not only augurs well for the Fever but also sets an energetic tone for the entire league, promising a thrilling season ahead.
In summary, the Fever’s decision to hire Stephanie White showcases their commitment to revitalizing the team and fostering talent in hopes of achieving championship glory once again. White’s leadership experience and deep ties to Indiana could be the catalyst for a successful new chapter for the franchise.