The Indiana Fever have appointed Stephanie White as their new head coach, as confirmed by the team on Friday. White, who previously coached the Connecticut Sun for the last two seasons, will now lead a franchise highlighted by WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark.
Kelly Krauskopf, president of basketball operations, expressed enthusiasm about White’s return to the Fever, a team with which she is deeply connected, both as a former player and as part of the championship coaching staff. Krauskopf praised White’s basketball intelligence and leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to elevate the team’s younger players.
White will work with a promising core that includes Clark and Aliyah Boston, the most recent No. 1 draft picks, with the goal of guiding Indiana to its first championship since 2012. A native of Indiana and a former standout at Purdue, White has a rich history with the Fever; she played for them in their inaugural season and later served on their coaching staff until 2016.
In her statement, White expressed pride in returning to lead the Fever at this crucial juncture in their history and in women’s sports. She emphasized the team’s commitment to winning, with aspirations of bringing a WNBA title to their dedicated fan base.
While appearing on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” White shared her excitement about coaching such an impressive roster, which includes generational talents like Caitlin Clark and standout players like Kelsey Mitchell. Under her leadership, the Sun made significant strides, achieving a record of 55-25 and consecutive semifinals appearances, earning the title of WNBA Coach of the Year in 2023.
White replaces Christie Sides, who led the Fever to a 20-20 record and their first playoff appearance since 2016. Sides had just completed her second year as head coach before the organization’s decision to move in a new direction.
White’s hiring is part of a broader transformation for the Fever, who also recently appointed Krauskopf as their president and Amber Cox as COO and GM. The energy surrounding the franchise has increased significantly, spurred by Clark’s arrival as the 2024 Rookie of the Year, leading the league in attendance and attracting substantial viewership.
In conversations with Clark, White noted the excitement both she and Clark feel for this new chapter. She highlighted Clark’s dedication to her craft and competitiveness, emphasizing the thrill of coaching such aspiring talent and developing the Fever into a strong contender.
As the WNBA gears up for the 2025 season, White’s appointment is one of seven coaching changes in the league, a record number. This influx of new leadership could potentially bring fresh strategies and revitalize the competition within the league.
In summary, White’s return to the Fever symbolizes a new chapter for a franchise eager to reclaim its past glory, backed by a dynamic young roster and strong leadership. This positive outlook not only inspires hope among Fever fans but also signifies a promising future for women’s basketball.