The Indiana Fever have announced the hiring of Stephanie White as their new head coach, marking an exciting change for the franchise. White, who previously led the Connecticut Sun for the past two seasons, is returning to the Fever, a team with which she has deep connections as a former player and a past coach.
In a statement, Kelly Krauskopf, the president of basketball operations for the Fever, expressed her enthusiasm about White’s return, highlighting her extensive knowledge of the team’s culture and her leadership capabilities. Krauskopf stated, “As we enter this new era of Fever basketball, I am thrilled to welcome Stephanie back to the franchise…I am confident there is no one who better understands our culture or is more equipped to lead our group of players to the next level.”
White steps into her new role during a pivotal period for the Fever, who are focused on building around promising talents such as Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the top two draft picks in recent years. White aims to guide the team to its first championship since 2012.
Reflecting on her new position, White noted, “I am incredibly proud and honored to return home to Indiana and lead the Fever during such a pivotal moment in this franchise’s history…This franchise has and always will be committed to winning.” She shared her excitement for the opportunities ahead with a talented young roster, including standout players like Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.
Previously, White had an impressive tenure with the Connecticut Sun, where she achieved a 55-25 record and reached the semifinals in both seasons, earning the title of WNBA Coach of the Year in 2023. Her coaching journey includes a stint at Vanderbilt and extensive experience as a basketball analyst.
White’s appointment follows the departure of Christie Sides, who had a commendable run leading the Fever to a 20-20 record and their first playoff appearance since 2016. This hiring is part of a broader organizational change for the Fever, which includes new leadership at multiple levels.
The Fever have seen a resurgence in fan interest, leading the WNBA in attendance with over 17,000 fans per game, thanks in part to the impact of Clark, the anticipated 2024 Rookie of the Year. With the recruitment of White and the talent on the roster, the Fever are positioned for a promising future. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to how White’s leadership can further elevate the team in the WNBA landscape.
Summary: Stephanie White has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indiana Fever, continuing her long-standing relationship with the franchise. Known for her successful coaching at the Connecticut Sun and her experience as a player for the Fever, White is set to lead the team as they aim for their first championship since 2012, building on a talented roster headlined by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. The Fever’s recent changes in leadership and strong fan engagement signal a hopeful future for the franchise.