Stephanie White is set to take over as the head coach of the Indiana Fever ahead of the 2024 WNBA season and has already connected with rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
White expressed her enthusiasm about coaching Clark, calling her a “generational talent.” The Fever recently ended their relationship with former coach Christie Sides, who finished her two-year stint with a 33-47 record and led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2016, although they were eliminated in the first round by the Connecticut Sun.
Now, White, a former Fever player and coach, is back in Indiana, ready to lead the team. She mentioned her excitement about the conversation she had with Clark: “I spoke with Caitlin last night, and there’s just an overall excitement.” Clark, clearly thrilled about the new chapter, responded on social media with enthusiasm.
White has followed Clark’s career closely, saying, “I’ve watched Caitlin play since she was in eighth grade while I was coaching at the college level. It’s a thrilling time for me. I’m very excited to work with her and this young team.”
Praising the roster she’ll inherit, White told ESPN’s NBA Today, “You think about a generational player in Caitlin Clark, back-to-back rookies of the year with Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, who had her best year yet. This is an exciting moment for women’s basketball, and I’m grateful to be back in my home state with my home franchise.”
With a touch of nostalgia, White added, “First and foremost, it’s home. The Indiana Fever and Pacers are part of my DNA. I grew up in Indiana, played here, and was part of the franchise when we won the WNBA cha
mpionship.”
