The WNBA community is buzzing after the Indiana Fever announced Stephanie White as their new head coach. This decision comes just days after parting ways with Christie Sides. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, White, who was named the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year while with the Connecticut Sun, has a proven track record, leading her team to the playoff semifinals for two consecutive seasons.
Connecticut confirmed earlier this week that White would not continue as their coach. The 47-year-old’s tactical skills and strong player relationships were key factors in her selection to mentor Caitlin Clark and the Fever as they aim for a championship.
As an Indiana native and former Purdue player, White’s connection to the Fever is significant. Her WNBA career included four seasons with the Fever, and she received her first head-coaching opportunity there in 2015. During her tenure, she achieved a 37-31 record, leading the team to the WNBA Finals in her first year. After leaving in 2016, she coached at Vanderbilt for five years before joining the Sun in 2023.
Fans of Clark and the WNBA have expressed their excitement about White’s return. One user humorously declared, “Fever just won the 2025 WNBA Finals,” while another stated, “She’s gonna lead Caitlin Clark to the promised land.” The consensus among fans is that White is an excellent fit for the position.
Recognized as one of the most sought-after coaches, White was a top candidate for all seven WNBA coaching openings this season. It’s no surprise she chose to come back home to coach a talent like Clark. Last season, the Fever finished 20-20 during Clark’s standout rookie year, making a playoff appearance after a challenging start, although they were swept by Connecticut.
Looking ahead, many are predicting that Indiana will be a strong contender for a deep playoff r
un in 2025.
