Stephanie White, a former WNBA Coach of the Year, is now stepping into a new role with the Indiana Fever to mentor one of the league’s most exciting young players, Caitlin Clark. White, who previously defended Clark publicly amid early criticism in her rookie season, brings her coaching expertise and support to help guide the young player to success in the WNBA.
Clark, 22, quickly became a fan favorite during her college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, drawing attention for her scoring ability and competitive spirit. However, her first year in the WNBA was not without challenges. She faced scrutiny from some players and fans, as well as from refereeing decisions that seemed to target her. White, while still head coach of the Connecticut Sun, was vocal about her belief in Clark’s potential, encouraging patience after Clark’s first two games, confident that time would reveal the depth of her talent.
we have named Stephanie White as our next head coach.
welcome home, @StephanieWhite!
📝 https://t.co/77Th6d6PoH pic.twitter.com/V3C5wSwKfN
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) November 1, 2024
White, who led the Connecticut Sun to a franchise-best 27-13 record last season, demonstrated her own leadership skills and experience by winning the WNBA Coach of the Year title in 2023. Her emphasis on player development and fundamentals aligns with her approach to Clark’s growth, recognizing that a successful transition to the professional level requires steady improvement over time.
Speaking about Clark, White highlighted the young player’s commitment to the game and her openness to learning, pointing out that Clark is “a student of the game” with a drive to refine her skills. She explained that transitioning to the WNBA involves absorbing significant new information and that Clark, like any player, needs time to adjust. White also emphasized her intention to work with Clark on foundational skills throughout the season, while planning for more targeted, detail-oriented training during the off-season. This approach, she believes, will allow Clark and the Indiana Fever as a team to progress to the next level.
Now that White is officially named the head coach of the Indiana Fever, she has the opportunity to implement this long-term strategy. With her extensive experience, she aims to shape Clark’s career and elevate the Fever, creating a supportive environment in which Clark’s talent can truly flourish.