Stephanie White, newly announced head coach of the Indiana Fever, experienced an overwhelming rush of congratulatory messages as news of her return spread. While broadcasting the NBA matchup between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, White’s phone was buzzing non-stop. Play-by-play commentator Ryan Ruocco couldn’t resist pointing out the nonstop notifications, prompting White to share, “One ninety-seven. And I’ve responded to some already,” a testament to her enduring impact on the basketball world.
White’s return marks a homecoming to Indiana, a place she calls her “DNA” in basketball. As a former player and head coach for the Fever, White has deep roots with the team and brings a wealth of experience and leadership. Her journey with the Fever dates back to her time as a player from 1999 to 2004. Later, she joined the coaching staff as an assistant from 2011 to 2014, eventually becoming head coach in 2015, where she led the team to the WNBA Finals.
Stephanie White from defender to Caitlin Clark’s leader in Indiana Fever
Team and fans eager for White’s new era with the Fever
Indiana Fever’s President of Basketball Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, expressed her excitement about White’s return, saying, “Stephanie is a part of the fabric of this franchise… I am confident there is no one who better understands our culture.” White, too, is excited about the journey ahead with the Fever’s young roster, especially after an eight-year playoff drought was broken in 2024. Though the team was eliminated by the Connecticut Sun, White’s previous team, in the first playoff round, she’s optimistic about the Fever’s future.
Reflecting on her return to Indiana, White shared her enthusiasm: “It is home, right? This is a franchise that’s a part of my DNA… It’s such a pivotal moment in women’s basketball and the WNBA history.” She’s passionate about guiding the team as it heads into a promising new chapter, particularly with rising stars like rookie Caitlin Clark.
Stephanie White returns to Indiana with accolades including WNBA Coach of the Year and a remarkable two-season run with the Connecticut Sun. She led the Sun to back-to-back semifinals and a 55-25 record, solidifying her reputation as a top coach. Now, White looks to bring that same success to Indiana, hoping to build a team that can compete with the best in the league while staying true to her Indiana roots.
