Stephanie White offers early thoughts on Kaitlin Clark, Fever in first interview as Indiana head coach

It seems like a distant memory now – but in 2022, the Indiana Fever only won five regular season games. Exactly two years later, the Fever are coming off back-to-back seasons led by No. 1 picks, their first postseason appearance in seven years, and all the hope and momentum in the world.

Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, both named Rookie of the Year in their respective seasons, have formed a young core that is as formidable as any other player. wnbaNow, she has one of the WNBA’s most respected coaches: Stephanie White.

White joins the Fever after two seasons as head coach of the Connecticut Sun and an illustrious playing and coaching career at Indiana. White, who grew up in West Lebanon, Indiana, played for the Fever from 2000 to 2004 and was an assistant coach from 2011 to 2014.

Getting the opportunity to return to his home state was an opportunity that White greatly appreciated.

“First and foremost, it’s home,” White told ESPN’s Malika Andrews when asked what attracted her to the position. “It’s a franchise, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, it’s in my DNA. Grew up in Indiana, played in Indiana, played with the franchise, obviously, was a part of the franchise when we won the WNBA championship.

White also said that this particular moment in Fever basketball – with Clark and Boston led by a promising young core – made the head coach position particularly attractive.

“You think about a generational player like Caitlin Clark, who has been back-to-back freshman of the year with Aliyah Boston,” White said on NBA Today. “I think Kelsey Mitchell had the best year of her career. It’s just an exciting roster – what an outstanding moment we have in women’s basketball right now. To come back, to be a part of this, in my home state, with my home franchise, it’s a unique opportunity and I’m very grateful and grateful for it.

White confirmed that he spoke to Clarke last night, and described their conversation as full of “overall excitement”.

“I’ve been watching Caitlin play since she was an 8th grader, when I was coaching at the college level and covering her games in college,” White said.

Christy Sides, who was the Fever’s head coach for two seasons, was let go by the organization on Sunday. fever savior lexi plowI am speaking The Ringer WNBA Show, Expressed his disappointment with Sides while sharing his excitement for what’s to come.

“I’m really sad for Christy; I think he’s a great person and a great leader,” Hull said. “I’m excited to see what she does in the future, and also excited to see where our new coach takes us.”

Clarke appears to have expressed her enthusiasm for White’s appointment, commenting on the Fever’s Instagram post announcing the decision, as well as sharing the announcement on her own Instagram Story.

In a particularly full-circle moment, Stephanie White – like Caitlin Clark – ranked #22 as a player on the Fever. Fever shared a side-by-side photo on social media, showing how both guards wore identical uniforms.

“It’s great, I saw when they posted it today, it’s definitely unique,” White said. “She’s a much better #22, she puts the ball in more holes, but I can’t wait.”

White has been a part of many victories, and her Connecticut Sun made the WNBA Semifinals in both seasons she was head coach. His Suns defeated Clarke’s Fever 2-0 in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, but with Boston and Clarke having a year of collective experience, the Fever could see another improvement.

Looks like Stephanie White thinks Caitlin Clark is ready.

“She’s a student of the game, she loves the game of basketball, she has a great way of getting everyone’s attention,” White said. “She just wants to play, she just wants to win. I am looking forward to coaching players like this young franchise, this young team.