Stephanie White’s second run with the Indiana Fever is off to a hot start. Her team won over the Washington Mystics and the Brazilian national team to open the 2025 preseason.
White, a longtime coach and Indiana native, worked on the Fever’s coaching staff from 2011 to 2016. She became the team’s head coach in 2015. After a few seasons away, she’s back in charge of a talented roster that includes stars Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, DeWanna Bonner, and Aliyah Boston.
White’s connection to Indiana runs deep. She played at Seeger High School and was named Indiana Miss Basketball in 1995. Then she starred at Purdue, helping lead the Boilermakers to a national title in 1999. She also played four seasons with the Fever as a pro.
Caitlin Clark Shares Pic of Stephanie White Sporting Multi-Colored Nike Shoes
Clark and White share a close relationship that dates back to the former’s days with the Iowa Hawkeyes. During White’s time as an analyst with the Big-Ten Network, she covered several Iowa games and always supported Clark’s career.
During the Fever’s preseason game against Brazil, played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Clark posted a photo of White sitting courtside in a flashy pair of custom Nike shoes.
Clark made sure to leave a special message for White, captioning the pic with the following comment:
“Coach got aura.”
Clark Praises White’s Approach to the Game
Clark has nothing but good things to say about her new coach. Before the season, reporters asked Clark about their relationship.
“I just think she has a really great basketball mind,” said Clark. “She’s been a trailblazer, honestly. I think she has always been somebody that’s been supportive of my game.”
Clark is expected to quarterback the Fever’s offense this season. Last year, she led Indiana’s roster in scoring (19.2, tied with Kelsey Mitchell), assists (8.4), steals (1.3), and minutes (35.4). With the sharpshooting point guard driving the attack, Indiana went on to win 20 games and return to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
White seems to have started off on the right foot with her new players, and the lineup has responded well to her vision and approach during the preseason. Clark’s relationship with and admiration for White will only help Indiana’s chances of returning to the WNBA finals.
