Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve is on pace to win a whopping 33 games this season, which would make this the best regular season in the veteran coach’s career. The Lynx (24-5) hold a commanding lead at the top of the WNBA standings, and Reeve was rewarded for her strong season by being named the WNBA’s Coach of the Month in July.
Reeve had a solid July, guiding the Lynx to a 9-3 record, but not everyone is thrilled to see the 58-year-old secure her third-ever Coach of the Month award.
Why Did Stephanie White Get Overlooked for July’s Coach of the Month Award?
The Indiana Fever’s Stephanie White put together an incredible run, going 8-4 in July and defeating Reeve’s Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup championship. Despite some statement wins over the league’s top teams, White was passed up for the prestigious award, leaving some fans fuming.
Reeve was named the WNBA’s Coach of the Month for the third time in her career, and she continues to exceed expectations, but that doesn’t mean White was any less deserving.
Congratulations to Cheryl Reeve of the @minnesotalynx for being named July Coach of the Month 👏
MIN record in July: 9-3#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/Lrs5BeX5md
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 4, 2025
White’s accomplishments become even more remarkable when considering the circumstances. The Fever played most of July without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, who appeared in just four games during the month. Even without the 2024 Rookie of the Year, Indiana thrived under White’s leadership.
The team surged to fifth place in the standings, claimed the Commissioner’s Cup title, and built a five-game winning streak that continues today. White managed to keep her squad competitive and confident while missing their biggest star, a coaching challenge that would test anyone in the league.
How Did Fever Fans React to White’s Award Snub?
Social media exploded with frustration after the announcement, as Fever supporters felt their coach had been robbed of recognition she clearly deserved.
“Steph White robbed,” said a fan.
steph white robbed
— itsyunngg (@itsyunngg) August 4, 2025
“That’s should have been Steph White in my opinion better turn around all together,” said another fan.
“Stephanie White is performing miracles on a team with new dynamics, she’s been robbed,” commented one fan.
“The @WNBA loves the Lynx,” said a fan.
The criticism focused particularly on the head-to-head matchup between the two coaches. One fan highlighted White’s 74-59 victory over Reeve’s Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Indiana Fever had the same amount of wins and a 15 point win over Lynx, yet Stephanie White was not coach of the month.”
Indiana Fever had the same amount of wins and a 15 point win over Lynx, yet Stephanie White was not coach of the month.
— Michael (@Michael72017843) August 4, 2025
Another account pointed out that the memorable win against Minnesota was even more impressive considering Clark was sidelined.
“Steph White took a CC-less team into Minn and beat the #1 team in the league for the cup. And her team currently holds the Ws longest win streak without their star.”
Reeve joins the New York Liberty’s Sandy Brondello and the Golden State Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase as the third different coach to earn this season’s honor. Brondello won in May while Nakase claimed the June award.
White will have several more opportunities to claim the recognition this season. With the Fever surging up the standings and showing no signs of slowing down, don’t be surprised if she eventually captures a Coach of the Month award before the regular season ends.
