Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White took a sudden break from the WNBA. She did not travel with the team for their matchup against the Chicago Sky. Despite her absence, the Fever managed to return home with a win under Austin Kelly’s leadership.
Lisa Salters, a reporter for ESPN and ABC, was also absent for Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Salters and White confirmed their relationship quite some time ago, which explains why White also took some time off.
Mike Breen revealed that Salters’ mother was battling with serious health issues that required immediate attention. The ESPN panel sent a heartfelt wish to Salters’ mom during Game 2.
Now, there has been an update on the head coach’s return to Indiana, as the team gear up to face the Atlanta Dream next.
Stephanie White Officially Returns to Fever Practice After Sudden Absence
WNBA insider Chloe Peterson has confirmed that White is back in Indiana for the team’s training session. While speaking to the media, White addressed Kelly’s work in her absence, as well as an update on her family’s current wellbeing.
She said, “I’m doing alright. It’s helpful that we have such a great group, pouring into me and helping give me strength. I’ve said it all along, we’ve got three head coaches on our staff. And so knowing that they continue to step up and do great things gives me comfort.”
Steph White on her absence, Austin Kelly stepping in as acting head coach, and the continuity between the coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/iCghY6BYnq
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2025
White also made an honest admission about her family and thanked the Fever staff — “You know, our family is working through a hard time right now. And no matter what, I’m gonna be where my feet are, but I’m really thankful for this group.”
The WNBA icon did not confirm if she was going to be leading the team against the Dream, but fans would certainly be hoping for that. Caitlin Clark’s absence has been noticeable, and Aliyah Boston has done well to step up along with Kelsey Mitchell.
The Fever made some good moves in the offseason, adding veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Sydney Colson, who can definitely lead the team from the behind the scenes during times of crisis.
Clark’s return timetable remains unknown after she suffered a quad injury. The 23-year-old has missed four consecutive games, a first-time occurrence in her career so far. Fever fans would be hoping for White and Clark’s speedy return to help them build momentum again.