Kelsey Mitchell dropped 29 points on July 22, but the Indiana Fever still fell to the New York Liberty. That wasn’t the story that had everyone talking afterward, though. It was what head coach Stephanie White said before tip-off about her team’s leadership that sent shockwaves through the WNBA world. When asked to name the leaders in Indiana’s locker room, the coach had plenty to say about three players. The name she didn’t mention? The franchise’s biggest star.
Why Did Stephanie White Leave Caitlin Clark Off Her Leadership List?
When asked about the leadership figures within the Fever squad before July 22’s game, White didn’t hesitate to provide her answer and pointed to Sophie Cunningham as one of the team’s leaders.
“Sophie is just, her personality is infectious. She is naturally a gifted leader. She’s naturally a connector. She brings great energy. Her voice carries. People listen. People are impacted by it. She knows the right thing to say. She’s another one that really has a coach’s mind. And she leads by example with how she shows up every day,” said White during the interview.
White didn’t stop there. She also praised veteran guard Sydney Colson and rising star Aliyah Boston as key leadership figures.
“So certainly Sophie and Syd have been great voices of reason in our locker room. Continue to be A.B. as well. I think A.B is one of the best leaders in the room. She’s got great perspective. She’s a high-IQ player. She’s young in terms of her experience in our league, but she’s wise in terms of her basketball experience and knowledge.”
“To have multiple players on your team who can bring those perspectives, who can bring that balance, and who can use those voices is really important. It’s because, ultimately, as coaches, you want player-led teams. Player-led teams are the best teams. And our team is becoming that,” added White during the interview.
The name that was notably absent from her response was the franchise’s most talked-about player: Caitlin Clark.
After an electric rookie season, Clark’s sophomore campaign has been marred by injuries. These injuries include a left quadriceps strain and ongoing groin issues, which have caused her to miss 12 games. While before the injury she averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, her limited availability may have affected her leadership role within the team.
How Do Injuries Shape Leadership Roles on the Court?
White’s reasoning appears tied to Clark’s physical absence from key games. Leadership on the court matters, and while Clark is no doubt influential during film sessions and strategy discussions, the pulse of a team is often felt during the heat of battle.
Players who are consistently in the game are naturally looked to as tactical anchors. Additionally, Colson, Cunningham, and Boston each have more experience in the WNBA than Clark, which may also explain why they command more leadership presence.
“Stephanie White says there’s no update on Caitlin Clark or a potential timeline. Clark met with another doctor this morning, but White says she hasn’t spoken with trainers about that yet,” wrote IndyStar reporter Chloe Peterson on X regarding the latest Clark injury update.
Both Cunningham and Colson were strategic offseason additions meant to bolster Indiana’s roster.
Cunningham, who is currently averaging 7.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, may not light up the stat sheet, but her gritty, no-nonsense energy has made her the team’s enforcer.
This was especially evident when she was ejected in the game against Connecticut for confronting Jacy Sheldon in what many viewed as retribution for a hard foul on Clark on June 17.
SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM PAYBACK ON JACY SHELDON
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 18, 2025
Boston, on the other hand, is proving her leadership through elite performance. Averaging 15.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, her ability to deliver in clutch moments shows why White puts her at the core of this team. Meanwhile, Colson’s 2.4 points, two assists, and 0.8 rebounds may not jump off the page, but her veteran savvy and calming presence give the Fever a stabilizing force during chaotic situations.
The Fever will now regroup and aim to bounce back when they face the Las Vegas Aces on July 24 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Keep in mind that White was on the Olympic selection committee that blackballed Clark.