This season hasn't gone as planned for the Indiana Fever, whom many labeled as a 'championship or bust' squad. No one had higher expectations coming into this season than head coach Stephanie White, and rightfully so: her roster is stacked.
There was panic across the Fever fan base with star player Caitlin Clark missing significant time due to a groin injury. No panic existed Coach White and her team. She has been very confident in the player's she has and instilled a 'next player up' mentality among her staff. Her players bought into the system even when things weren't going well and now the Fever find themselves winners of five straight.
White has her team playing their best basketball even with Clark's status still up in the air. She deserves a lot of praise - after all, the odds were against her with all of the injuries her team has faced this year. But, the injuries weren't the only obstacle White has faced this season. Coming in to coach a brand new team with several different skill levels isn't an easy task.
Don't forget the off-season signing that turned bad for the Fever after DeWanna Bonner's untimely departure that may have created some disruption in the locker room. Clark missing time isn't what anyone wanted, but White has managed to find a silver lining in a negative situation that the team has been faced with almost all season.
"I think I said it early when Clark was out the very first time, while we don't like it, sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise, because everybody else finds themselves," White said.
steph white on caitlin being out:
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) August 3, 2025
“i said it early when C was out the very first time. while we don’t like it, sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise, because everybody else finds themselves. no one is afraid to make the big play offensively and defensively.” pic.twitter.com/6fTdCFEGRM
Stephanie White is just what the Fever needed
During White's time with the Connecticut Sun in 2024, the team never fell below third place the entire season. Coming back to her home state of Indiana to coach was ultimately the perfect scenario for all parties. White faced a lot of criticism early in the season while the Fever were going through a rough patch failing to win games leading to critics questioning her handling of Clark's injury situation.
Fans expressed frustration with her returning to action too soon which resulted in the re-injury that has forced her to sit out since July 15. But, White has been very clear on Clark returning only when she is absolutely ready to do so. The Fever are gifted with a good variety of personnel. With a stellar coaching staff, they also have a good mix of veterans and young players that have grown into crucial pieces.
"And no one is afraid to make the big play, offensively or defensively. We've got a really good group, that's unselfish. That want to win. That play well together and for each other and when one person doesn't have it, somebody else does. And I think it makes us really, really difficult to scout when that happens," White added in the press conference clip above.
Very few could get the Fever through a turbulent season, but White should get credit for being the one to do so. She has the team clicking on all cylinders. Their defensive game has come a long way since the beginning of the season and the chemistry displayed on the offensive end has been one of the best in the league. The Fever currently find themselves just a half game back of fourth place.
Just a week ago, they were flipping between sixth and seventh place. White has created impressive balance of her roster. When one player isn't having a good game, several others step up. This held true in the Fever's win Sunday against the Seattle Storm. Veteran Kelsey Mitchell was struggling to find rhythm, but her teammates - Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Howard - all stepped up in big ways.
White's squad looks to continue to gain ground in the standings when they face the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday night.