In 2024, the Indiana Fever experienced a breakthrough season that laid the groundwork for a bright future. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in seven years, the team is poised for even greater success with the addition of Stephanie White as head coach for the 2025 season. White, a familiar face in Indiana basketball, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the franchise. During her introductory press conference, she expressed her excitement to return home and take the Fever to new heights. “This is coming home for me,” White shared. “It has been such an experience with this franchise for nearly 25 years, and I am honored to lead this talented team to the next level.”
Stephanie White is more than just a coach; she’s a living legend in Indiana. Her basketball career has spanned decades, beginning with her high school success where she ranked as one of the top scorers in the state. She was named National Player of the Year and led Purdue University to its only NCAA Championship in 1999. White’s journey with the Fever began in 2000, when she was selected in the franchise’s expansion draft, and she later played a key role as an assistant coach on their 2012 championship team. She returned to the Fever as head coach in 2015 before stepping away for a tenure at Vanderbilt University. But coming back to her roots in Indiana felt like the right move at this stage in her career.
“I have such a strong connection with this franchise,” White explained. “It feels like everything has aligned perfectly. There’s a sense of ease and excitement as I return to this role, and I’m thrilled to work with this young, energetic team.” White’s past success as a coach speaks for itself. She boasts a career record of 92-56 in the WNBA, with multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to the finals in her first season as a head coach. Her coaching tenure with the Connecticut Sun also brought consistent success, making the semifinals in her last two seasons there.
The Fever’s decision to bring White back to Indianapolis is part of a larger strategic effort to revitalize the team. The front office has undergone significant changes, with Kelly Krauskopf returning as president of basketball operations and Amber Cox assuming the role of general manager. The moves signal a clear commitment to building a championship-caliber team. White’s hiring is seen as the final piece in a broader plan that aims to elevate the Fever to title contention in the near future.
With the blueprint for success in place and a talented roster that includes potential future stars like Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever are ready for their next chapter. Stephanie White’s return is a homecoming that could turn the team into serious contenders once again. With a coach who understands the team’s DNA and a roster full of potential, the Fever are on the cusp of greatness, and 2025 promises to be an exciting year for basketball fans in Indiana.