The Indiana Fever brought in Stephanie White last year with the intention of having a coach who could potentially unlock Caitlin Clark’s full potential. Unfortunately, White did not have much of an opportunity to do so in 2025.
Clark was limited to just 13 games last season due to multiple injuries. However, she is now fully healthy and is eager to make amends heading into her third WNBA season.
White is also looking forward to a full season with Clark at the helm. The former WNBA Coach of the Year led the Fever to a Commissioner’s Cup title and the WNBA playoffs semifinals last season with Clark sidelined. Bigger things are expected this year with Clark at full strength.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and guard Caitlin Clark (22)© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
One of the silver linings of Clark’s injury-riddled season is that she was able to spend more time with White and the coaching staff. In fact, at one point in the season, White unofficially added Clark to her staff, as reported by Tony East of Forbes Sports. The former Rookie of the Year was asked to sit beside the coaches during games to provide her insight and advice.
Clark grew close to White as they formed a bond both on and off the court. On Monday, Clark decided to single out the Fever coach with a personal request.
When asked for a name she would want to buy her new Fever jersey, Clark turned to Coach White. The two-time All-Star even had a message to White’s kids.
“Any name?” Clark asked. “Uh, Stephanie White. Buy it. … And buy one for every single son. Boys, run up her card. Let’s go.”
White has three sons from a previous relationship. She has a fourth son with her partner, ESPN reporter Lisa Salters. Clark wants all four boys to get their own jersey, even telling them to “run up” their mom’s credit card.
Clark and White’s relationship will be integral to the Fever’s success this season. There is clearly a lot of mutual respect between the two, and it will be interesting to see how this translates to a full WNBA season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.