How can Stephanie White revitalize Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever? Looking at her WNBA tenure and coaching philosophy

The Connecticut Sun announced on Monday that they parted ways with coach Stephanie White after two seasons. White had led the Sun to back-to-back WNBA semifinals berth but is now linked to the Indiana Fever. The Sun eliminated the Fever in a two-game sweep in the first round of the playoffs.

Connecticut president Jen Rizzotti shared a brief statement on the team's website after parting ways with White. Rizzotti thanked the coach for her service to the Sun and wished her luck for the future.

"We want to thank Stephanie for her time in Connecticut and her commitment to our organization over the past two seasons, Rizzotti said. "We wish her the best in her future endeavors."

Before the announcement on Monday, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Stephanie White was considering her future with the Connecticut Sun. Costabile said that the Sun could still retain her, but there was interest from the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever.

The Sky fired coach Teresa Weatherspoon after one season despite Angel Reese's support for her. The Fever, meanwhile, let go Christie Sides on Sunday to complete their offseason makeover. They have a new president and general manager and now need a new coach.

One of the names linked to the Fever was White due to her connection to the state and franchise. Let's take a look at the WNBA player-turned-coach's career and philosophy.

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What is Stephanie White's connection to Indiana?

What is Stephanie White's connection to Indiana? (Photo: IMAGN)

Stephanie White was born in Danville, Illinois, but grew up in West Lebanon, Indiana, a town about an hour and a half away from Indianapolis. She went to Seeger High School and was named Miss Basketball in 1995, as per the Indy Star. She played for Purdue, in West Lafayette, Indiana.

White helped the Boilermakers win the NCAA championship in 1999, her final year in college. She was selected 21st overall that year by the Charlotte Sting before being picked in the 2000 Expansion Draft by the Indiana Fever. She played four seasons with them before retiring after the 2004 season to pursue coaching.

The West Lebanon native returned to the Fever as an assistant coach in 2011, helping the team win its lone WNBA championship in 2012. She was promoted to head coach in 2015, leading Indiana to the WNBA Finals as a first-year coach. She left after the 2016 season for a coaching stint in college basketball at Vanderbilt.

Fever's current president, Kelly Krauskopf, was responsible for drafting White as a player. Krauskopf also appointed her as an assistant coach and head coach, so there's trust between the two basketball personalities.

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Stephanie White's coaching career and philosophy

Stephanie White began her coaching career while being an active WNBA player for the Indiana Fever. She served as an assistant coach for Ball University from 2003 to 2004 before moving to Kansas State. She was there for a season before getting hired as an assistant by Toledo.

White was with the Rockers from 2005 to 2007 before leaving to join the Chicago Sky. She was an assistant in the Windy City for three seasons before his hometown team came calling in 2011. She was with the Fever from 2011 to 2016, three years as an assistant and two as head coach.

The Purdue product compiled a 37-31 record in her two years in charge of the Fever, leading them to the WNBA Finals in 2015 and the first round in 2016. She then joined Vanderbilt as head coach and had an overall 46-83 record in four years.

After taking a sabbatical for over a year, White returned to the WNBA to take charge of the Connecticut Sun, going 55-25 and reaching two semifinals.

According to Carly Grenfell of SB Nation's Swish Appeal, White's coaching philosophy is about being honest and blunt with her players. She's a player's coach and is known as a great motivator with high energy on the bench and in practice.

Stephanie White is also a great defensive coach, with the Sun being first and second in defensive rating in 2023 and 2024, respectively. That would come in handy if she gets the Fever job, as they were one of the worst defenses in the league last season.

Offensively, she will have Caitlin Clark to facilitate the offense. Clark is a playmaker like Alyssa Thomas, with an immaculate shooting touch. Aliyah Boston could play the role of DeWanna Bonner, while Lexie Hull could replicate DiJonai Carrington's success.

If the Fever re-sign Kelsey Mitchell and add a player like Satou Sabally in free agency, White would have additional weapons to work with. It would be easier as well, considering Clark can attract defenses to open up her teammates.