Stephanie White was announced as the Indiana Fever's new head coach on Friday after the Connecticut Sun released her a few days ago. WNBA fans had a lot to say about this move. The Fever parted ways with Christie Sides after two seasons, a playoff berth and a 33-47 record.
This decision, although expected by many, surprised others after players reacted to White's hiring on social media. Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith and Lexie Hull hyped up this move and shared the Instagram post announcing White's arrival.
It didn't take long for fans to react to these actions, with some saying they didn't have the best feelings about Sides.
"My God. They all hated Christie Sides. #WNBA," one fan wrote.
"Did anyone have doubts about the frustration. You could see it all over their faces," another fan said.
"I mean they’re just showing support for their new coach who also happened to be one of the top options AND has a history with the Fever. But they also probably hated Sides 😂," another fan said.
Others said that they were just welcoming their new coach, but that didn't stop a couple of them from questioning the players' reactions (or lack thereof) when Sides was fired.
"I think they’re just supportive and happy about the new coach. It doesn’t mean they hated Sides," one fan said.
Despite making the playoffs last season, Christie Sides was criticized for the slow start. The Fever played at a high level after the Olympic break. Sides pushed the pace of the offense, but it was too late for them to challenge the top teams in the league.
Stephanie White reacts after becoming Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever coach
Stephanie White shared her thoughts on becoming the Fever's new coach. The team's Instagram account shared a quote from White showing her desire to win with the Fever.
"This franchise has and always will be committed to winning and I look forward to working every day to help deliver another WNBA title to the greatest basketball fans in the world," White said.
In two seasons in Connecticut, White posted a 55-25 record. She was eliminated twice in the semifinals and was the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2023.