Rumors suggesting a potential Stephanie White-Connecticut Sun split have been around the WNBA this week. The experienced coach joined the Sun in 2023 and after two years in charge of one of the best teams in the league, she's not expected to return to Mohegan Sun Arena as the home coach.
This report has seemingly opened the door for several teams to try to make a swing for her this offseason. The Indiana Fever appear to be one of them, even though they have Christie Sides on the sideline. If they can reunite with White, Caitlin Clark's future might look brighter than it already is. Here are three reasons why the Fever should entertain this option.
#1. She has a prior relationship with the team
Stephanie White only played professional basketball for five years, four of which were with the Indiana Fever. She returned to the team as an assistant to Lin Dunn from 2011 through 2014 before taking over for the next two seasons. In her first season, she led the Fever to the WNBA Finals, losing to the Minnesota Lynx in five games.
It seems like she'd have unfinished business in Indy and this would be a terrific opportunity to redeem herself and have her full-circle moment with one of the most intriguing squads in the league.
#2. Stephanie White is a terrific player developer
Stephanie White revived several players' careers and helped others make a name for themselves. During that remarkable run, White worked with second-year player Layshia Clarendon, rookies Natasha Howard and Maggie Lucas, and third-year players Shenise Johnson and Lynetta Kizer. Despite the youth, she led them to the biggest stage alongside veteran star Tamika Catchings.
More recently, she helped Brionna Jones recover her All-Star form this season and made DiJonai Carrington the Most Improved Player of the Year.
#3. She can adapt to different scenarios during games
One of the most important aspects of a successful coach is the ability to adapt to different scenarios. This is why many fans dislike NBA champion coaches like Doc Rivers and Mike Budenholzer.
In Stephanie White, the Fever would have a coach who can read the game and act on the things she sees on the floor, something Christie Sides has been criticized for more than once. By bringing White on board, the Fever would be more prepared to face the different scenarios they can find throughout a game.