The Indiana Fever Welcome Stephanie White Back Home
The Indiana Fever are poised for a remarkable new chapter, building on their impressive 2024 season by appointing Stephanie White as head coach for 2025. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in seven years and showcasing a roster featuring three WNBA All-Stars supported by a promising young core, the Fever are taking significant strides toward reclaiming greatness.
White, an Indiana basketball icon, expressed her excitement during her introductory press conference. “This is coming home for me,” she said. “From my nearly 25 years with this franchise, this has always been part of my DNA. It’s an incredible honor to lead this talented team and take this special franchise to another level.”
Her ties to Indiana basketball run deep. White ranked fifth in career scoring in Indiana high school girls’ basketball and earned National Player of the Year honors while leading Purdue to its only NCAA Championship in 1999. She became part of Fever history as a selection in the team’s 2000 expansion draft and later contributed to their 2012 championship win as an assistant coach.
White first served as the Fever’s head coach in 2015, succeeding Lin Dunn, and guided the team to the WNBA Finals in her debut season. After two years with Indiana, she moved to Vanderbilt University and later returned to the WNBA, leading the Connecticut Sun to consecutive semifinal appearances. Her coaching career boasts an impressive record of 92-56 over four WNBA seasons.
Indiana’s decision to bring White back aligns with a broader organizational transformation. Kelly Krauskopf returned as president of basketball and business operations in September, and Amber Cox was named general manager in October. Meanwhile, former GM Lin Dunn transitioned to a senior advisor role after implementing a successful three-year plan to restore the Fever’s playoff relevance.
For White, the decision to return felt natural. “There’s so much familiarity with this franchise. The stars just aligned perfectly,” she said. “When things are meant to be, it feels great.”
The Fever are laying a strong foundation, blending history and fresh leadership. With White at the helm, the team is positioned to turn a historic 2024 season into a springboard for championship contention in the years to come.