Caitlin Clark enjoys perfect start with new Indiana Fever coach after phone call

Incoming Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is buzzing about the prospect of working with "generational talent" .

The Fever recently parted company with former coach Christie Sides following a two-year spell in charge. Sides ended her time at the helm with a 33-47 regular-season record in the , having led the team to their first postseason since 2016 in 2024.

Sides' tenure came to a close following a first-round defeat in the against the Connecticut Sun. Now White, who has both played and coached the Fever, is back in Indiana ready to take the reins.

She shared her excitement on connecting with Clark: "I spoke with Caitlin last night, and I think it's just overall excitement" - while the evidently thrilled Rookie of the Year responded boldly on social media with: "Fevvvvvv shooowwwwwww."

White has been an ardent follower of the star point guard's career and shared her excitement about the collaboration, stating: "I have been watching Caitlin play since she was an eighth grader, when I was coaching at the college realm and covering her games in college. Just an exciting time for me. Very excited to be working with her and with this young team."

The outgoing Connecticut coach continued to praise the wealth of talent she's inheriting at her new gig, telling ESPN's NBA Today: "You think about a generational player in Caitlin Clark, back-to-back rookies of the year with Aliyah Boston.

"Kelsey Mitchell, I think, had the best year of her career. It's just an exciting roster - what an outstanding moment we have in women's basketball right now. To come back, be a part of it in my home state, with my home franchise, it's just a unique opportunity and I'm so thankful and grateful for it."

With a touch of sentimentality, White also mentioned her personal connection to her new team: "First and foremost, it's home. This is a franchise, the Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, that's in my DNA. Grew up in Indiana, played in Indiana, played with the franchise, of course, was a part of the franchise when we won the WNBA championship."

Fever President of Basketball Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, has heaped praise on Sides. She said: "We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth.

"While decisions like these are never easy, it is also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximising our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana. Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future."