Last season, the Indiana Fever advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
While many attributed it to the arrival of Caitlin Clark, credit was also given to former coach Christie Sides. She steered the Fever to an impressive campaign despite the noise and pressure surrounding the squad due to Clark’s popularity.
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Still, it wasn’t enough for Sides to keep her job. Early in the offseason, she was fired by the Fever and was replaced by Stephanie White.
It was a tough decision for Indiana, but White is no stranger to the squad. She guided the Fever to the title in her first-ever stint in 2014. Now, fans are hoping that she could work her magic anew.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts after a call at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
She is expected to hand the keys to the 23-year-old Clark, who focused on improving her physique in the offseason.
The 47-year-old White said Clark’s rookie year was tough since she was always under intense scrutiny. Hence, the offseason was a welcome period for the Fever guard.
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“I really admire the college players that come from a 40+ game college season and then straight into the W,” said White in a report from IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson. “It’s physically grueling, it’s mentally taxing, let alone what Caitlin’s had to deal with.
“I think it was great for her to get a break, I think it was great for her body, her mind, her soul, probably, and then it was great for her to get in the weight room.”
White, who spent two seasons with the Connecticut Sun before returning to Indiana, echoed Clark’s view that she needed to get stronger after her rookie stint.
“I think that was one of the first things she noticed, that the physicality in this league was different,” said White.
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Clark led the Fever to a 20-20 record last season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and a league-best 8.4 assists per game. She was named Rookie of the Year and finished fourth in the MVP race.
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Related: Christie Sides Singles Out Fever Player for Caitlin Clark Decision
