“Same Kind of Psycho She Is”: Fever HC Stephanie White Describes Her Process of Forming a Bond With Caitlin Clark

Very rarely does a player have the kind of impact that Caitlin Clark has had since she arrived in the WNBA in 2024. And, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has the enviable chance to guide one of the most impactful young stars the league has ever seen.

Clark has someone highly experienced to rely on as she looks to establish herself as one of the GOATs of the WNBA. A former player, White became the Fever’s head coach in 2015 and left in 2016 for stints in college basketball and a successful run with the Connecticut Sun. She returned to Indiana in 2025 to lead a new era centered around Clark.

Building a strong bond with the 23-year-old phenom has been a clear priority for White. She recently talked about her relationship with Clark, noting how they’re both one of a kind.

“I’m a very honest, transparent coach. You’re going to know what I’m thinking or where I’m coming from,” White shared on Bird’s Eye View, adding that she sees the same quality in Clark.

“I certainly appreciate that about her. And I’m also the same kind of psycho that she is, in terms of competitiveness,” she added.

After averaging 19 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds as a rookie in 2024, Clark took a step back in her second season with White in charge. But that wasn’t because of the coaching change; Clark was dealing with injuries to her groin and ankle. It was an unfortunate sophomore season for her in the league. 

White added that she has not only formed a bond with Clark, but has also grown close to Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.

“It was really important for me right away with her, with AB, and with Kelsey, honestly. I mean, they’re the core three,” White elaborated. “Those three were the priority for me in terms of like, I’ve gotta make sure that I’m earning their trust.”

White’s approach has already paid off. In her first season, the Fever reached the semifinals without Clark playing in a single playoff game. They even pushed the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces, to five games in a thrilling series.

It was insightful to hear White speak about coaching and the rest of the Fever roster. If White continues to sharpen her skills and grow as a coach, she could end up building a dynasty with Clark leading the charge.