Fever coach Stephanie White reveals Caitlin Clark’s motivation after conversation

The talk of the women’s basketball community heading into November is the Indiana Fever announcing Friday that they have hired head coach Stephanie White.

White spent the past two seasons as head coach of the Connecticut Sun, where she produced a 55-25 regular season record, won the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year Award and came one win away from taking her Sun squad to the WNBA Finals. against the freedom of New York.

But that’s all a thing of the past now, as White will take her talents to a Fever team that seems destined to be a true championship contender in the years to come.

The key part of Indiana’s success last season was rookie guard Caitlin Clark, who orchestrated the Fever’s lethal offense and helped them to their first WNBA playoffs appearance since 2016.

During an interview with ESPN on Friday, White revealed that she spoke with Clark the night before her hiring was announced — and offered high praise to the 22-year-old.

“I talked to Caitlin last night and I think it was just a general excitement,” White said when asked about the conversation between her and Clark. “I’ve watched Caitlin play since she was in eighth grade… and it was just an exciting time for me. I’m really excited to work with her and this young team.

White then discussed both her and Clark wearing number 22 while playing at Indiana, concluding the segment by saying, “I just can’t wait. She’s a student of the game, she loves the game of basketball, she’s so been.” It’s amazing how she handles all the attention.

“She just wants to play, she just wants to win. And I’m looking forward to coaching players like that,” White added.

Clark’s motivation to play and win seems likely to pay off next season.