The 2025Indiana Fever is experiencing a situation that inevitably recalls the 2015 season, when the team reached the finals under the leadership of Stephanie White. The big difference is that, a decade ago, the coach had the legendary Tamika Catchings leading the group, while today she navigates the postseason without Caitlin Clark, her star player, and with several key injuries on the roster. Still, White doesn’t hesitate to draw parallels between Catchings and Clark, whom she considers generational talents in the WNBA.
In a conversation with journalist Khristina Williams on the In Case You Missed It podcast, White spoke openly about the similarities between Catchings and Clark. For the coach, both are “incredibly competitive, the players who hate losing the most on the team.” According to White, whether it’s a drill, a half-court shot, or a high-level game, they share the same drive to win and do whatever it takes to achieve it.
Caitlin Clark has shown that mindset since arriving in the league, constantly repeating that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” That philosophy has pushed her to improve day after day, convinced that there are no shortcuts to success.
The connection with Catchings
White also emphasized that the connection between the two goes beyond what they show on the court. The coach explained that it’s not just about how much time they spend in the gym, but how they use it: “You can train for a long time and achieve little, or work with focus and achieve a lot. Caitlin and Tamika always train with a unique determination.”
That focus, according to White, is what separates great players from the rest. In a league full of talent, the difference lies in consistency, discipline, and the daily commitment to being better.
Injuries and questions about Stephanie White’s management
Despite that competitive spirit, Clark has had a difficult second season due to injuries. Calf and groin issues limited her to just 13 of the 44 scheduled games before she was ruled out entirely. This was followed by a fracture in her left ankle during a practice in Phoenix, which sparked criticism of White and the coaching staff for rushing her return.
Some fans believe those decisions harmed Clark, while the organization defended its process, stating that recovery timelines were managed according to the player’s progress.
Indiana Fever: a battered team still standing
The truth is that Indiana Fever has faced a long list of injuries -Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Chloe Bibby, Sophie Cunningham, and Damiris Dantas, among others- making their presence in the semifinals even more surprising. Although White has faced criticism, she also deserves recognition for keeping the team competitive amid adversity.
Beyond the controversies, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark has everything it takes to become the next generational figure in the WNBA, and White’s mission will be to build a winning project around her star in 2026.
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