Indiana Fever move closer to contender status with hiring of HC

White, an Indiana native who played college basketball at Purdue, spent four of her five seasons in the WNBA as a player with the Fever.

"I am incredibly proud and honored to return home to Indiana and lead the Fever during such a pivotal moment in this franchise's history," White said in the statement announcing her hiring.

"This franchise has and always will be committed to winning and I look forward to working every day to help deliver another WNBA title to the greatest basketball fans in the world," she continued.

White went 55-25 the past two seasons with Connecticut, leading the franchise to the semifinals both times.

She was also the head coach when Indiana last made a trip to the semifinals in 2015.

White has a track record of success, and with Clark and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston set as foundational pieces, the Fever could soon be contending for a WNBA title.

Indiana ranked third in offense in 2024 (85 points per game). It struggled on the defensive end, where White could have considerable influence.

The Sun allowed the fewest points per game in White's two seasons as head coach, while the Fever ranked last in 2023 (85.1) and 11th in 2024 (87.7).

It certainly helped that the Sun have outstanding defenders, including Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, DiJonai Carrington and Brionna Jones. However, White will likely emphasize defense more in Indiana than it has over the past few seasons.

The Fever could be active in free agency, which begins in February.

The 2025 free-agent class includes Thomas, Bonner, Jones, Wings forward Satou Sabally, Aces guard Kelsey Plum and Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell.

White is a home-run hire. And with two of the league's top young talents, it might not take long for that to translate to the court.