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'Most Teams Would Have Folded': Stephanie White’s Strong Words for Indiana Fever After Making WNBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 9:21 PM ET

The Indiana Fever are heading to the playoffs. Sure enough, head coach Stephanie White couldn't be prouder and happier for her team, especially amid the injury-riddled season they've had.

Indiana lost five players to season-ending injuries this season, highlighted by Caitlin Clark who last played on July 15 due to a groin issue. Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham and Chloe Bibby have all been ruled out for the Fever as well along with Clark.

Despite several key players falling to injuries one by one, the Fever held on. It wasn't easy, and there was a point when it looked like that White's squad would fall out of playoff contention. The team won four of its last six games — including Sunday's game against the Washington Mystics — to secure a postseason spot.

Against the Mystics, five players scored in double figures for the Fever, led by Natasha Howard's 17 points. Aerial Powers also provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists to help Indiana take a 94-65 victory.

PLAYOFF BOUND

we've officially clinched our spot in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs! pic.twitter.com/YQKlVN99TE
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 7, 2025

When asked about how she feels after the playoff-clinching win and the vibe in the locker room, White expressed her pride and delight as she reflected on the tough journey they have had to get to this point.

"There's a healthy celebration in that we've accomplished a goal, but there's also a mindset of, 'We still have work to do'," the Fever coach shared, per reporter Tony East.

"I don't know if relief is the right word, more so just pride. Like I'm really proud of these guys. You know, with all of the stuff that we've been through, most teams would have folded. And we just kept getting stronger and we kept reinventing ourselves. These women in the locker room deserve a lot of credit for their ability to stay resilient, to stay together, to stay hungry and to stay the course."

As White said, the journey is far from over for the Fever. In the playoffs, Indiana will be tested even more, as they are set to face a higher-seeded team.

The Fever are currently the seventh seed in the standings, but they can still climb to No. 6 if they win their last game of the season and the sixth-placed Golden State Valkyries lose out their last two games.

With that said, Indiana is on track to face either No. 2 seed Atlanta Dream or the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces. The playoffs start on Sept. 14, just a few days after the regular season ends on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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