'Very Excited, Very Blessed': Aari McDonald Shares First Impression After Indiana Fever Practice

Fever head coach Stephanie White was clear about the qualities that drew the team to McDonald.

“I’ve always been impressed with her ability to defend, her activity on the defensive end of the floor,” White said. “Her ability to get to the paint and make a decision when she gets there.”

White praised McDonald’s readiness and her ability to grasp new responsibilities quickly, adding that her leadership and poise as a true point guard were especially valuable.

“She brings that energy, she brings the ability to dictate,” White said. “And she has been really good so far. It has been a lot of information to absorb quickly, and she has done a great job with it.”

McDonald’s signing came after both White and team president Kelly Krauskopf acknowledged the need to add a guard who could contribute on both ends. The Fever entered the week with just two healthy guards, forcing others to play out of position and placing heavy strain on the team’s rotations.

“Certainly, we need to have someone who can add value on the defensive end,” White said earlier. “We gotta have somebody who can help us navigate and get into offense, handle the ball. Since we’re down to what, two healthy guards? The goal would be to get everybody back to their natural positions if we can.”

Aari McDonald: “A Humbling Experience Joining a Team Like the Fever”

For McDonald, the opportunity was met with gratitude and determination.

“When I got the call, I was very excited, very blessed, and a humbling experience joining a team like the Fever,” McDonald said after Monday’s practice. “And I’m just excited and ready to compete, and just win.”

Her approach on Day 1 was centered around playing free and not overthinking things, especially while learning a new system on the fly.

“It was my first day,” McDonald said. “I wasn’t trying to overthink, because that’s when turnovers happen… Just constantly playing, not thinking too much, and calling what I’m comfortable with.”

But what stood out most to McDonald was the way her new teammates made her feel welcome. That early chemistry could prove essential as Indiana continues to shuffle rotations and lineups in the coming weeks.

“The girls did a great job with cheering me on, and being accepting and welcoming,” McDonald said.

Injury-Driven Urgency and a Chance for Impact

The Fever’s need for immediate backcourt help is real. Caitlin Clark remains out with a left quad strain, while two additional guards are sidelined, forcing the team to rely heavily on Kelsey Mitchell and other players out of their natural roles.

Krauskopf emphasized just how tight roster management becomes in these moments.

“You have an 11-player roster and you lose three players like that, now you’ve got to add a quick player to your roster,” Krauskopf said Sunday. “It’s something that you just deal with being in this league.”

That “quick player” is now McDonald — and the expectations are clear. She’ll be asked to defend at a high level, initiate offense, and give the Fever a stable presence during a critical stretch of the schedule.

What’s Next for the Indiana Fever?

Indiana is set to face the Washington Mystics on June 3, and McDonald is expected to be available for immediate minutes. With limited time to learn the system, her instincts, leadership, and ability to adapt quickly will be tested from the jump.

Still, the early signs — from her attitude to the team’s embrace — suggest she’s ready for the challenge.

“I’m just excited and ready to compete, and just win,” McDonald said.