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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to the action Saturday, May 24, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The New York Liberty defeated the Indiana Fever, 90-88.

'We Need To Nip This In The Bud': Caitlin Clark’s Injury Gets Fever HC Stephanie White’s Honest Take

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 27, 2025 9:07 AM ET

On Monday, the Indiana Fever announced that their star guard Caitlin Clark would miss at least two weeks due to a left quad strain, stirring concern within the team and its fans. As the Fever loses its standout, head coach Stephanie White keeps her focus on the bigger picture.

Caitlin Clark last played on Sunday against the New York Liberty, scoring 18 points and 10 assists in 38 minutes. The former Iowa Hawkeye standout underwent an MRI scan, revealing her injury and being sidelined.

Despite the setback, White emphasized the Fever’s long-term vision, preferring to let her player rest rather than face worse problems soon.

“Obviously, everyone wants to watch her play,” White said during a media interview. “But for me, it’s maintaining perspective. It’s making sure that we address this in a way that doesn’t affect long-term.”

#Fever’s Stephanie White on being cautious with Caitlin Clark’s quad:

“Obviously, she’s a competitor and wants to play. Obviously, everyone wants to watch her play. But for me … it’s making sure that we address this in a way that doesn’t affect long term …” | @TheAthleticWBB pic.twitter.com/kOROYjBaj3

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 26, 2025

The former Connecticut Suns HC appreciated Caitlin Clark’s maturity to speak up about her injury.

“Sometimes, great players don’t tell you when they’re hurting. I’m glad that she did because we need to nip this in the bud.”

Moreover, White also believes that Clark, as she recovers from her injury, could also allow her to understand the game even more, giving her the opportunity and position to help her teammates with a strategic mindset.

“I also think it’s a great opportunity for Caitlin to watch the game from the sideline and to grow in almost like a coaching kind of mindset and see some different things that we might be talking about on film, addressing in practice, to see it develop in live action,” White added.

Steph White says Caitlin Clark reported some pain in her quad following the Liberty game. She got an MRI and was diagnosed with a quad strain, one that isn’t related to her preseason injury.

White on CC’s injury and the depth they have: pic.twitter.com/N56OXGVoEK

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 26, 2025

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) searches to pass the ball Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 93-86.

Caitlin Clark will miss an estimated four games, starting in Wednesday’s match against the Washington Mystics. Her return remains uncertain, but for White, it isn’t the end of the Fever’s hopes for a deep run this season.

Kelsey Mitchell makes her feelings about Caitlin Clark’s injury clear

As Caitlin Clark begins her recovery from a quad strain that will sideline her during the Fever’s early-season push, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell offered her full support to the rookie star.

May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Mitchell, one of the team’s leaders, expressed confidence in Clark’s standing within the locker room and urged her to prioritize healing.

“For us, it’s support system. That shouldn’t change,” Mitchell said. “I think Caitlin knows that she has the ears and eyes on the locker room and the support that she has behind. Whether it’s us or anybody else. I would like to think that she knows it’s there.”

“And to really take her time and make sure that she’s well enough to be who she need to be for us. Because I want the 100 percent Caitlin.”

#Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell on Caitlin Clark’s quad injury:

“ … I would like to think that she knows (the support is) there and to really take her time to make sure she’s well enough to be who she needs to be for us because I want the 100% Caitlin.” | @TheAthleticWBB pic.twitter.com/F7nDufnVch

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 27, 2025

Caitlin Clark averages 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in the Fever’s four games this season. Despite her absence, the Fever has a wide set of players ready to replace their rising superstar as she recovers.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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