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Stephanie White did not have much time to enjoy the Indiana Fever’s 111-91 victory over the Connecticut Sun. By Saturday morning, Indiana’s head coach was already scheduled to shift her attention toward Team USA and the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
White will serve as an assistant coach under Kara Lawson when the United States travels to Berlin for the tournament, which runs from Sept. 4 through Sept. 13. Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston are also members of the 12-player roster.
Before Friday’s game, White was asked when she would begin transitioning from her Fever responsibilities to the national team.
“Tomorrow morning, really,” White told reporters. “Obviously, we had a few days off this week, so I’ve been able to look forward a little bit.
“I have our first scout, so I’m excited about that.”
White leaves Indiana with momentum
White’s temporary departure comes at a positive time for the Fever.
Indiana overcame a 28-14 first-quarter deficit and dominated Connecticut over the final three periods. Clark and Kelsey Mitchell scored 34 points apiece, while Boston added 14 points, two steals and three blocks. Clark also contributed 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals. The victory improved Indiana to 26-14 and moved the Fever ahead of the Atlanta Dream for fourth place in the standings.
The WNBA will pause during the World Cup, so White will not miss any Fever games while working with Team USA. She will instead have an opportunity to coach Clark and Boston in a different setting while working with some of the best players in the world. The United States is seeking its fifth consecutive World Cup championship and 12th overall.
White’s familiarity with Clark and Boston could be valuable during a short preparation window. Team USA has less than a week to practice before opening tournament play.
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Indiana honored White, Clark and Boston before Friday’s game. Clark and Boston were presented with Team USA jerseys, while White received flowers.
The Fever will return to action Sept. 18 against the Toronto Tempo. That will begin the final four-game stretch of Indiana’s regular season and its attempt to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Before that push begins, White has another championship assignment. Her focus changed almost immediately after Friday’s victory, but she will be accompanied to Germany by two of the players who helped make her Fever team a contender.
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