Great things were expected the moment Stephanie White took charge as the new boss of Indiana Fever. As it turns out, the development proved to be a matter of immense delight not only for the fans but for the entire Indiana roster. This was quite evident with how the team’s core group, including the WNBA ROTY Caitlin Clark, welcomed the 47-year-old with open arms. However, the 2023 WNBA Coach Of The Year is not done as her latest strategic move will be doing wonders for a toddler as well.

Austin Kelly and Karima Christmas-Kelly. Passionate basketball fans are familiar with this power couple thanks to the phenomenal sideline expertise both these individuals possess. But, due to their professional commitments, the couple had to compromise their personal goals for a while.

Nonetheless, the advent of Stephanie White in Indiana will now require them to extend their services to Caitlin Clark and Co. As much as this brings joy to the Fever management, their 1-year-old son Zayn will also have a chance to make the most of this exciting opportunity. Chloe Peterson announced the news on her X account.

For 2 successful years, Austin Kelly has provided a vital helping hand. As a deputy to White, his role was instrumental in making Connecticut a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. Embracing the opportunity, Austin Kelly told IndyStar in May 2023, “If it’s something that excites you, if it’s something that you truly want to do, like, there’s no reason to hold back.” 

On the other hand, his wife made sure that Christie Sides had someone who she could depend on amidst all the challenges. Having said that, there was a key personal challenge for Karima Christmas-Kelly of raising young Zayn while navigating the long-distance obstacles. Still, 850 miles distance from her husband couldn’t keep her spirits down.

“It’s just been an amazing ride so far”, Christmas-Kelly conveyed to Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson in May. “I can’t believe it’s my first Mother’s Day. I was like, ‘Oh, it’s really like my first one.’ I’m just excited about that.”

Christmas-Kelly kicked start her second season alongside Christie Sides just after her pregnancy in January 2023. Round about then only, Austin embarked on his assistant coach duties following an offer from White.

While this sweet gesture has all the recipe to bring a bright smile to Caitlin Clark’s face, she might not have the privilege to get herself distracted. Especially after coming to terms with Stephanie White’s ingrained mentality.

Caitlin Clark carries the weight of Stephanie White’s expectations

Hardly anyone would argue that Caitlin Clark and Stephanie White can be spirit animals. Simply because of their hunger to get a WNBA title next to their names. In order to achieve that, the bar must be set high. And that’s what Stephanie White is all about.

“The expectation was always to be competing for championships, and I think now we have an opportunity again to be doing that,” said White during an interview with The Fan – Indianapolis while sparing a thought on Fever’s trajectory.

At the same time, Clark’s excitement to welcome White also hints at her willingness to make the required changes and return a much stronger and better version of herself.

There isn’t much doubt that Caitlin Clark holds the key to White making that a reality. Certainly, it will be thrilling for the fans to experience how the execution takes place on the court. They sure will be delighted to witness all getting aboard for this ambitious ride.