Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White issues apology over her major Caitlin Clark decision

INDIANA Fever coach Stephanie White has shared an apology over a recent decision concerning Caitlin Clark.

The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year has had a rollercoaster of a 2025 season thus far.

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White alongside star Caitlin Clark, during a game against the Las Vegas Aces last weekCredit: Getty

The Fever are 8-8 under White in her first season with the teamCredit: Getty
There was plenty of build-up ahead of what would’ve been the first-ever WNBA matchup between Clark and the 2025 No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers.

However, a groin injury caused Clark to miss the contest that saw the Fever beat the Dallas Wings, 94-86.

There was a possibility that Clark would play despite missing Thursday’s loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.

But the Fever coach, White, revealed before the Wings contest that the team is looking more at the “big picture” in regards to Clark’s injury.

White knew about the excitement over the Dallas game and sent an apology to the fans over her decision.

“I’m sorry for the people who are coming,” White said on Friday, per IndyStar’s Nathan Baird.

“I think I feel a disappointment for them, more than anything, because I want them to see her at her best and us at her best.

“I hate that for fans, but at the same time, for us as a team and for Caitlin as a person and player, her health and wellness is the priority.”

White revealed that Clark was “day to day” with her injury, making the 23-year-old’s status for Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup championship versus the Minnesota Lynx uncertain.

“I feel good, I’m gonna be day-to-day from here on out, and doing everything I can to put myself in a position to play the next game every single time,” Clark said after Sunday’s practice.

Caitlin Clark shows her disappointment as Indiana Fever lose to Las Vegas Aces
“That’s always my goal is to be available for the next game.

“Doing everything I can with the medical staff to be able to get my body right to be able to do that.

“But yeah, I feel good and just going day-by-day.”

Clark hasn’t played since June 24.

This is the second injury she has dealt with this season.

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Clark hasn’t played since the Fever’s win over the Seattle Storm last TuesdayCredit: AP
Clark suffered a left quad strain that kept her out for three weeks.

She has missed seven of the Fever’s 16 games this season.

It would make sense for Indiana to rest Clark on Tuesday as the championship doesn’t count as a regular-season game.

Despite having a down year by her standards, averaging 18.2 points and shooting just 39 percent overall, Clark earned the most fan votes for the 2025 All-Star Game in Indianapolis and was named a captain.