After parting ways with coach Christie Sides, the Indiana Fever, the Connecticut Sun have also decided to split with their coach, Stephanie White. White, a former player and coach for the Fever, has been rumored as a potential candidate to fill the vacancy in Indiana.
The Sun, under White’s coaching, achieved a 55-25 regular season and 7-7 postseason record. However, they will now be on the lookout for a new coach following the announcement made on Monday.
“We want to thank Stephanie for her time in Connecticut and her dedication to our organization over the past two seasons,” said Sun president Jen Rizzotti in a statement. “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
During her tenure as the Sun’s coach, White led the team to the semifinals in two consecutive seasons. She also received accolades like being named the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game coach and earning the WNBA and AP Coach of the Year titles that same season.
White joined the Sun in 2023 after coaching at Vanderbilt from 2016 to 2021. Before that, she had been an assistant with Indiana (2011-2014) before taking on the head coach role from 2015 to 2016.
Last season, the Sun finished with a record of 28-12 and lost in the WNBA semifinals to the Minnesota Lynx in five games.
White’s Next Move
White has had a successful return to the WNBA after stints in college basketball and broadcasting. Rumors suggest that she has been approached by several other teams during the offseason. With many coaching positions available across the league, White is unlikely to leave Connecticut without another opportunity in hand.
Given her ties to Indiana, it seems like a natural fit for White to land there. She has strong connections to the area, having attended college and high school in Indiana, played for the Fever, and worked alongside current team president Kelly Krauskopf.
The Sun’s Future
With White seeking new opportunities, the Sun may need to consider a rebuild. The team has made six consecutive WNBA semifinals but has yet to secure a championship. Under the Mohegan Indian tribe’s ownership, there are limitations on investment compared to other teams with billionaire owners.
Due to White’s departure, the Sun could pivot towards building for the future. With key players like Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Bri Jones as unrestricted free agents, the team might look to sell off veterans and focus on developing younger talent. They currently lack a first-round pick in the 2025 draft but could potentially trade for one in a deep draft class.
Further Reading
(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
