Caitlin Clark’s coach reveals what she ‘hates’ about Fever star’s narratives originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Though quad, groin and ankle injuries derailed her 2025 season, Caitlin Clark continues to impress the Indiana Fever nonetheless.
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Clark last played on July 15, when she suffered a right groin strain in the final minutes of a road win over the Connecticut Sun. She was shut down for the season on Sept. 4 — but before and after an announcement that caused her great disappointment, Clark was seen next to head coach Stephanie White on the sideline of every game, home and away, offering valuable support as the Fever pushed the Las Vegas Aces to a decisive fifth game in the WNBA semifinals.
But Clark too has become central to ongoing labor strife, as the WNBA and the WNBPA try to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert allegedly said earlier this year that Clark — one of basketball’s biggest stars globally — “would have no platform” if it weren’t for the WNBA, comments Engelbert last Friday denied making.
During an appearance on 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis, White told Query & Company that Clark is a “pawn in a lot of other people’s games” and, fortunately, the two-time All-Star is blessed with an understanding of the “big picture” that is rivaled only by her on-court skillset.
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“I hate it all for Caitlin,” White said. “You know, she’s a 23-year-old kid who loves to play this game who is a pawn in a lot of other people’s games and a lot of other people’s narratives. And I hate that for her.”
White said Clark handles her fame as a “game-changer” with “so much grace and humility.” White told 107.5 The Fan that her role, as the head coach, is to guide and “navigate” Clark in the right direction — but Clark’s own decision-making will determine the path her career takes.
And so far, with a Rookie of the Year award and two All-Star selections under her belt, Clark seems to be doing alright, even after an injury-plagued 2025 season.
“You can probably name just maybe a handful more of athletes who have been the game changers and who have experienced what Caitlin Clark is experiencing. No one can really relate to what she’s going through,” White said, “I think the biggest thing is we can be there for her. We can offer perspective and do what we can to help deflect and navigate. But at the same time, it’s a life that she has to lead.”
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