Stephanie White PUTS Sheryl Swoopes IN HER PLACE In LATEST INTERVIEW, Defends Caitlin Clark & Fever!

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White on Cheryl Swoops’s recent podcast statements, specifically about Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, along with the Fever’s culture issues and coaching changes.

1. **Caitlin Clark and her development:**
– Stephanie White praised Caitlin Clark for her quick adaptation to the WNBA. She is not only a great player but also a potential leader for the team.

– Stephanie emphasized that Clark not only played well but also elevated her teammates, helping the Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. This success shows that Clark has proven her ability and put to rest Cheryl Swoops’s false predictions that Clark’s style of play would not be a good fit for the WNBA.

– In particular, White praised Clark’s passing ability, even comparing her to NBA legends like Isaiah Thomas, showing Clark’s importance and influence on the team.

2. **Cheryl Swoops and the false claims:**

– Cheryl Swoops, in a podcast, criticized Kelsey Mitchell, claiming that she was not given enough credit despite an impressive season. However, White and members of the team denied this claim. They affirmed that Mitchell was an important part of the team and contributed greatly to the Fever’s success.

– Swoops also caused controversy when she claimed that Caitlin Clark was playing her 5th year at Iowa, when in fact Clark was only in her 4th year.

– White, on the other hand, pointed out that the team is not just focused on one individual but on the overall development of the team, with Clark and Mitchell being important links.

3. **Indiana Fever Team Culture:**
– Swoops described a tense, divisive atmosphere in the Fever locker room, claiming that players were looking to leave because of Clark’s presence. However, players on the team, including Lexi Hull and Erica Wheeler, described a different atmosphere, with support and fun at every practice and game.
– Hull shared humorous moments in the locker room and the team’s unity. She said Clark always kept a positive spirit and encouraged his teammates during stressful times, which is completely different from what Swoops said about the team.

4. **Kelsey Mitchell and the recognition:**
– Kelsey Mitchell had a very successful season, averaging 19.2 points per game and leading the team to the playoffs for the first time in 7 years. Although Swoops believes she doesn’t get the credit she deserves, the team and its leadership recognize Mitchell’s importance.

– Team president Kelly Krausoff calls Mitchell the “rock” of the team and emphasizes that they wouldn’t have achieved their current success without her contributions.

5. **Coaching Changes:**
– The Fever decided to replace coach Christy Sides with Stephanie White, who has extensive experience and success with the Connecticut Sun. Swoops attributed the change to “Caitlyn Mania” and tension within the team, but Krausoff insists it was a strategic decision to maximize the team’s potential.

– White focuses on player development and creating an environment of open communication between players and coaches. She hopes to lead the team to many future WNBA championships.

6. **The team’s future outlook:**
– With a new coach and talented players like Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aaliyah Boston, the Fever are expected to go further and win important titles in the future. White hopes to build a strong, flexible team that is ready to conquer challenges.

A contrast between two different views of the Indiana Fever: one from Cheryl Swoops, who believes the team has major problems with culture and division, and one from players, coaches and managers, who affirm that the team is developing well, full of potential and unity.