How Fever Coach Keith Porter is Elevating Caitlin Clark’s Game (Interview)
Welcome to Courtside Club! I’m Rachel Deita, and today, we’re thrilled to feature the Indiana Fever’s Player Development Coach, Keith Porter—better known as Coach KP. You might recognize him from Caitlin Clark’s viral offseason workouts or his work with Aaliyah Boston. Today, we dive into all things Indiana Fever, Coach Stephanie White, and, of course, working with the rising star Caitlin Clark.
Coach KP on Joining the Indiana Fever:
Transitioning to his new role with the Fever, Coach KP reflects on his first month with the team. Despite the chilly Indiana weather, he’s loving every moment. “The fans, the franchise, everything has been amazing,” he says. “And working with Caitlin Clark every day? That’s a dream come true.”
This marks Coach KP’s third WNBA season, following two years with the Connecticut Sun under Coach Stephanie White. He praises Coach White’s leadership, calling her a “genuine and caring mentor.” “She gave me a voice in the locker room from day one,” he says, grateful for her trust and collaborative approach.
Caitlin Clark’s Development Journey:
Coach KP opens up about training Caitlin Clark, describing her as a rare talent with an incredible work ethic. “I over-prepped for our first workout—writing, re-writing, and scrapping plans—but it’s been worth it,” he shares. His focus is on fine-tuning Clark’s game, especially her pace and decision-making in pick-and-roll scenarios. “We’re adding tools to her arsenal, helping her shift gears and control the game.”
Clark’s composure and maturity also stand out. “She’s just 22, but she’s so level-headed,” he says. “You forget she’s a global star until you see her sitting next to Taylor Swift at a football game. Despite the pressure, she’s humble, grounded, and a better person than a player—and that says a lot.”
The Fever’s Fast-Paced Vision:
Coach KP discusses the team’s strategy under Coach White, emphasizing speed and adaptability. “We want to play fast, with players like Aaliyah Boston leading the charge as rim-runners,” he explains. “Conditioning is key—post players need to stay strong while keeping up with quick guards.”
He also highlights Boston’s unique strength and humor. “She’s a powerhouse in the post, but she’s also hilarious—everything with her feels like a punchline,” he laughs.
Offseason Training Insights:
For Coach KP, player development is a year-round commitment. “Offseason training varies based on the players’ schedules, especially with many going overseas,” he notes. “But whenever they’re home, we grind—working out almost daily.”
Collaboration is central to his process. He conducts detailed player breakdowns, watches film, and works closely with Coach White to tailor training plans. “It’s a mix of my insights and her guidance. She’s hands-on but also gives me the freedom to focus on player needs.”
Looking Ahead:
As the Fever prepare for the upcoming season, Coach KP is optimistic. “We’re building something special here,” he says. “The players are putting in the work, and we’re all aligned with Coach White’s win-now mindset.”
With stars like Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston leading the way, the Fever’s future looks brighter than ever.
I typically analyze games during the Olympic break, focusing on the second half of the season and the postseason. I create detailed reports comparing stats, positions, and player performance to the top teams in the league. I then create plans for improvement, such as adding new skills or focusing on specific situations. I compile everything into a PDF document and send it to Steph and the coaches for feedback. I also send it to the players to ask how they feel because I want everyone to be involved in the plan.
My goal is not just to force players to do something, but to explain why we are doing it. This helps them understand the problem and be more willing to execute. Communication and collaboration are at the core of my coaching approach. Since starting my coaching career in 2020, I have developed a training center in Connecticut and have been expanding it. I realized that working with kids, which I didn’t enjoy at first, became a passion because I was able to help them overcome the same struggles I had as a child.
I recently joined the Indiana Fever team and worked with talented players like Caitlin Clark. My goal is to help Caitlin and other players gain confidence, improve as a whole player, and reach their highest level of performance, aiming for a championship. Coaching is not just about developing skills, but also about bringing joy and confidence to every game.
