INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White rejoined her team on Monday after taking a brief personal leave. According to ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage, White had stepped away to support her partner, ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters, whose mother was facing a serious health issue. Salters was also absent from Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City on Sunday due to the family emergency.
“I’m doing okay, and I’m grateful for the people around me who lifted me up during this time,” White said. “I always say we have three head coaches on this staff, and it brings me peace knowing they can step up when needed. My family is navigating a tough period, but I’m staying present and thankful for this group.”
While White was away, associate head coach Austin Kelly led the Fever through Friday’s practice and Saturday’s game against Chicago. Despite missing key players Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, Kelly guided the team to a dominant 79-52 win, bringing the Fever’s record back to .500. Assistants Briann January and Karima Christmas-Kelly also stepped into bigger roles during White’s absence.
White praised the leadership of her staff, especially Kelly and January. “It’s no surprise Austin and Bri are both capable of being head coaches in this league,” she said. “Austin’s poise and clarity in communication have always stood out. We’re all on the same page when it comes to our approach to the game, and I was incredibly proud of how he handled things.”
White and Kelly share a similar coaching philosophy, making the temporary transition smooth for the players. Kelly has worked alongside White since 2023, first in Connecticut and now with the Fever.
Fever center Aliyah Boston expressed appreciation for both coaches. “AK did a great job stepping in, and we’re glad to have Steph back. For us, it’s about staying focused and preparing for what’s next which we did today for Atlanta.”
The bond among the Fever staff runs deep. White, January, Christmas-Kelly, and Kelly have all known each other for more than a decade, dating back to Indiana’s 2012 championship season, when Lin Dunn was the head coach. White was then an assistant, January and Christmas-Kelly were players, and Kelly was a practice player. Dunn, now a senior advisor, mentored White and helped shape her coaching career.
White continues that legacy, preparing her assistants for future leadership roles. “I owe so much to Lin Dunn,” White said. “She mentored me to be ready when my time came, and now I try to do the same for Austin and Bri. They’re both ready. If I ever need to step away again, I have full trust in them.”
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