Indianapolis – Last season was quite a ride for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark shot to the top of the league, and with support from fellow All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, the Fever experienced its best performance in nearly a decade.
However, that youthful spark only gets you so far, and Indiana faced a harsh reality when they were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun. Aiming to capitalize on their promising core around Clark, the Fever underwent a significant overhaul in the offseason.
Kelly Krauskopf returned to the franchise as the president of basketball and business operations, while Amber Cox left the Dallas Wings to become the general manager. Stephanie White was brought in from the Sun as the new head coach.
The roster saw a dramatic transformation. Only five players from last year’s squad returned—Clark, Boston, Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Damiris Dantas. The new front office and coaching team focused on surrounding these young talents with experienced players who have seen success.
Two-time champion Dewanna Bonner and three-time champion Natasha Howard joined the starting lineup. Sidney Colson, who has two championships under her belt, stepped in as a backup point guard. Sophie Cunningham, with five playoff appearances and one finals experience, is expected to contribute significantly off the bench.
Where last season’s excitement buzzed with youthful energy, expectations have shifted dramatically in the offseason. They unofficially kicked off the new season by facing the Mystics in their first preseason game.
The changes were clear.
Even with Clark sidelined due to a leg injury, the Fever’s energy was palpable from the get-go. Clark was vocal from the bench, directing the action with enthusiasm, something that stood in stark contrast to the previous season’s struggles with communication.
“Every competitor aims for a championship, but there’s a lot you learn as you go,” White remarked. “Bringing in players with championship experience helps shape our team. Understanding how to prepare mentally and physically for games, alongside having resources available for recovery—it all matters.”
This past season, Mitchell emerged as a team leader, despite her inexperience in postseason play. She was one of only four players on the roster with more than three years under her belt.
This year, though, she finds herself in a different role, one where she can learn alongside her teammates.
“It feels different,” Mitchell noted. “With so much talent added, this shift seems aimed at helping us find our best selves.” She also expressed hope in learning from the veterans who have tasted success, hinting at a longer journey to truly come together as a cohesive unit.
Cunningham showcased the difference in the Fever during her franchise debut. Last season, starters accounted for a significant 80% of the team’s scoring. This time around, she made an immediate impact, scoring 21 points during an overtime win against Washington.
It’s not just a matter of adding veterans, but depth has improved as well, blending established players with those ready to contribute.
“This marks a fresh start for many,” Cunningham said after the game. “There are remarkable individuals who are eager to put in the effort to succeed. The blend of championship experience is clever; now it’s about figuring out how to fit all the pieces together.”
While the Fever secured a win, their shooting percentage was just 30.3%, hinting at the work still ahead. Yet, there’s a palpable drive as they integrate various talents around a star like Clark.
Confidence in their potential runs high, buoyed by the players’ readiness to make sacrifices for the team’s success. The Fever is transitioning from an underdog narrative to one with genuine title aspirations.
However, for many rosters, this won’t be a completely new challenge.
“The returning players are undoubtedly eager to compete at a high level,” White said, “They welcome the veteran expertise and thrive on the challenges. They want to rise to the occasion.”
“And the veterans recognize the competitive fire in our younger players, which naturally drives every individual in our locker room to strive for greatness.”
