Fever Coach Stephanie White Pumps Brakes on Caitlin Clark After Injury Update

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is taking a cautious approach with star player Caitlin Clark as she returns from injury.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a WNBA basketball game, with players and the ball broken down into overlapping angular shapes and planes of color.Stephanie White's measured approach to managing Caitlin Clark's return from injury aims to keep the Fever's superstar fresh for the long WNBA season ahead.Indianapolis Today

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White reunited with Caitlin Clark and the rest of the squad on Sunday as the team kicked off training camp ahead of the new WNBA season. While Clark is back at full strength after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, White has made it clear she will be taking a cautious approach with the two-time All-Star, limiting her reps in practice to prioritize her long-term health.

Why it matters

Clark is a cornerstone superstar for the Fever, but she suffered multiple soft tissue injuries last season that limited her to just 13 games. White wants to ensure Clark is fully healthy and able to contribute for the entire 2026 season, rather than risk re-injury by pushing her too hard in training camp.

The details

White said she doesn't want Clark to be 'out there every rep' and will be 'mindful of reps' for Clark as well as other key players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. The coach wants to give other players more opportunities to integrate into the team as well.

  • The Fever have officially kicked off training camp ahead of the new WNBA season.
  • The Fever's season-opener is scheduled for May 9 against the Dallas Wings.

The players

Stephanie White

The head coach of the Indiana Fever, who is entering her second season with the team.

Caitlin Clark

A two-time WNBA All-Star and the cornerstone superstar of the Indiana Fever, who is returning from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Kelsey Mitchell

A key player for the Indiana Fever who will also be managed carefully in training camp.

Aliyah Boston

Another important player for the Indiana Fever who will be integrated carefully in training camp.

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What they’re saying

“She doesn't have to be out there every rep, just being mindful of reps. I think every year that she gets older, too, she understands the cadence is a little bit different.”

— Stephanie White, Head Coach, Indiana Fever

“I think with her, with Kelsey [Mitchell], with [Aliyah Boston], with all of them, just be mindful of getting them in and out. And we need to get other people integrated anyway, so I think it'll give us a good opportunity to do that.”

— Stephanie White, Head Coach, Indiana Fever

What’s next

The Fever will continue training camp over the next three weeks as they prepare for their season-opener against the Dallas Wings on May 9.

The takeaway

Stephanie White's cautious approach with Caitlin Clark and other key Fever players shows the team's commitment to keeping their stars healthy for the long haul, rather than risking re-injury by pushing them too hard in the preseason. This measured strategy could pay dividends if it helps the Fever avoid the injury issues that plagued them last season.