Stephanie White heard a much different reaction from Indiana Fever fans Friday night than she did just a few days earlier.
The Fever head coach has been at the center of intense criticism following her initial comments about DiJonai Carrington's flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham. Before Indiana's win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday, White was booed by some fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. She later delivered an emotional defense of her relationship with her players, while Caitlin Clark and Cunningham publicly supported their coach. Clark even admitted hearing Fever fans boo White made her "a little sick."
By Friday night, the reception had changed dramatically.
Stephanie White Gets Big Cheers From Fever Fans
WISH-TV sports director Angela Moryan reported from Gainbridge Fieldhouse that White received a warm response during pregame introductions.
"Stephanie White gets big cheers from the home crowd tonight during starting lineups," Moryan reported on X.
The reaction was notable considering what happened Tuesday.
White had faced backlash after saying she didn't believe Carrington intentionally struck Cunningham across the neck during Indiana's Aug. 8 win over the Chicago Sky. White later explained that she hadn't seen the play in real time or watched a replay before making those comments.
After reviewing it, White called the foul "egregious" and strongly rejected suggestions that she didn't support her players.
The Fever organization also publicly backed White. Team president Kelly Krauskopf said the coach had the "full support of leadership."
Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham Defended White
More importantly, White's players made their position clear.
Cunningham, the player on the receiving end of Carrington's foul, said White "loves us" and emphasized that her coach hadn't initially seen the play. She also hugged White following Indiana's victory over New York.
Clark delivered an equally strong defense.
"I hated that our fans booed her before the game," Clark said Tuesday. "That made me a little sick, to be honest."
Three days later, the atmosphere surrounding White sounded considerably different.
The criticism hasn't necessarily disappeared, but Friday's reception offered a clear contrast to Tuesday night. Instead of boos during introductions, White received cheers from the home crowd.
After a turbulent week around the Fever, that was a noticeable message of support.
