Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has voiced her frustration over how her star player, Caitlin Clark, is being dragged into off-court controversies that have little to do with her game. The discussion began when Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier brought Clark into a debate about WNBA salaries during a conversation with commissioner Cathy Engelbert. According to Collier, she questioned Engelbert about the league’s low pay for rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, claiming that Engelbert responded by saying Clark “should be grateful” for her off-court endorsements, suggesting that without the WNBA’s platform, she wouldn’t have such opportunities.
The alleged remark quickly caused a stir among fans and media, forcing Engelbert to address the controversy directly. The WNBA commissioner firmly denied making any negative comments about Clark, emphasizing her respect and appreciation for what the young star has brought to the league. Engelbert described Clark as a “transformational player” who has drawn millions of new fans to women’s basketball. She also praised Indiana’s resilience throughout a tough season marred by injuries, saying the team’s determination — including Clark’s leadership — was commendable. Engelbert concluded by reiterating that the reported comments were “inaccurate” and that she holds great admiration for the Fever guard’s impact on the game.
Coach Stephanie White, however, couldn’t hide her disappointment that Clark keeps getting caught in others’ agendas. Speaking during an interview on Query & Company on 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis, White said, “I hate it all for Caitlin. She’s just a 23-year-old kid who loves the game, and she’s being used as a pawn in other people’s narratives.” The coach made it clear that Clark’s focus has always been basketball, yet her fame and influence have made her an easy target in debates that have nothing to do with her personal choices or performance.
White went on to praise Clark’s maturity and poise, especially considering her age and the spotlight she lives under. “She’s incredibly mature for 23,” White said. “She’s surrounded by people who care about her and help her navigate these challenges. She gets the big picture.” The coach also reflected on her own experience in the league, admitting that while she’s faced pressure before, it’s nothing compared to what Clark endures in today’s media-driven world.
To close, White compared Clark’s influence to that of legendary athletes like Tiger Woods and Serena Williams — rare figures who reshape their sports while facing intense public scrutiny. “Very few people can truly relate to what Caitlin’s going through,” she said. “All we can do is support her, offer guidance, and help her manage the noise. At the end of the day, it’s her life to live — and she handles it with more grace and humility than most of us ever could.”
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