Sun Jun 22 15:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White Returns to Team in Las Vegas After Absence**

**LAS VEGAS** – Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has rejoined the team in Las Vegas, Nevada, ahead of their Sunday afternoon game against the Las Vegas Aces. White missed Thursday’s game against the Golden State Valkyries due to personal reasons, marking her second absence this season.

Assistant coach Austin Kelly stepped up as acting head coach in White’s absence, leading the team against the Valkyries, a game which resulted in a 88-77 loss for the Fever.

White emphasized the seamless transition within the coaching staff, crediting a decade-long history of working together. “Rima, Bri, Austin, and I have been working together for the better part of 10, 12 years,” White stated. “It goes back a decade-plus of seeing the game a certain way, understanding one another’s strengths and weaknesses and putting each other in positions, just like our team, to be successful.”

The core coaching group originated from the 2012 Fever championship team, where January and Christmas-Kelly were players, Kelly served on the scout team, and White was an assistant coach. Their established bond has allowed for a smooth operational flow, with Kelly affirming that the coaching message remained consistent despite White’s absence.

White expressed her enthusiasm for being back with the team, noting the positive impact of being involved in the game. “When you’re around the game, it’s something that pours back into you,” White said. “It’s a release from sometimes the everyday challenges of life. Being around special people, people that can lift you up, it’s important as well.”

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, with the game broadcasted on ESPN.

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