Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White, fresh off guiding the team to the WNBA semifinals in her debut season, has announced an indefinite leave of absence to address a deeply personal matter: the recent breakup with her longtime partner, ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters. The news, confirmed by sources close to the couple, comes during the league’s offseason, allowing White the space to heal privately amid a whirlwind year on the court.
White, 48, and Salters, 53, had been in a committed relationship since at least 2016, following White’s divorce from her high school sweetheart. The pair built a blended family in Nashville, raising four boys: White’s three sons from her previous marriage—Landon, 13, and twins Aiden and Avery, 11—and Salters’ adopted son, Samuel, 11. Their low-key romance, often glimpsed in rare Instagram posts of family vacations, stunned fans when it surfaced publicly earlier this year during joint absences for Salters’ mother’s health crisis.
“Stephanie’s priority right now is her family and emotional well-being,” a Fever spokesperson stated. “We fully support her and look forward to her return.” Assistant coach Austin Kelly, who stepped in during White’s brief June leave, is expected to oversee offseason activities.
The split, described as amicable but heartbreaking, follows a challenging 2025 for White. Despite injuries sidelining star Caitlin Clark for much of the season—limiting her to 13 games—White’s tactical acumen led the Fever to a 24-20 record, their first Commissioner’s Cup title, and a playoff push. Clark, averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 assists before a groin injury, is set to return fully in May 2026, fueling optimism for a deeper run.
Off the court, White’s vulnerability shines through. In a recent Bird’s Eye View podcast, she opened up about coaching a young roster: “It’s exhausting—one day at a time, no what-ifs.” Now, that resilience faces its toughest test. Fans have flooded social media with support, hailing White as a trailblazer whose personal strength mirrors her sideline fire.
As the WNBA offseason unfolds, White’s absence underscores the human side of sports. Her return, whenever it comes, promises a coach more determined than ever. For now, the Fever—and the league—hold space for healing.
