Fever Announce Stephanie White Will Miss Valkyries Game for 'Personal Reasons'
Earlier this month Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and partner Lisa Salters of ESPN missed their respective duties to attend to a family matter.
Salters, who was calling the NBA Finals, missed some time as her mother was dealing with a health issue. White, meanwhile, missed the Fever's win over the Chicago Sky to support her partner.
"Thanks. You know, I'm doing all right. It's helpful that we have such a great group, pouring into me and helping give me strength. I've said it all along, we've got three head coaches on our staff," White said after she returned following the June 7 game. "And so knowing that they continue to step up and do great things gives me comfort. You know, our family is working through a hard time right now. And no matter what, I'm gonna be where my feet are, but I'm really thankful for this group."
On Thursday, June 19, the Fever announced White will be missing tonight's game against the Golden State Valkyries for personal reasons. While it's unclear if this is related to the health issues of Salters' mother, White's last absence was also listed as "personal reasons."
Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White will miss Thursday's game at the Golden State Valkyries for personal reasons, the team just announced. Austin Kelly will serve as acting head coach.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) June 19, 2025
Austin Kelly, who has worked with White for three years, will take over as the team's acting head coach on Thursday night. He joined her staff in Connecticut in 2023 and followed her to Indianapolis after she took the job with the Fever.
ESPN has not announced if Lisa Salters will be participating in the coverage of Game 6 tonight between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead the series 3-2.
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