Good Follow - Indiana Fever’s Stephanie White Joins The Show, Paige Bueckers Goes #1 + WNBA Rivalry Week & More

Summary

Podcast Summary: Good Follow - Indiana Fever’s Stephanie White Joins The Show, Paige Bueckers Goes #1 + WNBA Rivalry Week & More

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Hosts: Roz Golden Woode and Logan Hackett
Guest: Stephanie White, Head Coach of the Indiana Fever
Presented by: DraftKings Network

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Introduction

In this episode of Good Follow, Roz Golden Woode and Logan Hackett delve into the latest happenings in the WNBA, including the high-profile draft, Rivalry Week, and the significant movements within the college transfer portal. The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with Stephanie White, the newly appointed head coach of the Indiana Fever.

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WNBA Draft Highlights

Paige Beckers Goes #1:

The WNBA draft saw Paige Beckers being selected as the number one overall pick by the Dallas team. Roz and Logan discuss the implications of this move:

• Potential as a New Face for Dallas: Roz notes, “Paige is so likable, she's easily marketable... she has a chance to rest which might bid beautiful for the rest of the team” ([04:14]).

• Team Dynamics in Dallas: With Arike Ogunbowale leading the team and the addition of players like Dijonay Carrington and Isaiah James, there's optimism about a smooth transition and enhanced wing depth.

Surprising Draft Picks:

Logan expresses surprise at deviations from mock drafts, particularly the lower-than-expected selection of Cheyenne Sellers and Sarah Ashley Barker.

Undrafted Players:

Roz highlights notable undrafted talents such as Sedona Prince, Deja Kelly, and Diamond Johnson, discussing the reasons behind their exclusion and the potential for training camp opportunities ([05:04]–[08:15]).

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WNBA Rivalry Week

The WNBA introduced Rivalry Week with games scheduled between August 9th and 17th. Roz and Logan examine the curated matchups:

• Sky vs. Fever: Roz appreciates the league's effort to build storylines, while Logan questions the authenticity of certain rivalries, particularly the Sky vs. Fever matchup, citing a lack of historical competition ([08:49]–[11:26]).

• Other Notable Matchups: New York Liberty vs. Lynx and Liberty vs. Aces are discussed as more meaningful rivalries due to past championship encounters and star power.

Stephanie White's Insights:

Stephanie emphasizes the importance of genuine competition and warns against manufactured rivalries that may not resonate with fans:

“I just hope it doesn't... invite the obnoxious and sometimes toxic conversations that came around this matchup” ([10:08]).

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Exclusive Interview with Stephanie White

Background and Connection to Indiana:

Stephanie White shares her deep-rooted connection to Indiana, highlighting her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming the head coach of the Indiana Fever. She credits her community for fostering her basketball dreams:

“I consider myself a community project... they were dead set on helping me accomplish my goals” ([13:45]).

Influence of Tamika Catchings:

Discussing her time as a player alongside Tamika Catchings, Stephanie reflects on Catchings' leadership and competitive spirit, which continues to influence her coaching philosophy:

“Tamika sets the standard because she works in practice, the way that she plays... that's who she is” ([16:48]).

Vision for the Indiana Fever:

Stephanie outlines her priorities as head coach:

1. Building Relationships: Focus on connection and trust within the team.
2. Roster Development: Integrating veteran players who complement the team’s core.
3. Defensive Enhancement: Addressing the team’s defensive weaknesses through strategic player roles.

Player-Specific Strategies:

• Caitlin Clark:
  Strengths: Exceptional shooting and facilitation.
  Areas for Improvement: Physicality, defensive positioning, and shot diversification.

  “Helping her navigate the... when to do it and when not to” ([25:30]).

• Aaliyah Boston:
  Development Goals: Enhancing facilitating abilities and consistent three-point shooting.

  “Challenging her to become a consistent doesn’t have to be high volume but a consistent three-point shooter” ([29:27]).

• Kelsey Mitchell:
  Next Level: Maximizing her scoring efficiency while integrating her into a versatile offensive system.

  “We're going to give her multiple options in that action” ([31:11]).

Protecting Players from Toxic Coverage:

Stephanie emphasizes creating a safe and respectful team environment, actively combating negative narratives and ensuring players are shielded from external toxicity:

“We have to be very protective of our space... Don’t be a bad human being” ([34:02]).

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Quick Hits and Highlights

Women's World Cup 2031:

The upcoming Women's World Cup will be hosted in the US, projected to partner with CONCACAF nations similar to the Men's World Cup structure.

WNBA Draft Outfits:

Roz and Logan critique the fashion at the WNBA draft, applauding players like Dominique Malonga and Kiki representing their cultural heritage through their attire. They particularly highlight:

• Dominique Malonga: Showcased Cameroonian and Congolese influences.
• Nika Mule: Stole the show with her glamorous gown and distinctive style.

League Promotional Oversights:

Roz points out the exclusion of Caitlin Clark from WNBA promotional graphics, sparking discussions on representation and recognition:

“Fee is a top two player in the world right now... it's very unserious” ([50:22]).

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Conclusion

Roz and Logan wrap up the episode by reiterating the exciting developments within the WNBA and expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming season. They encourage listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes, promising more in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews.

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Notable Quotes:

• Roz Golden Woode on Stefanie White’s Community Roots:

  “I consider myself a community project... they were dead set on helping me accomplish my goals” ([13:14]–[13:45]).

• Stephanie White on Team Dynamics:

  “We have to be very protective of our space. If you don't have the ability to shut it down, then we have to have to have and utilize the resource to keep it on the outside” ([34:02]).

• Roz on WNBA Rivalry Week:

  “I just hope we can do this without inviting the obnoxious and sometimes toxic conversations” ([10:08]).

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This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current WNBA landscape, insightful player and team analyses, and an inspiring interview with one of the league's emerging coaching talents, making it a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts.

Transcript

[Logan Hackett]

You're listening to DraftKings Network.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Hey, what's up everyone? Welcome to goodfollow, presented by DraftKings. I'm Roz Golden Woode. That's my girl, Logan Hackett. Logan, what's going on? How are.

[Logan Hackett]

I'm great. How are you, girl?

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm good. I can't believe it's April already, can you? Where's the time going?

[Logan Hackett]

Right. I was just looking at the calendar and the fact that training camp starts like next week. I think Sunday or the 27th, whenever that is. It's too quick. Everything is so fastly approaching.

[Roz Golden Woode]

We got a great show for y'all today. These are the topics we'll be discussing. The WNBA draft, obviously, Paige Beckers and her fit in Dallas and literally Paige's fashion fit at the draft. Plus all the different looks and and fashion and fit that came out of the draft. We take a look at the WNBA sparkly new Rivals week and which matchups we like more or less and whether or not unrivaled is putting more pressure on the WNBA with their lucrative contracts. And we continue to update you on the college transfer portal, including the underclassmen mass exodus out of ucla, please. Plus we also have an exclusive sit down interview with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and she takes us through the entire roster, including her vision for Caitlin Clark in year two. So big show, Logan.

[Logan Hackett]

Huge. I'm so excited. But y'all, as always, thank you so much for subscribing, commenting, liking pressing all the buttons following us. And new episodes drop every Wednesday at 7pm Eastern, so y'all better tap in. Rozzie ready?

[Roz Golden Woode]

Ready to go.

[Logan Hackett]

All righty. Well, as we all expected, Paige went number one in the WNBA draft on Monday night. And though we knew it was going to happen, it was still bittersweet. And Dallas is welcoming her with open arms. But if you kind of think of the state of basketball and in Dallas, it's quite up in the air right now. I mean, fans are still upset that they lost Luka. They don't really have a star, a top tier face of basketball. So do you think that Paige could be the new face of basketball in Dallas?

[Roz Golden Woode]

I think it's a super exciting time right now in Dallas getting Paige Beckers, getting the number one overall draft pick. It's hard for me to say that Paige suddenly becomes the face of basketball in Dallas when Ariquembowle is on that team and heading into her seventh season there. And you also got Dijonay Carrington. I mean, these are full blown stars on this team and I also think like there might be a natural transition period or adjustment period. Being a guard in the WNBA is hard. Paige is built wiry and defenders are bigger, stronger, faster. So my question is, can Paige keep up her efficiency as a shooter? I know that was something she was always like obsessed with and loved. But her shooting ability will create spacing. I think she's going to eat off of the spacing created for her by Arike Ogunbowale. And I also think Dallas now has so much wing depth because it's not just Paige Beckers or Ari Gay. They also added Isaiah James which is a great guard player out of the collegiate side. You have Ty Harris, you have Dijonay Carrington on the wing and I think that'll be big for Arike who played the most minutes in the league last season, 38.6 minutes per game or something like that. My girl can have a chance to rest which might bid beautiful for the rest of the team. So that depth is exciting. But, but as far as Paige, she's so likable, she's easily marketable. Her teammates are welcoming her with open arms. Look at all the tweets from, from Arike, everything. She's got a fan base that'll come with her and I just think her light hearted and personality and her being a good, a great human and great teammate, which we've seen her demonstrate over the years will be very welcome in a Dallas locker room that has a lot of new faces, a new coach. It's a new era so I think it'll help everything mesh.

[Logan Hackett]

I actually just saw a tweet from Ari right before we started filming and I think it was something around God takes you through the low so you can come out on the other side. And Paige is our other side. Like we're, we're really together as a team and getting Paige with the cherry on top. But following Paige at number one, the picks two to four went pretty much how we expected with Dominique Malonga going to the Storm and then Sonia Citron and Kiki Irafin going to the Mystics. Now I was shocked what came after because when you look at the mock drafts it was completely different. The mock drafts went out the window is like they never even existed. Personally, I'm shocked that Cheyenne Sellers didn't go higher. Sarah Ashley Barker went as high as she did, which I think she's very deserving. But it was very unexpected. And even Georgia Amore getting drafted 6, I did not expect to see that whatsoever. But looking at this list, what stood out to you about this year's draft.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, I'll just point out Haley Van Lif because I think in our last show I, I said that I thought she'd go higher than people had predicted because her, her season at TCU was a success, her tournament performance was a success. Um, and I think that helped her go higher. And she comes in at number 11 in Chicago. And she's going to have the opportunity to not have everything be on her shoulders, but at the same time, she'll get to learn from Courtney Vandersloot, one of the great point guards of our. Of the all a woman's basketball. A reunion with Angel Reese, which I think, you know, could be comfortable for her. And Tyler Marsh is a coach that's well regarded as someone who works really well with players and develops them. It could be a nice fit for her.

[Logan Hackett]

I could really see Camilla, angel and Haley just absolutely like the. What's it called, Not a dynamic trio, triple threat.

[Stephanie White]

That.

[Logan Hackett]

That's it for the future for sure. Yeah, absolutely. But there were also some players that we didn't see get drafted and there's a lot of discourse online. But who stood out to you that didn't get drafted?

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, the headline starts with Sedona Prince not getting drafted. And I think her size and stats alone should have allowed her to get drafted this year, but it was her conduct. It's the allegations of domestic violence that I think the GMs of the league made a cultural statement in not drafting her. And look, Sedona may end up in the WNBA and in the league, but she just. That, that won't allow. They wouldn't allow her to be rewarded by being drafted. So, you know, she's going to have to prove her way in. And I also think she didn't have a great final game of her collegiate season. Plus her taking seven years to finish college and the injuries, I think, you know, that all went against her there. Um, another player that didn't get drafted, boy, Deja Kelly, you know, she, first of all, she was decked to the nines. Like she had this awesome outfit on and it almost makes you feel like, oh, how, how vulnerable and public these players are as they pursue their dreams and that you could fall flat and not get drafted on this, on this very public night. And you know, Oregon didn't have a great season. I did think she had a nice finish this season and a great first round performance in the tournament. Hopefully she'll get a chance in training camp to show what she can do. And the biggest outcry came for Diamond Johnson at a Norfolk stake. So, you know, we're talking HBCU. This is the me at conference player of the year. She averaged like 19 points per game. Also was doing it on defense, led the Conference in steals, 3.6 steals, was an all defensive selection. And if, if critics were like, oh well, is the me at conference tough enough? But she also played at Ruckers and NC State. You know, this is acc, this is Big Ten and she did well there. She was highly regarded there. So I think the critique and the outcry was why suddenly was she not good enough to be drafted here? Given the numbers and the, the, the pedigree speaks, the body of work was speaking for itself. Perhaps the lack of attention or respect for me basketball, HBCU basketball and attention to what's going on there.

[Logan Hackett]

I, I can definitely see a lot of them getting training camp contracts and I hope that they make a team too, because there's no better feeling than going undrafted and then making a team, being like, come on now, you should have taken me. But moving on to the WNBA season, we're getting an entire week dedicated to W rivalries and they announced that their games are going to be between August 9th and 17th. But while there are some rivalries here, the one that jumps out is sky and Fever with people upset saying it's not a true rivalry. But just looking at this as a whole, I mean, do you think that some of these rivalries are being played up?

[Roz Golden Woode]

First of all, Logan, like bigger picture here. I like the effort of the league to try and create some urgency storylines that fans can follow. This is called stickiness. It's an opportunity also to monetize the partner. Ally on this is a huge get for the, for the wnba. So you know, look, some of these games do make sense, right? Like New York Liberty versus Lynx. That run it back. Championship, WNBA finals. It went five games. It was controversial. Liberty versus Aces. That was the year before his finals Commissioners cup star power. Although the Aces do look different. But the star power, you've got your reigning mvp. You got to have Asia there. It makes sense, right? Sky versus Fever. So Logan, do you like that one?

[Logan Hackett]

I don't for a number of reasons. First of all, where's the rivalry? I mean, if angel and Caitlin is the rivalry that you're talking about, it's that that is even non existent. They don't play the same position. And that's the part that gets me the most. Like there's a matchup. Fever and Dallas on here. Paige against Caitlin. Both at the point most likely. That's exciting. First round or first overall against first overall. But I'm so done with the Caitlyn and Angel rivalry that's being created. But just as teams, I don't see it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Okay, I'll go devil's advocate the other way. Like, let's not be dense about this. This is in, in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, you have the two most followed, most visible new young faces in the WNBA that people are talking about. And they do have a history that goes back to college. The rivalry is certainly more fan created than it is player created. To your point. They don't play the same position. They largely seem like at, at, at minimum there's a respect there between the two of them. So I just think this is like we're going to put our two hottest names on TV and boom. Just. I just hope it doesn't. I, I hope we can do this without inviting the obnoxious and sometimes toxic conversations that came around this, this matchup. So Fever versus Dallas, there's no rivalry, but it is the top two number one picks for the last two years. Right? So like that's interesting. I'd sign up for that.

[Logan Hackett]

Like, right.

[Roz Golden Woode]

The one, the one, the one. The two places where I'm like, okay, the Valkyries and having a rivalry week is kind of funny, right? Like they don't even have history. They just started. It's their first year. Who they beefing with already and the.

[Logan Hackett]

Fact that they're not even going up against teams that are close to them. Like we have Atlanta and then the other one is Chicago. Like at least do a proximity rivalry or something.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Look, Kathy had to showcase her brand new sparkly franchise somehow, some way. And you mentioned Atlanta. There is Atlanta Dream versus the Phoenix Mercury. So that's Brittney Griner versus her former team. I'm. Yeah, on that one, I'm like, I'm less into that storyline as much as I'm into those are two new look rosters on two teams that are very talented. And I actually just think I'm interested in seeing this very good game between, between the Dream and the Mercury. So any. I'll be tuning in. I will be sad and I'm just going to give a clap to the league trying to further storylines, fandom, urgency, stickiness, whether it be through rivalry week or the Commissioners Cup, I think it's all good for the game.

[Logan Hackett]

It's also taking place as there's a push towards playoffs, so there's a bit more added pressure to the Games. But y'all, we have to go to break. And coming right up, Ross sits down with the Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White. And it's amazing and I cannot wait for y'all to see it. We'll be right back.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Hey, what's up? Good. Follow this is Roz, and we have an exclusive sit down interview with the new head coach of the Indiana Fever. She was the 2023 WNBA of the year, an NCAA champion, a baller herself, a WNBA champion, and my former broadcasting teammate. What's up? Stephanie Wyatt.

[Stephanie White]

What's going on? How are you?

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm good. It's so great to have you on the show, Steph, and that you made the time. I'm sure you have a million things going on.

[Stephanie White]

No, I appreciate you having me on.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah, for sure. I was, you know, looking up all of your, your history and stories and I'm like, this is a real indie gal, like, born in Indiana. You played your college ball in Indiana at Purd do you played for the Fever in the wnba along other stops in coaching. You actually were an assistant coach with the Fever and now here you are back as the head coach of the Indiana Fever. Just how has, how has Indiana shaped you and just been a backdrop for you over the course of your life story?

[Stephanie White]

Yeah, you know, it's interesting because people, when they ask about my background, I, I, I consider myself a community project. You know, I grew up in a very small town in the state of Indiana. And of course, you know, anybody who knows basketball knows the rich history of baske in the state of Indiana. And typically that, that works through the cornfields, right? So it's, it's country and it's basketball. And that's really how I grew up. And I grew up in a small community, no stoplights in our entire county, right? Everybody in our county went to one high school. And growing up in that area, it was thought at the time that no one from a small school would get a college scholarship offer. I wasn't going to be able to do that unless I moved to the city or I moved to, you know, a bigger school. And everyone in my community was dead set on helping me accomplish my goals. Whether that was from the time I was 10 years old playing with the guys who I called the old men in our town who played on Sundays and Wednesdays, who were probably in their 30s maybe at the time, allowing me to play with them and really trying to teach me the game to, you know, when we couldn't afford to send me to AAU national tournaments, you Know that our community got behind that and had fundraisers and helped me, you know, get to the point where I could be seen by college coaches. I mean, remember, you know, that was a long, long time ago. So no social media. Right. Like, very little. Very little television, no Internet, you know, none of that stuff. It was, you know, you go to a couple of tournaments a year that college coaches are there, you go to one AAU national tournament, the college coaches are there, and that's how you get seen. And so I do feel like I was a community project. And so being from Indiana, being able to continue my career in college and the WNBA in Indiana, it's just in my blood, you know, it's in my blood. It's who I am. And so the opportunity for me to be able to come home and I really, you know, mean that. It's not just a phrase to me to come home, you know, was it just. I didn't know that. I didn't think that that would happen. And so the ability for that to happen and the opportunity that presented itself, it was too good to be true.

[Roz Golden Woode]

This is a true homecoming in every way of it. And, like, not to continue to use cliches, but it took a village.

[Stephanie White]

Yes.

[Roz Golden Woode]

You know, and it says a lot about you that, like, pretty much what you said was, you know, the whole hood, Everybody believes in you.

[Stephanie White]

Exactly.

[Roz Golden Woode]

We was like, we're going to get Steph to her dreams. And you've absolutely done that as a player, as a coach, and you've been already a part of history with the Indiana Fever franchise and organization. Before we talk about the present, I want to. I want to look at history because you actually overlapped as a player with the great hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, and as a coach, you were on the staff when, you know, that team won the WNBA championship, the only one in fever history. So let's start with Tamika Catchings. Just, like, how did she influence the way you see the game and impact this franchise and set a tone for it? Yeah.

[Stephanie White]

You know, the interesting thing about. About Tamika, when she was drafted, I don't know if you recall when she was drafted. She was injured. She had. She had hurt her knee. She was not going to play her rookie year. And I was a part of the team at that time. Tamika and I were roommates a lot on the road. And I remember she didn't say a lot. Right. She didn't talk a lot. She wasn't playing. She wasn't actively involved in practice every day. But when we didn't win a lot. Right. Like, we were. We were an expansion team. We didn't win a lot. But she still had this competitive fire. And so when she did speak in the locker room, whether it was about our habits or about the way we were approaching games or like. And she was not used to losing. Right. She was used to winning. You know, it said a lot to me about the type of number one player and person and competitor that she was, but number two leader she was going to be, that she was not actively involved in playing or participating at that time, but she was actively involved in where we were going to be and how we were going to go about our business on a daily basis. And I love that about her. And that's who she is. Ultimately. That's who she is. And I remember as a teammate, Tameka sets the standard because she works in practice, the way that she plays, which is all out every day, and a.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Terror, historic terror on defense. But I think it's cool that you got to see two perspectives of her early, early in her career and then later as a coach, you know, her fully blossomed as a player. And, you know, you've got an interesting roster that you're heading into as the head coach and we like, focus in on the now for the Indiana Fever. You've got a unique locker room. It is undoubtedly super talented, but it's such a mashup of unique personalities. And I'll also say established storylines for each of these players. Like, there aren't some players that like, haven't figured out what they're about or like the storyline hasn't been created for them in the W. And you've got all of this coming into your locker room. So, you know, seasons on the way, what are going to be your first priorities? Maybe even exercises in creating common, common ground and meshing this team.

[Stephanie White]

Yeah, you know, I think one of the, one of the early conversations, you know, for us as a coaching staff has just been about connection and building relationship and, you know, approaching the players who were in that locker room a year ago in, hey, like, you know, what. What is it that you want to accomplish? You know, you don't do what. What do you. What is it that. That we can help you? Like, you don't know what you don't know. Right. And most of those guys were pretty young, certainly pretty young in terms of playoff experience, and then approaching them in sort of a self scout way, like, this is what we would do to you when we played you. So these are the things that we want to work on so first establishing with those players that that had been here and continuing to work on our communication and relationship building. Because we know at the end of the day, you know, it doesn't matter what you know. You know, if you don't have connection, if you don't build relationship and if you don't build trust. And so we've really started from a foundational level of that. And then it was really important who we added in free agency and in the off season fit who we already had. I mean, look, our big three with Caitlin and Kelsey and Aaliyah, like you got to have certain kinds of vets that fit around them, that number one, fill the gaps that we need in our, in our lineups, in our rosters. But number two, have, have accomplished, you know, multiple things that can lead them in a way that, that, that, that they haven't been led before, but also understand where they fit in the scope of what the Indiana Fever is about now and what we're about in the future and that give us a chance to compete for championships. And I think that Amber and Kelly did an outstanding job. I mean, certainly crushed it. I mean, they crushed it. They did. You know, you think about bringing in Natasha Howard, who was, who was drafted by the Indiana Fever when I was an assistant coach, was traded by the Indiana Fever when I was the head coach, just went out and won multiple championships after that. You know, continue. Absolutely. To continue to become one of the greatest players in the history of our league. Played every different kind of role. Is soft spoken. So when she speaks, you listen. Because it matters, right? Gives us a little bit different look at that position than we, we've had before. Dana Bonner, who, again, winner, right. Has won at every level, competed and won it for a championship in, in Phoenix, you know, competed for championships with us in, In Connecticut. Versatility, which is critical for our system and what we want, ultra competitive and. But also like a mother hen, right? So can be that one that can, can like push you and challenge you, but also like embrace you and hug you and help you understand all the things that, that go along with, with the ups and downs and the long season that we have this sprint marathon of a season, you know, and can knock down a shot, can spread the floor, can do all the things that we need to do. You know, Sydney Colson, a backup point guard, was really important for us. Again, a winner. A winner at every, at every level. Different kind and vibes and different kind of leadership. Like, not afraid to speak her mind. Like, has Been through the rigor and the battles, has played, has not played, has been in rotation, has not been in rotation. Was called upon when Chelsea Gray goes down with injury in the finals and ultimately helps them win the series after not having played a lot throughout the course of the season. So it's played various roles and understands, you know, how important it is to stay ready. Is one of those players who can nip things in the bud in the locker room without it having to get to us as coaches builds our depth on the perimeter, allows us a little bit more versatility with Caitlin and Kelsey and what we do with them. Really important to get somebody of her caliber, you know, certainly for us. Sophie Cunningham. Toughness, right? Winner, ability, ability to play multiple positions, plays with tough. Has played with tough competitors. I mean, was. Was essentially mentored by the all time greatest in Diana Taurasi, right? So now she can be that mentor. She can be that player who comes in and brings us that. That toughness and that swag, yet keeps our vers, can knock down shots, which shot making is so important, you know, for us and, and take some pressure off of our big three because all of these other guys can do their own thing, right? But when they fit with what we have, I think it makes us really, really dangerous. Plus, all of those players are going to help us on the defensive end of the floor, which has been our greatest deficiency. And, and so I, I think that having that. Having veteran players who understand what it is to be a part of this organization, who are not afraid of all of the things that come with being a part of the Indiana Fever and who ultimately, at the end of the day are great teammates, great people and just want to win.

[Roz Golden Woode]

That is a great walk through all of the additions, all of the star power and muscle that you have joining the team this season. And you mentioned the big Three. I'll guide you through it. Let's start talking about them. Let's start with Caitlin Clark. You have a generational talent. Sometimes that word is thrown around, but I think it's really fitting here for Caitlin and her talent and her potential at the point guard position. So Caitlin Clark was on an alternate broadcast with Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird and one of my favorite parts of it. So she's got a goal and she wants to have less technical fouls.

[Stephanie White]

That's a good goal.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And you know, she plays with such passion and fire and of course sometimes that, that spills over and sometimes that can, you know, show very visibly, but a lot of times the passion is good. So, like, what's your immediate reaction to that?

[Stephanie White]

Did Diana give her any advice?

[Roz Golden Woode]

I think they were bragging on the types of texts they all got.

[Stephanie White]

I'm sure they were. You know, I think my initial reaction is, is look like momentum changing technicals. We can't have the unnecessary ones. Like, we can't have, you know, having conversations about what it means to. To show your fire and like, you don't want to take any of that away because that's what makes her special. Right? But. But to channel some of that, you know, in a way that. That may not hinder our team. The margin for error in this league to win a championship is so small, you know, and if one technical in a game changes the momentum and causes you to lose it, that's big. So when we get them, the timeliness of them, the ones that happen, you know, in a heat of the moment, competitive, whatever. Okay, like, yeah, we live with those. It's the nagging ones, right? Like the official and continuing to nag and nagging. Like, that's my job. That's my job. So I think for. For. For me, it's. It's helping her navigate the. The when. When. When to do it and when not to, you know, helping her maintain, you know, a.

[Roz Golden Woode]

A.

[Stephanie White]

A constructive channel for a lot of that competitive spirit. And, you know, I think it's important for Caitlin to utilize Tamika Catchings because Catch was the same way. Like, you know, oftentimes our greatest strength can sometimes be our greatest weakness. Right? That fiery competitive, like, is the reason that you're. You're so successful. But sometimes it can. It can hurt depending upon the timing of it. And so I think Catch is a great resource for that too. You know, I think just being honest with her about, like, certain times, like, yo, it's time to kind of chill or, or, hey, yeah, yeah, go ahead. Or I'll get this one right. Like, I get this one. You know, having those conversations, you don't want to stifle the things that make her great, but you also have to take into consideration all of the things that go into the ultimate opportunities for success for your team.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I think this is why it's so great that your coach here, because as a broadcaster covering you as a coach, players have often said you're a player's coach. And, like, I feel like this is one of those moments where, like, you've got a good feel for it in working with her. Okay, so besides this decreasing tax, we already know that Caitlin has put on some. Some strength and musc had that viral.

[Stephanie White]

You saw that? Yeah. I asked her if it was Photoshopped.

[Roz Golden Woode]

She said it was AI now, But we know she's putting work in on the way in the weight room. But besides those two things, like, what aspects of her game would you like to work with her on for this season?

[Stephanie White]

Yeah, I mean, certainly getting stronger was one. You know, the level of physicality in the W is totally different. You know, that's the way that teams have to try to keep her off balance, keeping a low center of gravity. You know, there are times where she plays a little bit upright, making sure core strength and her ability to move with time under tension and stay in a low center of gravity is important. You know, lateral movement, like one of the challenges that we're coming to her with right away is that on the defensive end of the floor. No. You know, use your size, use your length. You've got to make. That's got to be a priority, right? That's got to be a priority to play both ends because we don't have to go from, you know, 11 or 12 to 1 or 2, but we got to get to middle of the pack. You know, I think from from just a straight basketball perspective, making sure that, that. That we. We help her diversify, you know, her. Her finishing ability diversify in the way that it's not predictable to be able to be equal in terms of production and facilitation going right and left, to be able to have different types of finishing looks, whether it's, you know, crossbody finishes, whether it's floaters at the rim, whether it's quick floaters, long floaters. You. You can't quite be as fundamentally predictable with as. As as much athleticism, speed, quickness, and. And as much as the game plan is going to be geared toward her. And then I think the challenge for us as coaches is how do we get a rest when she's on the floor while she's playing, right, like while she's on the floor. And some of that's going to be playing off ball, utilize her as a screener, getting her. Her into action on the third and fourth side instead of the first and second, where it's easy to game plan against now how we use her to help everybody else be better off the ball. We know how great she is with the ball in her hands. We're not going to take that away, but we've got to be able to diversify a bit in how we use her. So from those kind of challenges as well, I mean, we've got like a short term kind of list and, and we got a long term kind of list. But, but Caitlin, now I remember from the very first day when we were working on balance and we were working on footwork and we were looking on all those things from day one to day two, she had it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Wow.

[Stephanie White]

Like, like she's a perfectionist and she, she wants it and she's going to work on it. So that long list might get shorter every day. Every day we're in practice.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Another part of the list too takes a look at Aaliyah Boston. Because that two player game between Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston by the end of the season, Steph, it, it really had a lot of growth and rhythm and flow to it. So what do you envision, you know, that part of the game, especially Aaliyah Boston here in year two of them together.

[Stephanie White]

Yeah, I think number one. Yes, you're absolutely right. I love the way that they work together in the two man game. They got so good at reading one. You know, I think Aaliyah is an outstanding facilitator as well from that post position. So we're going to use her a little bit more like a hub, right? Like a little bit more like a, like a jokic in how she gets the ball and whether that's, you know, in the trail, you know, in a lot of our stuff in flow or whether that's on the block. I don't want her to have to work as hard like one on one, you know, I don't want her to have to just, you know, pound and pound and body and dribble in a one on one situation to get shots. We want to make her life easier. How can we get her touches at the rim where she can just go right into to her finishes. How can we get her touches off the block where then we can run off ball action and she can be a facilitator. Then she can get into other actions that allow her to move after she's gotten rid of it to get some easy buckets as opposed to just everybody knows a strong side pick and roll is coming. So a little bit more movement, a little bit more usage in her in terms of facilitating and a little bit more versatility in her game. I mean, challenging her to become a consistent doesn't have to be high volume but a consistent three point shooter, like looking for those, you know, being able, being able to use other aspects of her game outside of just pounding with her back to the basket.

[Roz Golden Woode]

If I'm Aaliyah Boston and I happen be. Happen to be watching good follow show and watching this interview. I would be so excited to hear all of like the accountability and opportunity you're giving her to potentially grow into. There is nothing like a facilitating big. But let me take, let me take you to Kelsey Mitchell, who is 29, I believe so we are talking about prime years. Okay. What's next level for her? Because we know she is a bucket. A bucket. A bucket.

[Stephanie White]

Yeah. I mean, you know, Kelsey was our number one priority in free agency, you know, making sure that we're re signing her, making sure that she understands how important she is to everything that. That we are going to do. You know, she is the. The. Probably the one person on our roster that can just get a bucket. Doesn't need any help. Right. You know, I think our ability as a staff to move her around and utilize her strengths and her ability to get down. She doesn't need a screen, right. She doesn't need the two man. The ability to get downhill, the ability to use her in. In two or three actions to get her wide open looks, to use her speed in the open floor, you know, to put her in positions. You know, I thought last year and you look at her numbers, it was the most efficient year that she's had. Less shots. Most efficient, right. All star performance, you know, all. She's an all league performer in my mind, you know, no doubt about it. But I think our system and the way that we can, we can continue to. To play to her strengths and put her in positions for success, I think it's going to be really good. We're going to free her up to just play. You know, we're going to. We're going to use her and Caitlin in a lot of stuff together. We're going to use them as screeners and a lot of action to then open them up. I mean, we all know everybody knows if you're a great scorer, if you can be a great screener, you're going to get a lot more shots, you know, and then we're going to put her in position to do what she does best and break down the defense and. And we're going to have other actions where it's not like, here you go, Kelsey, you got to make a play. And then we're just watching, right. So we're going to give her multiple options in that action, you know, and then I think she can be a real key for us on the defensive end of the floor. She's been relied upon so heavily offensively in her time in Indiana and of course, you know, had the most talent that she's ever had around her a year ago, and I think this year will be. Will be even more so. So take some pressure off of her to feel the burden of. Of having to make the play. But also I think she's going to get more wide open looks than she's ever gotten before because of who we have on the floor and because of their ability to space the floor.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I mean, we're already talking about an all Star in Kelsey Mitchell, but like an even further breakout season. How exciting. You know, and you keep talking about defense, too, so I'm gonna be looking for the growth and the jump there.

[Stephanie White]

We gotta grow.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm gonna get you out on this one. This is just like a bigger picture way of looking at this upcoming season, because last year, the Indiana Fever, and quite frankly, Caitlin Clark saw unprecedented levels of attention. You know, and that meant coverage, fandom, and sometimes it could be hard on the players, even toxic. So I want to just understand, like, I'm sure you had to have given some thought to this and stepping into this unique position on your philosophy of protecting your players and also even players of other teams from toxic treatment, toxic coverage, things that may be hurtful for them as players. Last season did raise their hand and say, this was a lot.

[Stephanie White]

Yeah, no, you know, I think, number one, we gotta be vocal about what's acceptable and what's not. Doesn't mean that people are gonna change. I think we've all been online enough to know that there's a lot of hate out there. There's a lot of vitriol out there. But I also think we have to step back and look at, you know, I think that there are people and there are, you know, a lot of different algorithms out there that, that are specifically using, whether it's Caitlin Clark, whether it's the Indiana Fever or the WNBA in general, to further these. These. These hateful narratives that. That. That aren't WNBA fans, that aren't Indiana Fever fans, that aren't Caitlin Clark fans, to be quite honest, you know, utilizing that. So I think, number one, you know, for our team, our challenge is going to be what do we. What do we allow inside the building? Right. What do we allow inside the locker room? Like, we've got to be very protective of our space. We got to be very protective of our team. If you don't have the ability to shut it down, then we have to have to have and utilize the resource to be able to keep it on the outside. Right. We Cannot allow that to infiltrate our building and then on a global scale, you know, I think for us as a staff, as an organization, as a league, we have to continue to be vocal about what is expected, what is accepted and what is not. There is no. There is no place for the hate, the vitriol, the language, you know, the. The narratives that have been spun upon the WNBA from last season to this season. And look, part of being a great league. And, and you know, our male counterparts have seen this as well. Some of it comes with it. Some of it comes with it. And you can root for your team. You can dislike an opponent, you know, you can dislike what. Whatever it is. Be a fan. But. But. But don't be. Don't be a bad human being, right? Like, be it. Be a fan. But. But don't be a jerk. Like, it's not that hard to not be a jerk. You know, I tell my children the same thing all the time, guys, like, look, there's a way to be a fan, and there's a way to root for your team, and there's a way to. To get on opponents and coaches or whoever it may be that. That you're not attacking them personally. You're not attacking them, you know, from. From racially. You're not attacking their sexual orientation, you're not attacking who they are as a person. Right? You. But you can, you can critique. Like, that's part of the thing. We know it, right? We know it in all of our jobs, right?

[Logan Hackett]

That.

[Stephanie White]

That's part of it. But it's not that hard to not be a jerk. It's not that hard to. To be respectful and, and just continuing to be vocal about it and continuing to make sure that we are propelling the right narratives about our game. Continuing to make sure as. As media members that we're. We're covering the right narratives, that we're not allowing the trolls to create the news and, And. And taking ownership and accountability of that as well.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I mean, Mike drop. So well said. I couldn't. I couldn't support that more. So I think that's a wonder. Wonderful way to finish this interview. And I truly appreciate. Anytime I get to just kick it with you and talk hoops, learn. I'm just literally, I should be, like, taking notes. But I feel like, you know, this is a very important time in women's hoops, an exciting time for the Indiana Fever, and I'm so glad you're at the helm of it, and I wish you the best of luck.

[Stephanie White]

I appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks for having me.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah, thank you for the time. The NBA 82 game grind is done and now the real fun begins. It's the best time of year, y'all, because the NBA playoffs are here and it's time for all the high stakes drama, the clutch moments and the jaw dropping plays. If you're looking to make the playoffs Even more exciting, DraftKings sportsbook has you covered as an official sports betting Partner of the NBA. Make it a playoff run to remember with DraftKings. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook Applause app and use code GoodFollow. That's code GoodFollow for new customers to get $200 in bonus bets. When you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings, the crown is yours.

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[Roz Golden Woode]

Welcome back to Goodfall, presented by DraftKings. I'm Roz. She's Logan. And that was head coach of the Indiana Fever, Stephanie White. We thank you, Steph, so much for joining us. Exciting times in Indy. Exciting times for our show. Because, Logan, you like games, right?

[Logan Hackett]

I love a good game.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Ooh. Well, we got a game for you today. We're playing a new game called Big Deal or no Big Deal.

[Logan Hackett]

Love it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

No, they did it with the suitcases. There's. I was waiting to see what they were going to pull up.

[Logan Hackett]

Well, should we get started? Oh, goodness. I'm kind of scared for this one. I don't know why. I feel like my indecisiveness is not going to go well. But let's get started with the first one. Earlier this week, Paige Becker signed a three year deal with Unrivaled. It was huge and made big waves because her first year salary is $350,000, which is more than her entire four year WNBA rookie contract, which is $348,000. Now, when rivals is applying pressure in a ton of different realms, but with a new CBA on the horizon, is this a big deal or not a big deal for the wnba?

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'll say a little of both. I'll say big deal in the sense that the players in the league right now are in negotiations of the cba. It's a public discussion and from a PR spin, it adds pressure on the WNBA to win the headline at minimum and also increase the compensation of the players. It's a no big deal in this way. I want to caution people to keep perspective because Unrivaled just came off of A season managing 36 players over 10 weeks in one location and they have six teams that are all league managed. They don't have franchises that a commissioner has to answer to owners for. It's a very different, less complex business model. And what works for Unrivaled from a strategic standpoint may not necessarily be a best practice for the wnba. So just keep perspective in these discussions. Now, do I think players could opt out of the WNBA to just only play the unrivaled season? Maybe it's possible that that could happen, but I just think the larger women's basketball ecosystem and the players them need the WNBA to be a success. The WNBA needs to be the focal point of the women's basketball season and it's the WNBA's success that ultimate leads for ultimately leads to everything else in my opinion.

[Logan Hackett]

It's like unraveled is a little side hustle, but it is glaring how much better they're doing. And it really showed out to me or stood out to me during the draft because the unravel content that we got throughout the whole year from play reveals to behind the scenes in the gym with players doing their own tiktoks, all that, that was the blueprint. And going into the draft it was nothing like that. I swear. It was even less than last year. Like no players. I think the players at the Empire State Building was the most we got but really nothing when they were getting ready or interacting with each other. So I think as a whole it, as you said, it looks like a big deal, but there is so much more going on behind the scenes.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah, I mean certainly the WNBA could take some Cues from what did go well for unrivaled for sure.

[Logan Hackett]

Absolutely. But moving on to our next one, this could possibly be a big deal, theoretically speaking, because TCU has landed five transfers, four of which are between 61 and 6 7. That is a very tall team. And actually fun fact, they have the same amount of players that are over 64 than the men's team does, which I don't think we've ever seen. But while TCU is bringing in the big players next season, most of them coming in are role players. So is their Portal class a big deal or not a big deal?

[Roz Golden Woode]

I think it's a big deal because, you know, all we can see is size, but all I can see is assists because you got Olivia Miles and she's not just going out into, you know, the middle of nowhere. She's got now a full arsenal of huge size targets, but also targets that are very talented. These are all players who played considerate roles, some of them on teams that were post season caliber teams. She's got a squad of people to work with. And it also seems that players want to play for coach Mark Campbell. And it feels like in the collegiate side, if you're a coach, either you're really great at retention or you're really great at recruiting. And for Mark Campbell, his task continues to be how quick he can mesh and gel these teams in these one season windows.

[Logan Hackett]

These are players at least last year we saw who come in and they're trying to find a family and that's exactly what happens. But as for the big players, I just hope that they can move well because sure, they could be good on defense, but when you have the little quick ones around you, what is going to happen? I'm very interested to see.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Don't count out the big girls, exactly.

[Logan Hackett]

But actually going from big to small, UCLA has been losing players and one of them was London Jones, which was so sad. Short Queens are not uniting here, but since the tournament they lost their whole freshman class and as well as Jediyah Barker. It was very odd to see this happen after Corey Close was named as the AP Women's Basketball Head Coach of the year and then they went to their first Final Four in history. I don't think we've seen a turnover this bad. But is UCLA losing all their young players to the Portal a big deal or no big deal?

[Roz Golden Woode]

It's not a big deal to me, especially for next season. For me, UCLA is still going to be very good. They return a lot of their talent from last season and that's really the issue, right? Because it's, it's Lauren Betts, it's Kiki Rice, it's Gabby Hawkes, it's Mia Gardner, it's Douglas, they're adding Sienna, Bets more size. Charlize Ledger Walker comes back after missing a season. She's very talented. So this is a team that's going to be not only talented, but very veteran, very experienced and very deep. And so those younger players might have been looking at it and thinking, I want to play. I don't want to sit. I want to be a star. And for me, it looks more like a logistical issue more than it is a critique on the program or UCLA or their coach.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah, I think the number here is very glaring. But when you look at who they've kept on the team, they're fine. Even if they go to the portal and pick up some players, I mean, they're still probably going to make a deep run next year and look the exact same.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I think they're going to be quite good.

[Logan Hackett]

Coming up, I make my DK game pick of the week, and we have some quick hits for you. We'll be right back. Welcome back to good Follow. This segment is presented by DraftKings. Get ready for a top team showdown this Saturday as the Orlando Pride take on the Washington Spirit and look to make a statement at home. Now, DraftKings sportsbook has it incredibly close. The Pride are slight favorites at plus 100, but the spirit are tempting underdogs at plus 265 with the draw sitting at plus 230. Translation, even the odd makers know that this one is way too close to call the prize. Barbara Branda is electric. Her speed and finishing are next level, and she's one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. If she gets space, it's lights out for Washington. On the other hand, the Spirit's Ashley Hatch is a veteran striker who always knows where to be. Hatch is calm, clinical and clutch, which makes her exactly the kind of player who could steal a game with one touch. Washington did kick off the season by beating Orlando in the Challenge cup, but I'm gonna go with DraftKings on this one and put Orlando Pride as the favorite to win.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Win.

[Logan Hackett]

We are bound to see some amazing soccer, so y'all better buckle up for this one. This segment is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours, Logan.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Great job. I'm looking forward to checking that matchup out, but also looking forward to our quick hits and headlines. What do you got for us?

[Logan Hackett]

Well, starting with the women's World Cup. They are returning to the US in 2031 and they were actually the only nation to submit a bid and will allegedly be partnering with the CONCACAF nations. And a similar fashion to the Men's World cup that we're about to see here going to Canada, Mexico, US and the other concave nations. Not too sure what they are. But I do really want to talk about the WNBA draft outfits because the orange carpet is one of my favorite runways in the whole entire world. Just to critique them and see who's wearing what and if it goes with their personality. But Roz, you had your list of who crushed the carpet, so who did you see as best dressed up there?

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, culture won at the draft. Okay, how about my Africans standing up? So number two draft pick, Dominique Malanga, she's from France, but she made sure to to shout out Cameroon and Congo. And of course our girl Kiki representing for the Nigerians out there to the point of being so intentional that her outfit is was literally designed by a Nigerian designer. Not only the clothes but the the jewelry too. And she looked like a trophy herself. She was just glistening golden. Even the blonde wig was a change up that I wasn't even expecting. My girl look good. And speaking of culture, I want to shout out Tahina Powpow, who looked beautiful in her Samoan attire. Just covered in all of the flowers. She looked regal. Who. Who do you think was the best dressed?

[Logan Hackett]

Ooh, that's such a hard one. I did love Paige's suits, but it was very expected. Maybe Anissa Morrow.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Really?

[Logan Hackett]

Oh, really shocked me going with the all leather. It was giving like Janet Jackson in that leather do that she. But Isaiah James, her suit was sick. I love that. And even the shoes to go with it and the glasses. It made the whole look.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm so with you. I think Isaiah James and Anissa Murrow were the coolest on the carpet. Of course, shout outs. I thought Sonia Citron. I thought Haley Van Lith all looked very nice. Obviously the number one draft pick, Paige, you know, did her thing especially with her super sized coach bag. I love that. I love the new coach partnership with the wnba. But I have a category. It wasn't their draft, but they stole the show.

[Logan Hackett]

Yes. Needed.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I have a category for the Rizzler herself. Nika Mule. Like she is just so cool. You could put that same fit on somebody else but you either born with it or you not. It's the shades, it's the poses. Az fun with the straight hair blowout.

[Logan Hackett]

She looked amazing and she changed it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Up because usually she does the like the two piece set with the crop top and instead she gave us gown glam. So I was like, okay, Az. And then Rekia Jackson. Yeah, of course, like supermodel. Not your draft. But y'all stole the show. You did your thing.

[Logan Hackett]

But as for our last quick hit, Nafisa Collier is getting some disrespect. She was left off of a WNBA graphic highlighting the rookie class joining the league's brightest stars. Why would you not have her on it? What's missing? And there's retired players on this graphic. Like, what is happening?

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, I think the league was trying to show like generations of hoops, but not having Fee in the calendar year of 2025 on your promotional like graphic for the W is very unserious. Fee is a top two player in the world right now. It's not like her team isn't good. They're a contender for the championship. She's a gold medalist. She is the reigning best defender in your league. She is the runner up for the mvp. If I'm fuel. If I. If I'm Fee, use it as fuel. Like let's say Fee and the links win. I should. I'd be up there on the podium. Like they didn't even have me in the promotional graphics. That's how petty I would be about it. But maybe Fee would be classier. Who knows? Hey, speaking of a classy finish, let's. Let's close the show in a nice way. Logan, it was lovely to spend time with you again and do good follow with you and thank you to all of our subscribers and viewers for watching another one with us. Us. It was a huge episode because we had Stephanie White on the new head coach of the Indiana Fever. It's a big deal for us. Make sure you subscribe to our page. If you've gotten to this point of the video and you haven't yet, hold us down with that subscribe comment like Follow our socials. We do this every week. We Drop Wednesday at 7pm on DraftKings Network or YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This show is presented by DraftKings. I'm Roz. She's Logan. Logan, any final words?

[Logan Hackett]

Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Bye.

[Stephanie White]

See you next week.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Bye.