Stephanie White Shares Honest Feeling Being After Selected As Kara Lawson’s Assistant For 2026 FIBA World Cup

The 2026 season will start with high hopes and huge competition for every possible individual and team accolade. While the players have shown their capabilities throughout their WNBA careers, the recent FIBA World Cup Qualifier games also served as a preview of what fans can expect from them in the 2026 season. There were three WNBA coaches at those games and training camps: Stephanie White, Natalie Nakase, and Nate Tibbetts.

Caitlin Clark shone at the tournament, earning the highest honor during her senior debut for the national team. White, the Fever coach who helped the team reach the semifinals of the 2025 season, was impressed by Clark’s performance in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and recently spoke about her experience as an assistant coach.

Stephanie White Happy to Learn From The ‘Bests’ In The World

Team USA was one of the favorites to dominate the Qualifier games, with a star-studded lineup and an experienced coaching staff. Every coach and assistant coach proved their tactical brilliance, leading their respective teams to huge success.

When the reporter asked Fever coach about her experience as assistant coach for the side, she said, “It was a lot of fun. Of course, when you are working with the best players in the world, with tremendous coaches, you learn a lot. Every time you get an opportunity to be in the gym with different types of players, different basketball minds, you learn a lot. So it’s a great learning experience.”

Fever head coach Stephanie White was one of three selected to be assistants on Kara Lawson's staff for the 2026 FIBA World Cup — along with Natalie Nakase (Valkyries) and Nate Tibbetts (Mercury). pic.twitter.com/9Y5GCR1T3N

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 7, 2026

Team USA won all five qualifier games, controlling the proceedings right from the start. Like other coaches, White also took the opportunity to lead the team in a game and record a win. Although she didn’t specifically mention Head Coach Kara Lawson, she included the whole ‘team’ in her answer. She added that she is looking forward to the World Cup, which will be held in Germany starting in September 2026.

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As for the 2026 WNBA Season, the coach is already looking to keep her players fit and healthy for the majority of the season and mentioned she would play megastar Caitlin Clark off-ball as part of her load management plan. She even revealed her offensive game plan for the season.

Stephanie White Looking To Use Fast-Paced Offense With 2026 Fever Team

Despite multiple injuries, the 2025 Fever team reached the semifinals and lost the finals spot after an overtime loss to the Aces in game 5. While that team impressed a lot, the 2026 roster will have more firepower, and the coach is looking to unleash the same with her fast-paced attack.

“I want us to be a fast-paced, fast-placed team that’s really hard to guard. 
We want the ball moving side to side…get a lot of player movement and ball movement. I think we’re continuing to grow a lot in that area…a couple of things that I think can still be a growth edge for us are ones like not over dribbling,” White said in the press conference.

Steph White on Indiana Fever offense

"I want us to be a fast-placed, fast-paced team that's really hard to guard. ⁰We want the ball moving side to side…get a lot of player movement and ball movement. I think we're continuing to grow a lot in that area…a couple things that… pic.twitter.com/c8O5kk2TwR

— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) May 4, 2026

“I think we’re over dribbling at times…You know, the little things, the details that are gonna open up opportunities for one another, um, and for teammates, but by being a great screener or being a great cutter,” the coach added.

With a number of wingers and ball handlers, the team could play an explosive brand of basketball, but needs to be careful on defense, too.