Teams across the WNBA have completed day two and three of training camp. Here are the standout players and highlights from various teams across the league on Monday and Tuesday.
Indiana Fever: High Training Camp Expectations
Following a busy offseason with a new front office and key player acquisitions in free agency, the Indiana Fever is embarking on a fresh start with new talent and the return of Stephanie White as head coach.
With the addition of veterans, including DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson, who have experience in previous WNBA Finals, the Fever aim to build playoff momentum for their young team throughout the season.
“It’s the most talented roster I’ve been a part of,” White said Monday. “There have been some pretty talented ones [throughout WNBA history]. As far as the teams I’ve coached in the W, it’s the deepest, most talented roster I’ve been a part of.”
Just three years ago, the Indiana Fever finished last in the WNBA with a 5-31 record and an 18-game losing streak. From 2017 to 2023, the team faced challenges with coaching changes and player movements, and hadn’t made the playoffs since Tamika Catchings retired from professional basketball in 2016.
Fast forward three years later. The Fever’s back-to-back first-round picks in 2023 and 2024 were South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston and Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, respectively. Indiana made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 last season.
Despite being swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round, optimism is rising in Indiana in hopes of bringing a championship back to the city.
Clark is heading into her second year in the WNBA after winning 2024 Rookie of the Year honors, breaking various records, and playing in front of sold-out crowds last year. Additionally, she has gotten stronger in the offseason.
“I certainly feel a lot stronger,” Clark said Monday. “I’m a pretty self-aware person. I knew that was going to be a huge part of [the offseason]. … Even through these two practices, I can certainly feel it.”
When Bonner chose to sign with the Fever in the offseason, the players were thrilled to learn and develop under her veteran leadership. She won two championships with the Phoenix Mercury during her 10-year tenure with the team in 2009 and 2014.
“[DeWanna Bonner] has been tremendous,” Clark said. “She’s such a selfless leader, like she’s here to win. She says that, but she means it, and she leads in that example every single day. We’re just sitting over there talking after today, just talking about practice and things we need to work on, things that went well. Everybody knows we have so much talent, but at the same time, you got to put that together.”
ENERGY ON 3
an exclusive look into our second day of training camp
pic.twitter.com/Zia0ufjDUv
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 29, 2025
Fresh Start on Horizon for the Fever
Kelsey Mitchell, a guard for the Indiana Fever, has been with the franchise since being selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft out of Ohio State. She has experienced the team’s journey from finishing last in the standings to making the playoffs last year, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
“For us, with the new atmosphere, new coaching, everything is just absolutely new, it feels really good,” Mitchell said. “It feels fresh. It’s kind of like when you take your clothes off the dryer, kind of fresh. It just feels different, and it feels good because we have new leadership. We got new players, vet leadership, and all that combined makes for a good atmosphere right now. It feels good.”
Bringing Mitchell back was a top priority for the Fever during the offseason, and they successfully achieved this goal because the team values her scoring ability and consistency. The two-time WNBA All-Star expects Indiana to emphasize discipline and hard work to achieve their goal of winning a championship.
Mitchell holds great respect for White, who served as the Fever head coach during the final years of the Catchings era and sees the new additions of veterans as a difference maker for the team.
“I remember this time last year, it didn’t feel good,” Mitchell said. “We have to get that in order for people to start playing. It’s like a domino effect. But I think once your culture is kind of established, how you guys see it now, I think it makes everything else way easier.”
Players Speak Highly on Taurasi’s WNBA Impact
Diana Taurasi has made a significant impact on the league, showcasing her longevity and legacy after 20 years with the Phoenix Mercury. She also became the first player in the league to surpass 10,000 points in 2023 and is the all-time leading scorer with 10,646 points.
Paige Bueckers, a rookie guard for the Dallas Wings, idolized Taurasi during her childhood and maintained contact with her throughout her collegiate career at UConn.
“For sure I would want to play against her for at least a year, but just the career that she has was one of the greatest,” Bueckers said. “She’s been one of the G.O.A.T.S for me. Looking up to her going to UConn and the way she played in the league. Just a winner at every single level. Winningest player in Olympic history for basketball. So, just want to embody that and her competitive spirit.”
Paige Bueckers on Diana Taurasi hanging it up after 20 years in the W:
“For sure I would want to play against her against her for at least a yr, but just the career that she has is one of the greatest,” says @paigebueckers1.
“She’s been one of the G.O.A.T.S for me. Looking up… pic.twitter.com/G3RjPVWik3
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) April 28, 2025
Guard Sophie Cunningham credits Taurasi with helping her prepare to take on a larger role with the Fever and alongside Clark after spending six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. Throughout her tenure, she played with teammates Brittney Griner, her current Fever teammate Bonner, and was part of the 2021 WNBA Finals team.
“You have to be ready for the ball, head on a swivel at all times,” Cunningham told FeverBasketball.com. “The way [Caitlin Clark] throws the ball is a lot like how [Diana Taurasi] threw it. I think this is just a younger version of [Taurasi] so she has a little bit more energy, a little more spunk.”
Sami Whitcomb, a guard for the Phoenix Mercury, grew up admiring Taurasi. She is hopeful to carry on the legacy of Australian players who have been part of the franchise.
“It’s really incredible to be a part of her legacy here [in Phoenix],” Whitcomb said. “We see her on the court. You’re reminded of everything she has done, how she is a big part of building this and this coming to fruition. I feel like I feel her competitive spirit, and I’m just trying to live up to that.”
Whitcomb Brings Championship Pedigree to The Valley
The Phoenix Mercury have a trio of Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally. However, they also have a player with championship experience who contributes a winning mindset.
Whitcomb has a championship pedigree she brings to the team and others speak highly of her play style and 3-point shooting.
“That’s a big part of it,” Whitcomb told Ballislife. “Obviously, you have to ask the coaches, but I think my experience. I’ve been in locker rooms that haven’t been great in locker rooms that have had a championship pedigree. We’ve won, so I feel like I know what it takes. I know what it looks like.
“I know what it doesn’t look like, and I’m in a position, I think, to bring that accountability here, which is what I intend to do. We’ve got a great leadership group, though. We’ve got a great veteran group. I don’t see that as being an issue, so hopefully I can just add to that.”
@iam_DanaScott asked Sami Whitcomb about the championship pedigree she can bring to Phoenix.
“I’m in a position I think to bring that accountability here.”
Whitcomb herself is a two-time WNBA champion. pic.twitter.com/5gGHBFC1Ng
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) April 28, 2025
Head coach Nate Tibbetts believes Whitcomb’s potential to be the difference maker in Phoenix’s contention for a championship.
“We’ve been super excited with Sami’s voice. Part of their job is to bring young players along and so. Well, that’s gonna be a challenge each and every day, and I think they’re ready for it,” Tibbetts told Ballislife.
“I’m impressed with Sami’s impact and what you see on paper, and where she is today and what she’s doing in training camps so far. She is gonna be huge for our culture. All of us were excited when we signed her.”
Megan McConnell, who signed a training camp contract with the Phoenix Mercury, notices the hard work and effort Whitcomb puts in on and off the court.
“She’s in the gym 24/7,” McConnell said Tuesday. “Whenever she texts me ‘I’m going to the gym’, I’m just following her along.”
Throughout the offseason, Whitcomb led the Bendigo Spirit to a WNBL title and won the Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP awards. She also became the top scorer across the league after averaging 21 points per game.
“I don’t think that had anything to do with it,” Whitcomb said. “I’m always trying to win. I’m always trying to play well. It’s nice that coincided. Hopefully Phoenix fans were excited about me coming and signing here. I was just overseas competing, trying to win a championship. Overseas is a really important time for me to improve and get better and really prepare for the WNBA season.”
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