Tamika Catchings attended Stephanie White’s first game back in her home state.
About two minutes before team introductions, Stephanie White turned away from the floor and towards the scorer’s table — and immediately a big grin appeared on her face.
Tamika Catchings, her former player, teammate, and one-time roommate, had made the 65-mile drive down to Bloomington to surprise her. And that wasn’t all.
Group photo taken after the game.
Nearly 100 fans were at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall to see the former Indiana Miss Basketball and Indiana Fever head coach of the last two years. Among them: Fever play-by-play man Chris Denari, members of the team’s stats crew, a few Bankers Life Fieldhouse ushers, and many more dedicated Fever fans.
Even Amy Bonner, who also works WNBA games, was assigned to this game.
Fever guard Briann January sat in the first row behind the Vanderbilt bench. Earlier in the day, she was invited to the team hotel to speak to the team, which is directed by individual full of Indiana ties.
Associate head coach Carolyn Peck coached at Purdue; Assistant Kelly Komara played at Purdue; Assistant Joy Cheek played for the Fever; Drew Stanich (Director of Basketball Operations) and Lindsay Davis (Director of Scouting and Technology) previously worked for the Fever.
After the game, a 94-61 win by No. 23 Indiana, there was a big group photo taken (as seen above). White took countless photos, gave dozens of hugs, and was obviously overjoyed by the amount of love showed towards her and her team.
Thanks to everyone who came out today- Was so nice seeing family and friends. ❤️you!
— stephanie white (@StephanieWhite) November 13, 2016
My heart is so full. 🙏🏼 thank you to those of you who continue to share this amazing journey with me! I appreciate you and love u❤️
— stephanie white (@StephanieWhite) November 14, 2016
White leads a team huddle during the first half.
Before coach White could greet everyone who had stayed after, the Assembly Hall lights turned out. It was time for everyone to head for the exits. White, her team, and an additional 40 in the travel party loaded up before heading back down to Nashville.
But first, another photo.
Fever family is the truth https://t.co/UIU4UndxFP
— womenshoopsworld (@hoopism) November 14, 2016