Coaching Caitlin Clark and Co. Takes a Toll on Christie Sides as Fever HC Breaks Silence on the Intense “Pressure”
When the Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark in the 2024 WNBA Draft, her star power from her time at Iowa was already undeniable. Her growing fanbase and the fervor of her supporters have only amplified since then. However, the rising popularity also brings a unique challenge to the team’s management, as Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides recently spoke about the pressure that comes with managing such high expectations.
Recently, Christie Sides appeared in an interview and addressed the pressure she faces as Clark and the Fever’s head coach. “For our players, for my staff… I don’t think it’s ever been the case in the WNBA up to this point; the pressure has been something we’ve just tried to manage and deal with and understand that we’ve got to keep everybody on the same page, understanding this is still a process like we can’t let the outside noise affect us,” stated Sides on Locked on Women’s Basketball.
She also mentioned that social media plays a huge role, as what somebody is feeling good about can change in the very next minute if they come across something different. Sides was appointed as the Fevers’ head coach in 2023 and is currently leading them for the second season. “They (players) have gone through… unprecedented times; unprecedented expectations; it took a toll—I mean, it took a toll on all of us,” said Sides, who believes in the winning mentality but also doesn’t want her players to be under immense pressure.
While Sides revealed the pressure, she also said that the Olympic break has given the team much-needed time to rejuvenate and improve bonding and chemistry between each other. Now let’s discuss how things were for Fever in the first month of the season and where they find themselves now.
Christie Sides and Indiana Fever are overcoming early challenges
The Indiana Fever, riding high on the excitement of adding NCAA star Caitlin Clark, faced an unexpected challenge at the start of the season. Despite Clark’s impressive scoring records and the media frenzy that followed her from college, the Fever struggled to live up to expectations, starting the season with five consecutive losses.
Head coach Christie Sides encountered significant challenges in harnessing Caitlin Clark’s potential while trying to build team chemistry and fine-tune game strategies. To make the most of Clark’s offensive skills, Sides had to experiment with different lineups and plays, striving to integrate her standout abilities into the Fever’s gameplay. However, the team later found rhythm as they won four games back-to-back in June.
Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Now, they are in a much better position than where they finished their last season, as they sit seventh in the standings. The WNBA rookie Clark has undoubtedly been the standout player, averaging 17.2 points per game and also leading the league’s assist chart. Despite a challenging start, the Indiana Fever, under Christie Sides, has turned things around, propelling them to a stronger position in the standings.
Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, Brandon Gutman II, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
The post Coaching Caitlin Clark and Co. Takes a Toll on Christie Sides as Fever HC Breaks Silence on the Intense “Pressure” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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