Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides has been named the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year, following a remarkable season that saw the Fever rise from underdogs to legitimate playoff contenders. The award, officially announced by the league office on Monday afternoon, is a well-deserved recognition of Coach Sides’ leadership, strategic brilliance, and unwavering belief in her team.
After taking over as head coach just last season, Sides faced immense pressure to rebuild a struggling franchise. The Fever had endured several tough years at the bottom of the WNBA standings, with inconsistent performances and frequent roster changes. But under Sides’ guidance, the team has undergone a dramatic transformation—both in results and in culture.
This season, the Indiana Fever posted their first winning record in nearly a decade, finishing the regular season with a 22-18 mark. It was their highest win total since 2015. Even more impressively, the team clinched a spot in the playoffs and advanced past the first round, showcasing their resilience and newfound competitive edge.
Much of the team’s success has been attributed to the development of young star Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick, who has flourished under Sides’ mentorship. Alongside standout teammates such as Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, Clark’s impressive rookie season—filled with dazzling assists, deep three-pointers, and clutch performances—symbolized the Fever’s revival.
Coach Sides’ ability to balance player development with winning tactics has not gone unnoticed.
“This award means the world to me,” Sides said during the official award press conference. “It’s not just about me—this is a team award. The players believed in the system, they fought every night, and the coaching staff poured their hearts into this journey.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Sides for her impactful leadership, saying, “Christie Sides has breathed new life into the Indiana Fever. Her ability to connect with her players while building a winning culture is something we don’t see often. She exemplifies what it means to be a transformational coach.”
Fans have also played a pivotal role in the Fever’s resurgence. Attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse has steadily risen, thanks to the team’s exciting playing style and high-profile roster. The atmosphere has been electric, with Fever faithful proudly rallying behind their revitalized squad.
In addition to the Coach of the Year honor, Sides has also been nominated for the 2025 WNBA Sportsmanship and Leadership Excellence Award, further cementing her influence on and off the court.
Former players and fellow coaches around the league were quick to send their congratulations. Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon commented, “What Christie has done with that group is nothing short of inspiring. She turned a young, inexperienced team into a real force. I have tremendous respect for what she’s building in Indiana.”
As the Fever prepare for what promises to be a bright postseason run, Sides remains focused on the bigger picture. “Awards are wonderful, but our mission isn’t finished yet. We’re hungry, we’re humble, and we’re ready to fight for that championship,” she said.
This award marks a historic moment not only for Christie Sides but also for the Indiana Fever organization, which has longed for a return to the spotlight. With a proven leader at the helm and a talented roster that continues to gel, the Fever’s future looks brighter than ever.
From overlooked to overachieving, the Indiana Fever’s journey this season has been nothing short of inspirational—and at the center of it all stands Coach Christie Sides, now officially recognized as the best in the business.
Leave a Reply