Indiana Fever's new head coach, Stephanie White, has drawn a striking parallel between rising basketball star Caitlin Clark and global pop icon Taylor Swift. White, in a recent interview with The Athletic, described Clark as "Taylor Swift 2.0," highlighting her remarkable ability to manage burgeoning fame while maintaining a grounded, authentic persona.

The comparison comes as Clark's celebrity continues to soar following a stellar rookie season with the Fever. After being drafted first overall, she clinched Rookie of the Year, earned a spot on the WNBA All-Star team, shattered league records, and was even crowned TIME's Athlete of the Year. This rapid ascent to stardom has brought increased scrutiny, with every move analyzed and dissected in the public eye.

White admires Clark's ability to navigate this intense attention with humility and grace. She credits Clark's Midwestern roots and down-to-earth personality for keeping her grounded despite the whirlwind of fame. White emphasizes the importance of supporting Clark and providing resources to help her "protect her peace" amidst the demands of her growing celebrity.

The analogy to Swift seems particularly apt given the two stars' public connection. Clark, a self-proclaimed Swift fan, has attended multiple concerts on the Eras Tour and was even seen with the singer in a suite at a Kansas City Chiefs playoff game.

White's focus remains on nurturing Clark's talent on the court while shielding her from external pressures. She believes in minimizing distractions and emphasizing the team's core objective: delivering their best performance. The Fever have bolstered their roster with seasoned players like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, raising expectations for the upcoming season. White is confident that by supporting Clark's personal well-being and fostering a focused team environment, the Fever can achieve their championship aspirations.