Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson got personal when she was asked to share her thoughts on head coach Stephanie White. As the 5-foot-8 guard heaped praise on her new coach, Johnson could not help but comment on White’s partner, ESPN reporter Lisa Salters.
Speaking to the media during a team practice session, Johnson revealed that she told White that she “got some taste” in reference to the coach’s “wife.”
White was asked to address the rookie’s blunt take during an interview on the “Women’s Sports Now” show. The veteran coach laughed it off. She conceded that “the rookie is telling all the business.”
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
White lives with Salters and their four children, all of whom are from previous relationships. White has three sons, while the ESPN broadcaster has one.
It is clear that Salters left quite an impression on Johnson, who was not shy about letting her true feelings known.
White dind’t mind it, though, and saw it as a compliment. The Fever coach also expressed her appreciation for Johnson’s candidness.
“People don’t want us to media train Raven because she she is just so — that’s so Raven, really, honestly,” White said. “And it was it was very cute. She reminds me every day.”
White is also impressed with what the two-time NCAA champion can do on the basketball court. Johnson made quite an impression during the preseason, prompting White to announce her decision to “find minutes” for the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year this coming season.
Johnson is expected to come off the bench on Saturday in the Fever’s regular-season opener against the Dallas Wigs. Tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
