“Worst Part”: Stephanie White Breaks Silence After Snubbing Dawn Staley’s Pupil as Caitlin Clark’s New Teammate Offers Promising Advice

With the 2025 WNBA Draft now wrapped up, 38 players moved one step closer to chasing their dream. But there’s a catch–not everyone who gets drafted makes a team. That’s the harsh reality many new fans might not know. Training camps are underway, preseason is rolling in, and so are the roster cuts. And one of the early casualties? Caitlin Clark’s new teammate–former South Carolina guard Bree Hall.

With the 19th, 20th, and 33rd picks in this year’s draft, the Indiana Fever picked up Makayla Timpson, Bree Hall, and Yvonne Ejim. But let’s be real–with an already loaded roster, it was always going to be tough for them to make the final cut. And after just one week of training camp, the expected news arrived. The Fever officially announced they’ve waived Bree Hall and free-agent signee Jillian Alleyne. But it wasn’t an easy process to get through for the people making the call.

Coach Stephanie White admits that cutting players is the toughest part of the job. Speaking after the roster moves, she shared her sympathy for those let go just a week into camp. “This is the worst part of the job,” she said. “We always wish there were more roster spots, so that you know we could have some of those development positions. But we know it’s part of it, and it s-cks.”

WNBA teams can carry up to 12 players, but because of salary cap constraints, the Indiana Fever are expected to roll with just 11 this season. That made things even tougher for players like Bree Hall. She was a vital part of one of South Carolina’s most decorated recruiting classes, alongside Sania Feagin and Raven Johnson. The guard played a key role in helping Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks win two national titles during her college career. But for Hall and Alleyne–their dreams of playing in the W are just not over yet!

New Fever addition Sophie Cunningham had some encouraging advice for the pair. She said, “You know, just because you didn’t make this squad–this is probably one of the harder rosters to make in the W this year–it doesn’t mean you’re out of the W. You just got to keep ready, keep playing, keep grinding.”

Cunningham herself was a second-round pick by the Mercury, so she knows exactly what it takes to make it in the league—even if you’re not a top pick. A roster spot somewhere else might even just be around the corner for Hall and Alleyne.

While Aliyah Boston will surely miss having her best friend Hall around, there’s still plenty for her to be excited about. The Fever look like they might actually be in the mix for a deep run this season. And leading the charge, as always, will be none other than Caitlin Clark.

Aliyah Boston gives a bold take on her partnership with Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever are feeling confident heading into the season, with several sportsbooks listing them as the second-best odds to win the WNBA championship at +350, trailing only the defending champs, the New York Liberty. Inside the camp, there’s a strong belief that they’ve got the pieces to make it happen.

Veterans like Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner bring championship experience and defensive prowess, while Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham offer crucial guard depth. But the real excitement surrounds the dynamic duo of Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark.

via Imago

Last season, Clark and Boston had their growing pains, struggling at first to find an offensive rhythm. But by the end of the season, they emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous duos. After their first training session this season, Boston mentioned how their chemistry had already improved. “I think it’s gonna be better for both of us,” she said. “Last year, obviously, at the beginning of the season it was a little rough just trying to figure out that play. But now, know exactly how we like to play.” The idea of Clark and Boston hitting full flow is a scary prospect.

How the Fever perform with their new additions is still to be seen, but on paper, this team has all the pieces needed for a deep playoff run. Early preseason signs are good as well! Can Caitlin Clark emulate the legendary Tamika Catchings? Only time will tell!