When Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White addressed her players after their gritty win against the Atlanta Dream, her voice carried a calm that was determined. “Big plays at key moments,” she said, and that comment was about the sport; however, in hindsight, it resonates well beyond basketball’s hardwood. Big moments, tough choices, and the hunger to uplift Indiana are the traits that not just define her team; it is a legacy. But there was something else that paused the sports fraternity for a while; it was the passing of Jim Irsay. It was time to remember and celebrate the legacy more than mourn.

The Fever prepares for their upcoming matchup against the New York Liberty with more than just a win on the line, as they stand 4th on the Eastern Conference table after two wins and one loss. A loss that transcends leagues has damaged the spirit of Indiana athletics. Jim Irsay, who had owned the Indianapolis Colts for a long period, died on Wednesday at the age of 65. White, who has deep ties in Indiana, stopped the season narrative for a moment to appreciate and honor the contribution made by Irsay to the city and its sports.

“We lost a legend,” she said during Wednesday’s press conference, her tone heavy but resolute. “What Jim Irsay and his family have meant to the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana and sports in the state of Indiana is immeasurable. We’re thinking about his family and sending all of our well wishes.” In a city where every jersey worn has a history, his legacy is woven into the fabric of all athletic desires. Beyond the win and loss calculation, what mattered was more about humans. Her tribute, which was later shared on the team’s Instagram with the caption, “Stephanie White reflects on what @colts owner Jim Irsay meant to our city and sports in Indiana 💙,” expressed what many in the state felt but couldn’t articulate.

Jim Irsay’s influence extended beyond the NFL. His legacy was civic, cultural, and very personal. No doubt he took the Colts to their first Super Bowl title in 2007, but his greater victory was bringing a state together through a shared identity in sports. Whether it was Peyton Manning’s rise, philanthropic outreach, or opening Lucas Oil Stadium’s doors to other athletic and community events, Irsay was a trustee of the Indiana spirit.

As White stood at the crossroads of sadness and motivation, she became one more voice in a statewide chorus of memory.

Stephanie White’s WNBA season carries on, but the Loss still lingers

The Indiana Fever are trying to build up some early-season momentum; they currently have a record of 2-1, and they will look to continue to keep the momentum green. However, the passing of Irsay is hovering in the background, not just for the Fever but for all of Indiana. The rematch against the Dream on Thursday was a test of both focus and execution; they succeeded this time. For White and her team, being calm and composed meant more than just making three-pointers; it meant honoring a legacy by showing up in every possession.

“We’re going to find ourselves in the win column,” White had told her team after their recent 81–76 victory, praising bench depth and resilience. “It’s not always going to be easy… But when we get contributions like this on both ends from everybody, we’re going to find ourselves in the win column.” That same collective mentality is now heavy with passion as the Fever gets ready for Saturday’s big game against the New York Liberty and reigning MVP Breanna Stewart, who is going to pose them with big challenges.

White’s steady leadership has mirrored Irsay’s in many ways, with both firms focused and grounded in the community. As they say, the power of a team starts with the management that prioritizes its contributors first. They have echoed it very well.

While Jim Irsay’s family is now preparing to guide the Colts into their next chapter. Indiana’s broader sports culture is in safe hands without any doubts. From Lucas Oil to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, from White’s Fever to the city’s rising Pacers, Indiana is on the rise, and there is no stopping that.