There was a moment on the Indiana Fever sidelines recently that had everyone doing double takes. No, it wasn’t Caitlin Clark drilling logo threes or arguing a call. It was the guy beside her, animated and locked in, talking her through a tense moment like he was in the huddle too. People saw it live. Then they saw it again on replay. Then Twitter did its thing. Who is that guy? And just like that, a new face went viral.
Turns out, he’s not just some random hype man. His name’s Ben Newman, and if you don’t know him, buckle up. That courtside chat wasn’t a fluke or a stunt. Newman’s been in the trenches with the Fever all season. Think less sideline cheerleader, more mental Jedi. The man’s been quietly building a rep as one of the top mindset coaches in the world, and now that spotlight is shining bright. Fans are curious. Players are listening. And everyone’s asking how this guy ended up mid-game, coaching Caitlin Clark like it was a title match.
What is Ben Newman’s role with the Indiana Fever team?
Ben Newman hails from St. Louis, Missouri, where he lives with his wife Ami and their two children. But for the Fever, he’s more than just a name with a zip code. He’s the team’s Mental Performance Coach, and his job? Tuning the mindset of a team trying to climb the ranks of the WNBA. From locker room talks to on-court huddles, he’s the voice in the ear when the pressure starts to rise.
Newman’s gig isn’t about calling plays. It’s about calming storms. He helps players like Caitlin Clark stay composed when the crowd’s roaring and the defense is closing in. It’s not just about how they shoot. It’s about how they reset. His role runs deep into player development, building the internal muscles of mental toughness, emotional control, and clarity in chaos. And judging by how invested he is during games, it’s clear he’s not just checking boxes.
While some mental coaches are behind the scenes, Newman’s presence is unmistakably loud- in the best way. Whether it’s practice, pregame, or a game-deciding possession, you’ll find him close by, bringing the fire and the focus. That visibility isn’t for show. It’s part of the Fever’s blueprint, and his voice is becoming one of the most important ones around the team.
Why is Ben Newman in the spotlight for his interaction with Caitlin Clark during an Indiana Fever game?
Ben Newman wasn’t new to the Fever when he had his viral courtside moment. He’s actually in his tenth season with the team. But what made that moment different was who he was talking to, and when. Mid-game, high pressure, and there he was, coaching up Caitlin Clark– arguably the most watched player in the W right now. It was intense, and fans noticed. Some loved it. Some questioned it. But nobody ignored it.
Newman’s got receipts. He’s been a Mental Performance Coach for over 18 years, working across the NFL, NBA, PGA, UFC, MLB, and NCAA. So yeah, he’s got the credentials. But with Clark, it was personal. It wasn’t just a pep talk. It was about focus, composure, and lighting a spark during a tough game. And in that moment, viewers saw the deeper layers of what goes into elite performance.
His close partnership with Fever head coach Stephanie White has made him more than a specialist. He’s a trusted voice, and now, a very public one. That courtside interaction cracked open a door into a role that’s often overlooked. And now, Newman’s name is out there for good.
What is Ben Newman’s career background in sports and performance coaching?
Ben Newman isn’t some newcomer looking to go viral. His resume is stacked, and his influence stretches far beyond women’s basketball. Over the last two decades, he’s worked with athletes who’ve hoisted Lombardi trophies, worn World Series rings, and headlined title fights. From Alabama football to North Dakota State, and big-league franchises in the NFL and NBA, his playbook works wherever there’s pressure.
What sets Newman apart isn’t just who he’s worked with. It’s how he blends performance psychology with actual results. He’s coached at Kansas State. He’s consulted for Fortune 500 giants like Microsoft and Quicken Loans. And in a landscape filled with flashy motivators, he’s earned his stripes the hard way. In fact, USA Today named him one of the Top 5 Mindset & Performance Coaches in the world.
Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks to media members before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
That background makes his involvement with the Fever all the more interesting. In an era where mental health and performance go hand in hand, Newman’s full-court presence signals a shift. Teams are investing in the headspace, not just the highlights. And with Caitlin Clark navigating the weight of expectations, having someone like Newman in her corner? That just might be a game-changer.
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