Every now and then, the WNBA world proves the uncertainty that exists in the women’s professional basketball league, and Stephanie White’s case is another such instance. Despite having a contract that runs through the 2025 season, White might not be “expected to return to coach the Sun in 2025,” according to her latest media availability.

In her latest press conference, White was asked about her future with the Connecticut Sun, but she declined to answer. “I’m not having conversations right now about anything outside my family. You know, I’m solely focused on my family and getting through this tough time,” White shared while wiping away tears.

It was nearly a week after the rest of the post-season interviews with the Sun, and days of speculation around Stephanie White’s return to Connecticut, that she finally spoke. However, that wasn’t really the case. “First and foremost, I just want to thank you… I’ve had a family emergency. That’s why I had to postpone, and I’m still dealing with it now,” White expressed at the beginning of the interview.

While she didn’t specify what the family emergency was, her tears, tone, and demeanor clearly indicated it was something serious. In a flash, the Sun-related questions queued up for the veteran head coach by the panel of interviewers seemed unimportant. As she fought back her tears, the intense emotions were crystal clear. That’s why when she was asked about joining any of the franchises with open head coach positions, she avoided getting into details.

For White, her “family” is her priority.

The Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks, and Atlanta Dream had all recently dismissed their coaches, so naturally, as a potential candidate, speculation arose about whether she was considering any of those roles. “Just being here for my family, getting through this… That’s my priority,” she added.

Though clearly a challenge for her, she did address a number of questions. Notably, Sun All-Stars DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, and Brionna Jones are unrestricted free agents, while DiJonai Carrington is restricted this offseason. This led to a question about the priority of keeping the veteran core together at the Sun.

In response, White candidly hinted at the possibility of the core splitting up. “This is a core group that’s been together for a long time… Every year, a team is going to be different,” she revealed. But it remains uncertain whether White will be back with the Sun next season or whether Bonner, Thomas, and Jones will re-sign or go elsewhere. As is often the case, the door is left open for a slew of possibilities, and White certainly did that.