Kelly Krauskopf was officially introduced as the president of basketball and business operations of the Indiana Fever at a media conference on Monday.

It’s not her first rodeo with the squad, as she also led the Fever from 2000 to 2017 before moving to the Indiana Pacers, where she became the NBA’s first-ever female assistant general manager in 2018.

Last month, it was announced that Krauskopf would return to the Fever, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign this season led by Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.

During her introductory presser, Krauskopf talked about the Fever’s success. She was also asked about Christie Sides, who coached the team to its first postseason appearance since 2016.

Christie Sides and Caitlin Clark

Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides talks to star guard Caitlin Clark.

© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

“What a roller coaster ride for her,” said Krauskopf in a video shared by IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson on X. “The schedule was stacked against a young team early in the season, and the way they weathered the storm, got into the groove after the Olympic break.

“For a young team to make that kind of progress, it’s hard not to be impressed.”

With the Fever’s recent front office changes, there were concerns about the future of Sides, who joined the team in 2023.

Krauskopf, however, only had great things to say about the 47-year-old tactician, praising her ability to deal with the “outside noise” because of Clark’s league-wide popularity.

“What she had to endure as a coach and what they had to endure as a (coaching) staff to keep that team focused and together, I mean, it takes time,” added Krauskopf. “Christie is a resilient leader. She’s a culture builder.

“I know she’s got that kind of stamina to stick to it and stick to her plan. She’s a great person, she’s a great leader. I was impressed with the way they finished.”