During a recent Indiana Fever game, an unexpected courtside moment sparked a flurry of questions among WNBA fans. A photo quickly began circulating online, showing a bald man standing in the Fever huddle during a timeout, appearing to speak directly to players—most notably to rookie superstar Caitlin Clark. The image left fans confused, curious, and, in some cases, outright critical as they speculated on the identity and role of the mystery figure.

Caitlin Clark, who recently returned to the lineup after recovering from an injury, has been the center of attention all season long, as expected. While she hasn’t quite regained her early-season dominant form, the Fever have found their rhythm, winning two of their last three games. Their most recent victory came against the Dallas Wings, improving their record to a solid 11-10 following a previous win over the Atlanta Dream.

However, in the midst of Indiana’s bounce-back performances, social media was abuzz with a different kind of discussion. The circulating photo, snapped during a timeout, had many asking: “Who is this man, and why is he in the huddle?”

Caitlin Clark in Fever huddle (Photo via X)

One X (formerly Twitter) user summed up the confusion by posting the image with the caption, “Why tf is the team’s sports psychologist in a huddle in the middle of a game…?”

But within moments, the narrative began to evolve. The same user posted an update, clarifying, “Apologies, prob not his exact title but he’s a performance coach who focuses on the mental side of the game…”

Indeed, the man in question is not a typical assistant coach or team trainer. He’s Ben Newman, a renowned mental performance coach who has been a key figure behind the scenes for the Indiana Fever for more than a decade.

While some fans reacted with skepticism, questioning why someone outside the traditional coaching staff was involved in active in-game discussions, those familiar with Newman’s work were quick to defend his presence. Others used the viral photo to highlight an important evolution in professional sports: the increasing prioritization of mental health and performance psychology.

Ben Newman’s résumé speaks volumes. Beyond his extensive tenure with the Fever, Newman has worked with elite athletes across several major sports leagues, including the NFL, NCAA football, PGA golf, and UFC fighting. His influence stretches even further into the business world, where companies like Microsoft have tapped into his performance training methods to boost productivity and leadership development.

Newman specializes in helping athletes develop mental toughness, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay focused in high-pressure situations. He works to cultivate what he calls a “championship mindset,” providing tools and strategies for athletes to optimize performance not just physically, but mentally as well. In an era where professional sports are becoming more fast-paced, intense, and mentally taxing than ever, Newman’s methods have proven invaluable to countless athletes striving to maintain peak performance under pressure.

With Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA, the Fever have become one of the most scrutinized and talked-about teams in the league. Every game is under the microscope, every possession dissected, and every timeout photographed and posted online. That level of attention comes with immense pressure for a young team, especially for a rookie like Clark, who has carried a huge media spotlight from her record-breaking college career into her professional debut.

The Indiana Fever’s decision to keep a mental performance coach like Ben Newman actively involved during games speaks volumes about the franchise’s commitment to supporting their players on and off the court. During tense moments, strategic timeouts, or challenging stretches within games, Newman provides guidance to players that goes beyond X’s and O’s—he helps them regain composure, sharpen their focus, and stay mentally engaged, especially when emotions run high.

Some fans online pointed to this exact role when defending Newman’s involvement.

“Maybe because all those players other than AB (Aliyah Boston) whine for 40 minutes a game and need it,” one commenter quipped, half-jokingly suggesting that emotional regulation might be a missing piece for the young team.

While the comment sparked laughter, it also inadvertently emphasized an important truth: mental discipline is as critical to success in the WNBA as physical skill. Managing frustration, staying composed during hostile road games, and pushing through adversity are often the difference between victory and defeat.

The Fever’s growing success this season may be partially credited to Newman’s influence. After years of being a bottom-tier team, Indiana is now positioned in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. With a balanced blend of youthful talent, veteran leadership, and professional mental coaching, the Fever are suddenly looking like a squad capable of not just making the playoffs, but perhaps making some real noise when they get there.

The conversation around Newman’s viral photo also serves as a reminder that professional athletes, despite their talent and fame, are human beings dealing with immense mental pressures. Caitlin Clark’s WNBA rookie season has been historic in many ways, but it has also come with major expectations, intense scrutiny, and frequent criticism from both media and opposing fans. The same applies to her teammates, who have had to adjust to newfound attention after years of relative obscurity in Indiana.

Having someone like Newman embedded within the team structure offers a unique support system. His presence allows players like Clark and Boston to develop resilience, manage setbacks, and stay grounded amidst the ups and downs of a grueling WNBA season.

Historically, mental health resources were either underutilized or outright ignored in professional sports. But in recent years, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Teams now understand that optimizing an athlete’s mental state is just as crucial as managing their physical conditioning. Whether it’s through sports psychologists, mental performance coaches, or wellness staff, organizations are investing more than ever in the mental well-being of their players.

The Indiana Fever’s transparent use of Newman during games highlights this cultural shift. Rather than relegating mental coaching to off-court sessions or behind-the-scenes meetings, they’ve integrated it directly into game-day operations. Players aren’t just being conditioned to perform—they’re being trained to thrive under pressure, handle criticism, and stay focused when the spotlight burns brightest.

Fans may have been initially confused about seeing Newman in the huddle, but the broader perspective paints a more encouraging picture. The Fever, led by rookie star Caitlin Clark, are not just building a team—they’re building a culture. A culture that values mental toughness, resilience, and growth both on and off the floor.

Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks to guard Lexie Hull (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

As the WNBA season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if more teams follow Indiana’s lead by integrating mental performance coaching more directly into in-game scenarios. With the stakes rising in women’s sports, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to mental edges, not just physical talent.

For now, the Indiana Fever appear to be reaping the rewards. And Caitlin Clark, adjusting to the professional game while carrying the weight of massive expectations, is benefiting from a full spectrum of support, including from seasoned mental coaches like Ben Newman.

In the end, that viral photo served a purpose far greater than a fleeting social media debate. It opened a window into the evolving world of professional sports—one where mental strength is no longer an afterthought, but a key pillar of success.