The Mystery Man in the Fever Huddle: How Ben Newman Became Caitlin Clark’s Secret Weapon

The Indiana Fever are in the midst of a season that’s turning heads across the WNBA. With rookie sensation Caitlin Clark back from injury and the team stringing together impressive wins—including recent victories over Atlanta and Dallas—the Fever’s momentum is building. But in the middle of this surge, a viral moment off the court has sparked just as much conversation as anything happening on it.

The Viral Photo That Got Everyone Talking

It started with a single image: a bald man, standing in the middle of a tense Indiana Fever huddle, animatedly addressing the players. The photo, snapped during a crucial timeout, quickly made its way across social media. Fans and commentators alike were left scratching their heads, with one user summing up the collective confusion:
“Why is the team’s sports psychologist in the huddle mid-game?”

The question was repeated across platforms, from X (formerly Twitter) to Reddit and beyond. Who was this man, and what was he doing in the middle of the team’s most private moments?

Meet Ben Newman: The Fever’s Mental Performance Coach

The answer is Ben Newman—a name that’s quietly become legendary in the world of sports performance, even if it’s not yet a household one. Newman isn’t a psychologist in the clinical sense, but his role is every bit as critical. As the Fever’s longtime mental performance coach, he’s responsible for helping players manage the psychological challenges of elite competition: pressure, focus, recovery from setbacks, and the mental stamina required for a grueling WNBA season.

Newman’s approach is rooted in science but delivered with the intensity and passion of a coach who truly believes in his players. He’s spent over a decade working with the Fever, and his client list reads like a who’s who of professional sports, including NFL stars and UFC fighters. For the Fever, and especially for a young roster led by the ultra-competitive Clark, Newman’s presence is no accident.

More Than X’s and O’s: Building Mental Toughness

While head coach Christie Sides handles the game plan and rotations, Newman’s focus is on the space between the ears. His sessions—both in group huddles and one-on-one—are designed to build emotional resilience, teach players how to reset after mistakes, and foster a culture where mental health is as valued as physical conditioning.

“He’s not just talking about basketball,” says Fever veteran Kelsey Mitchell. “He’s talking about life, about how to handle the noise, the pressure, the expectations. That’s huge for us, especially with Caitlin coming in and all the attention we’re getting.”

Caitlin Clark’s Transition and the Importance of Mental Coaching

For Caitlin Clark, the transition from college superstar to WNBA rookie has been anything but ordinary. The pressure is immense, the scrutiny constant, and the expectations sky-high. Clark’s highlight-reel plays and competitive fire have made her a fan favorite, but she’s also faced her share of adversity—including a recent injury that kept her sidelined for several games.

This is where Newman’s expertise comes into play. He works with Clark and her teammates on techniques like visualization, mindfulness, and positive self-talk—tools that help them stay grounded and focused, even when the stakes are highest.

“Ben’s helped me learn how to block out the noise and just play my game,” Clark said in a recent interview. “He’s always reminding us that the only thing we can control is our effort and our mindset.”

The Social Media Buzz: “He Should Be the Coach!”

As the viral photo circulated, fans couldn’t help but chime in with their own takes. Some joked that Newman looked more engaged than the coaching staff, while others speculated about his role.

“He probably could do a better job coaching, honestly,” one fan tweeted, half in jest. Another wrote, “Whatever he’s saying, it’s working. The team looks locked in.”

The Fever’s recent results seem to back that up. Since Clark’s return and the increased visibility of Newman in the huddle, Indiana has won two of its last three games, pushing their record to 11-10 and putting them squarely in playoff contention.

A Culture of Resilience

What sets the Fever apart this season isn’t just their on-court talent, but the mental toughness they’re building behind the scenes. Newman’s influence can be felt in the way the team bounces back from tough losses, stays composed during close games, and supports each other through adversity.

“He’s the glue guy,” says assistant coach Gary Kloppenburg. “You need someone who can keep everyone focused when things get crazy. Ben’s that guy for us.”

The Science Behind the Success

Newman’s methods are backed by research in sports psychology and performance science. He uses techniques like:

Goal Setting: Helping players define clear, achievable objectives for games and practices.
Visualization: Guiding athletes through mental rehearsals of key plays and scenarios.
Mindfulness: Teaching players to stay present and avoid dwelling on mistakes or worrying about future outcomes.
Resilience Training: Building the ability to recover quickly from setbacks—a crucial skill in a league as competitive as the WNBA.

These tools aren’t just for superstars like Clark. Every player on the roster, from starters to reserves, benefits from Newman’s approach.

The Hidden Advantage

In a league where talent is everywhere, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to the mental game. The Fever’s investment in mental performance coaching is paying off—not just in the standings, but in the team’s chemistry and confidence.

“It’s easy to overlook the mental side,” says Newman. “But at this level, everyone can shoot, everyone can play defense. What separates the best is how they handle the pressure and the setbacks. That’s where we win.”

Looking Ahead: The Fever’s Secret Weapon

As the Fever continue their push toward the playoffs, the spotlight on Clark and her teammates will only intensify. But with Ben Newman in their corner, they have a secret weapon—one that’s helping them stay focused, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

The viral photo that started as a social media mystery is now a symbol of something bigger: a team that understands the power of mental strength, and a coach who’s helping them unlock their full potential.

So the next time you see that bald man in the huddle, know this: he’s not just talking. He’s shaping the mindset of a team on the rise—and possibly, the next great story in women’s basketball.