With rookie sensation Caitlin Clark temporarily sidelined due to injury, the Indiana Fever are facing a critical moment in their young season. Stepping into the spotlight is veteran guard Sydney “Syd” Colson, who brings leadership, defense, and energy — but can she fill the void left by the league’s most talked-about rookie?

This unexpected shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Fever. Here’s what they need to focus on as Colson takes the reins.

Who Is Syd Colson?

Syd Colson is no stranger to pressure. A 13-year veteran, WNBA champion, and locker room leader, Colson has built her career on hustle, defense, and vocal leadership — not flashy stats, but intangibles that teams often rely on in tough stretches.

Now, she steps into a starting or key rotational role as Caitlin Clark recovers, and her presence could stabilize a young Fever team that has been struggling with consistency.

Things Indiana Needs to Work On Without Caitlin ClarkOffensive Structure Without a Playmaker

Caitlin Clark’s ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor with her deep shooting has been central to the Fever’s offense. Without her, Indiana needs to:

Run more structured sets

Utilize inside-out play through NaLyssa Smith and Aliyah Boston

Prioritize ball movement over iso or forced shots

Colson won’t replace Clark’s scoring, but she can manage the game and help others shine.

Pace and Transition Adjustments

Clark is a transition threat — she pushes tempo and finds early offense. Without her, Indiana may slow things down. This means:

Focusing on half-court execution

Limiting turnovers that lead to opponent fast breaks

Letting Colson set the rhythm without forcing unnecessary pace

Shot Creation by Committee

With Clark out, the scoring load needs to be shared more evenly. Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull will be expected to step up as primary scoring threats. The Fever must avoid becoming predictable and:

Encourage more touches for Smith and Boston in the paint

Run stagger screens and off-ball action for perimeter shooters

Tighter Team Defense

Clark’s absence affects more than offense. Defensively, the team must:

Improve perimeter rotations

Communicate more — a skill Colson excels at

Box out and rebound as a unit to prevent second-chance points

Colson brings vocal energy on D, which will be essential to keep the Fever competitive.

Mental Focus and Resilience

Losing a star like Caitlin Clark — even temporarily — can shake a young team’s confidence. This is where Colson’s leadership is crucial. The team must:

Stay mentally locked in, especially late in games

Avoid relying on “waiting for Caitlin to return”

Use this period to grow individually and collectively

 What Syd Colson Said

In a recent interview, Colson acknowledged the pressure — but embraced the moment:

“I’m not Caitlin. I’m Syd. But what I can bring is experience, calm, and toughness. We’re going to compete every night — that doesn’t change.”

Her mindset may be exactly what the Fever need to weather the storm.

 Final Thoughts

With Caitlin Clark out, the spotlight shifts — and Syd Colson’s leadership becomes a lifeline for a team trying to find its identity. It’s a chance for Indiana to prove they are more than one player.

If they can tighten their system, share the ball, and dig in defensively, this stretch without Clark may actually make them stronger in the long run.