Brian Haenchen
Verified
As seen in:
The Indianapolis Star,
MSN,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
USA Today,
Yahoo News,
Aol,
Detroit Free Press,
Flipboard,
Yahoo Sports,
AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
and
Covers:
st. louis cardinals, st. louis blues, rams, national hockey league, college basketball, mizzou football, mizzou basketball, slu basketball, nhl, college football
Doesn't Cover:
politics, weather
girls hs sports, fever + frequent podcaster (YouTube.com/@IndyStarTVFever) for @IndyStarSports • St. Louis native • seasonally spooky 👻, always #VeryAsian
Articles by Brian Haenchen
See who made 2026 ALL-USA Central Indiana Super Team for softball
The 2026 Indiana high school softball season is in the books. Meet this year's ALL-USA Central Indiana softball Super Team, honoring the best of the best from around the area. Baker was a model of consistency her senior season — same as she was throughout her career — batting .530 with 44 hits, 38 runs scored and 12 RBIs. Her collection of hits included nine doubles and her second career home run, and she also stole a career-high 13 bases.
Second-year surge: Meet Central Indiana's top sophomore softball players
The Indiana high school softball crop of 2028 standouts expanded this year with many newcomers shining in expanded roles, joining returners who successfully built upon strong freshman seasons. Burlingame enjoyed a breakout season with the Royals, batting .449 in 23 games with 31 hits (seven doubles, one triple, four homers), 22 runs and 16 RBIs. She was nearly perfect behind the plate, converting a double play and seven assists in addition to her 138 putouts.
Softball: Meet Central Indiana freshmen who made immediate splash in 2026
From the freshmen-led resurgence at Greenwood to unprecedented postseason runs at Pendleton Heights and Western Boone, the Class of 2029 has arrived and the latest crop of rising Indiana high school softball standouts wasted no time making their presence felt.
Caitlin Clark 'not a robot,' takes stance on hate, misuse of her name in passionate statement
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark does not live in a bubble. The Indiana Fever star is not isolated from social media, nor is she ignorant to the things that are said and written about her, her coaches and teammates, and other WNBA players both online and in the media.
Caitlin Clark hopes WNBA All-Star selection allows her to play with Indiana Fever teammates
Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell were named starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star game. • This marks the third straight All-Star selection for Clark and the fourth for Boston and Mitchell. • Clark hopes to be on the same team as Mitchell and Boston, but knows chances are slim. INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark has a message for league legends Teresa Witherspoon and Cynthia Cooper who will serve as honorary general managers for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game.
Caitlin Clark hints at return from back injury on Indiana Fever road trip
Caitlin Clark will miss Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces due to a back injury. • Clark returned to practice Friday for the first time in nine days. • This will be the third game Clark has missed this season. INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark returned to practice Friday for the first time since reaggravating her back injury nine days prior, but will not play in Sunday's Indiana Fever game at the Las Vegas Aces.
Caitlin Clark condemns hate, harassment directed at WNBA players, coaches: 'None of that is OK'
Caitlin Clark condemned the hate and harassment directed at WNBA players, including death threats and racial slurs against Alyssa Thomas. • Clark stated that the incident with Thomas, where she was struck in the throat, should have been called a flagrant foul during the game. • Fever coach Stephanie White also strongly condemned the hate, calling it unacceptable and an attempt to further divisive narratives.
Indiana Fever have 3 named WNBA All-Star Game starters Original
Updated July 2, 2026, 1:19 p.m. ET Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell have been selected as starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star game, the league announced Thursday afternoon. This will be Boston and Mitchell’s fourth consecutive All-Star game appearance and the third straight for Clark, who was named a team captain for last year’s event in Indianapolis, but was unable to participate due to injury.
Fever coach Stephanie White rants on 'straight-up hateful nonsense' circling WNBA, Alyssa Thomas
Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas received death threats and racial slurs after an on-court incident with Caitlin Clark. • Thomas stated the contact with Clark was accidental and that she and her family have been doxxed. • The WNBA has condemned the hate and offered support services to players.
When will Caitlin Clark return to Indiana Fever practice? 'Every day is different'
Fever coach Stephanie White provided an update on Caitlin Clark (back), who missed her second consecutive practice Wedensday. • White said it's "still too early" to know if Clark will be available for Sunday's game at the Las Vegas Aces. The Indiana Fever guard missed her second straight practice Wednesday, opting instead for an individual workout with the team's player development coaches, medical staff and sports performance staff, according to Fever coach Stephanie White.
Who will be top softball teams in 2027? Here are way-too-early rankings
My colleague Kyle Neddenriep likes to say it's never to early to start thinking about high school football season and while I don't necessarily subscribe to that line of thinking when it comes to Indiana high school softball, these way-too-early statewide rankings are becoming something of a tradition.
Who will be top softball teams in 2027? Here are way-too-early rankings
My colleague Kyle Neddenriep likes to say it's never to early to start thinking about high school football season and while I don't necessarily subscribe to that line of thinking when it comes to Indiana high school softball, these way-too-early statewide rankings are becoming something of a tradition.
Western senior Brynley Erb is the IndyStar softball player of the year
Western's Brynley Erb is the IndyStar softball player of the year for 2026. Erb, the state's all-time home run leader, batted .651 (1.508 slugging) with 241 hits, 53 doubles, 27 triples, 235 runs, 236 RBIs, 77 walks and only 16 strikeouts in 458 plate appearances as a senior.
Friendship with Tyrese Haliburton led Kelsey Mitchell to something to 'take pride in' with Puma
Mitchell was previously a Nike athlete for eight years. INDIANAPOLIS — Tyrese Haliburton first reached out to Kelsey Mitchell shortly after the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA semifinals. The Indiana Pacers star wanted to check on the veteran guard, but they were both "going through some things" at the time, Mitchell pointed out. She suffered from rhabdomyolysis — a medical condition that prevented her muscles from functioning properly — during Game 5 of the Fever's series vs.
Indiana Fever return to practice with injury, illness to Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham
Clark left last Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury and did not return. • Coach Stephanie White stated there is no specific timeline for Clark's return to play. • The team is using the current break in their schedule to focus on Clark's treatment and recovery. INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark (back) did not participate in Indiana Fever practice Tuesday and instead did "individual workouts," according to coach Stephanie White.
Former IU star makes WNBA debut, guarding Caitlin Clark, vs Indiana Fever after chaotic 24 hours
Show Caption Hide Caption Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts on IU grad Shay Ciezki: 'She's a little spark plug' The Phoenix Mercury signed Shay Ciezki to a developmental contract earlier this week. Here's what coach Nate Tibbetts said about the record-setting IU grad. Shay Ciezki signed with Phoenix on a developmental deal Monday, marking her third stint with the team. The former IU standout was activated for Monday's game and played the final couple minutes, notching a 3-pointer.
Former IU star makes WNBA debut, guarding Caitlin Clark, vs Indiana Fever after chaotic 24 hours Original
INDIANAPOLIS — Shay Ciezki was training in Buffalo when she got the call Sunday. Around 1 a.m. Monday she was checking into the team hotel in Indianapolis and a few hours later, the record-setting IU women's basketball guard received word that the Phoenix Mercury planned to activate her for that night's game against the Indiana Fever.
How an offensive foul, fumbled pass cost Indiana Fever chance for comeback win vs Mercury
INDIANAPOLIS — Officiating took center stage in the Indiana Fever's 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. Among the most controversial calls was an offensive foul against Kelsey Mitchell that negated the game-tying basket with 22 seconds remaining.
How skirmishes with opponents galvanize Indiana Fever: 'Gonna stand up for all my teammates'
INDIANAPOLIS — Monday's fourth-quarter dustup between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury provided evidence of where both sides stand in terms of team chemistry.
Did the Indiana Fever win? Caitlin Clark stats vs Phoenix Mercury: Start time, how to watch
The Indiana Fever host the Phoenix Mercury at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on USA Network. • The Fever defeated the Mercury two nights earlier in a game that got testy in the fourth quarter. • Caitlin Clark leads the Fever in scoring (21.3 points) and assists (8.2). Kelsey Mitchell also averages over 20 points. Buckle up for the second round of a two-game set between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury.
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark vs Phoenix Mercury start time, where to watch Wednesday, June 24
The Indiana Fever beat the Phoenix Mercury on Monday as Caitlin Clark and former Fever player DeWanna Bonner got into an altercation. • The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, June 24, on USA Network. This should be interesting. The Indiana Fever play the Phoenix Mercury for the second time in three days on Wednesday, June 24. The Fever won on Monday, June 22, in a game that featured a fourth-quarter altercation that resulted in five technical fouls.
What did the Phoenix Mercury think of incident with Fever? 'Not afraid of the smoke'
INDIANAPOLIS — Tensions between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury exploded in the fourth quarter Monday and the ensuing entanglement of players resulted in a flurry of offsetting technicals and added further juice to what’s quickly become one of the league’s most bitter rivalries.
Watch: Pacers Tyrese Haliburton (sorta) returns one year after Achilles tear to help Fever Original
INDIANAPOLIS — Exactly one year to the day after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton returned to the hardwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse … to save the day for the Indiana Fever. The Indiana Pacers superstar left his seats underneath the Fever basket to help jar a basketball loose from behind the backboard less than a minute into Monday's game against the Phoenix Mercury.
Watch: Pacers Tyrese Haliburton (sorta) returns one year after Achilles tear to help Fever
June 22, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CT INDIANAPOLIS — Exactly one year to the day after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton returned to the hardwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse … to save the day for the Indiana Fever. The Indiana Pacers superstar left his seats underneath the Fever basket to help jar a basketball loose from behind the backboard less than a minute into Monday's game against the Phoenix Mercury.
Did the Indiana Fever win tonight? Caitlin Clark stats vs Phoenix Mercury score updates
The Indiana Fever play the Phoenix Mercury at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on USA Network. • The Fever have lost a pair of games to Atlanta; the Mercury recently snapped a four-game losing streak. The Indiana Fever are hosting two straight games against the Phoenix Mercury this week, and the first is tonight, June 22. Caitlin Clark (21.1 points, 8.1 assists), Kelsey Mitchell (20.8 points) and Aliyah Boston (17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds) lead the Fever (9-7).
Kentucky commit Brynley Erb voted Indiana Miss Softball: 'I'm just grateful' Original
Brynley Erb has been voted Indiana Miss Softball by the state's coaches. Brynley Erb thought she would max out at maybe five home runs as a high schooler. Heck, she wasn't even sure if she would start varsity as a freshman. The first pitch Erb faced as a high schooler was a middle-in screwball against Eastern in the Panthers' 2023 season opener. And the freshman crushed it over the left-field wall for a solo homer. "I was like, alright, let's go. And I just took it," Erb recalled.
Is Caitlin Clark playing? Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury start time, where to watch
The Indiana Fever try to shake off a couple of losses when the Phoenix Mercury visit for two games this week. The first is Monday, June 22. The Fever (9-7) are the WNBA's highest-scoring team (92.4 points per game), but they also commit the most turnovers (16.7) and fouls (24.0). Caitlin Clark (21.1 points, 8.1 assists), Kelsey Mitchell (20.8 points) and Aliyah Boston (17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds) lead Indiana.
Clark, Fever vs. Dream score updates, stats, start time, how to watch Original
June 20, 2026, 10:01 a.m. ET The Indiana Fever will face the Atlanta Dream in a road game on June 20. The Dream recently defeated the Fever 108-101 in their last matchup. Caitlin Clark is listed as probable for the game despite a back issue. The Indiana Fever look to get back in the win column tonight, June 20, as they get on the road to play the Atlanta Dream in WNBA action. Just two days ago, the Dream beat the Fever 108-101 in Indianapolis.
Caitlin Clark wants to ensure 'best product' is considered with WNBA schedule expansion
INDIANAPOLIS — Wednesday's announcement that the WNBA regular-season schedule would be expanding to 50 games beginning next season was to be expected. There's more money flowing into the league and higher salaries for the players, so of course they're going to be expected to play more games, Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham said in separate interviews.
Fever vs. Dream start time, where to watch: Will Caitlin Clark play? Original
June 19, 2026, 4:03 a.m. ET The Indiana Fever will face the Atlanta Dream on the road after a recent loss to the same team. The season series between the two teams is currently tied at one win apiece. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 20, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Key players for the Fever include Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream live updates: Start time, where to watch
The Indiana Fever host the Atlanta Dream at 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday, June 18. The game will be shown on Prime Video. • The Fever have won four consecutive games. The Dream have won three of their past four. • Indiana's Caitlin Clark shares the WNBA lead in assists. Atlanta's Angel Reese leads the league in rebounding. The Indiana Fever seek their fifth straight win tonight, June 18, when they host the Atlanta Dream in WNBA action. Two weeks ago, the Fever beat the visiting Dream 83-71.
Homers, gems and steals: Vote for 2026 IndyStar high school softball player of the year Original
IndyStar has been recognizing the top softball players in Indiana with our Players of the Week poll. With the season now complete, we’ve decided to run a Player of the Year poll. It’s impossible to recognize every deserving player, but we did our best, compiling a list of 30 players from around the state. These weekly polls are consistently among our top performing stories every season, so a big thanks to everyone who's nominated players and participated.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream start time, how to watch Thursday, June 18
The Indiana Fever host the Atlanta Dream in WNBA action on Thursday, June 18. The Fever beat the visiting Dream 83-71 on June 4. Kelsey Mitchell (20.8 points), Caitlin Clark (20.4 points, 8.3 assists) and Aliyah Boston (17.1 points, 8.6 rebounds) lead the Fever (9-5), winners of four straight games. Sophie Cunningham is 11-of-15 on 3-pointers over the past three games.
Softball: 2026 All-Marion County, All-City teams announced
The Marion County Coaches of Girls Sports Association has announced the 2026 All-County and All-City softball teams. The Marion County Coaches of Girls Sports Association has announced the 2026 All-County and All-City softball teams. Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen. Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter.
Softball: 2026 All-Marion County, All-City teams announced
Formula 1 NASCAR IndyCar MotoGP Yahoo Racing is powered by Motorsport Network, providing expert reporting, analysis, and insider access across the world’s top racing series. Softball: 2026 All-Marion County, All-City teams announced The Marion County Coaches of Girls Sports Association has announced the 2026 All-County and All-City softball teams.
Yorktown libero commits to Louisville: 'It immediately felt like home' Original
The Yorktown libero recorded 641 digs, 41 aces, 82 assists and 20 kills last season for the semistate runner-up Tigers. Chloe Ritchie wasn't a fan of any one particular college volleyball program growing up. Her fandom was based on following the schools with Yorktown grads on the roster, like Kenzie Knuckles at Nebraska and Kylie Murr, first at Ohio State then for a year at Minnesota. "I've always been up in the air," the Yorktown junior told IndyStar on Tuesday.
Yorktown libero commits to Louisville: 'It immediately felt like home'
13 hours ago The Brooklyn Nets have the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and with the draft tipping off next week, they have to do as much as they can to prepare. Brooklyn could be considering a number of players with the No. 6 pick and it looks like one of the players they've been linked to has already …
Nationally ranked libero commits to Texas: 'No way I would go anywhere else' Original
June 16, 2026, 2:38 p.m. ET Cala Haffner, a nationally ranked libero from Fort Wayne Carroll, committed to Texas on Monday. The 5-9 libero has 995 digs in two varsity seasons. She played a starring role with last year's undefeated Class 4A state championship team.
Participants, teams set for Top 100 Underclass Girls Basketball Showcase at Ben Davis
Here are the participants for Thursday's IHSAA / IBCA Girls Top 100 Showcase at Ben Davis. • The showcase will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. The 2026 IHSAA / IBCA Girls Top 100 Showcase is set for Thursday at Ben Davis High School. The showcase will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. The showcase comes during a “scholastic viewing period,” which allows coaches from Division I programs to attend in person. Admission is $5 for spectators.
Participants, teams set for Top 100 Underclass Girls Basketball Showcase at Ben Davis
The 2026 IHSAA / IBCA Girls Top 100 Showcase is set for Thursday at Ben Davis High School. The showcase will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. The showcase comes during a "scholastic viewing period," which allows coaches from Division I programs to attend in person. Admission is $5 for spectators.
Where to Watch Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever vs Toronto Tempo WNBA game Tuesday, June 16
The Indiana Fever host the Toronto Tempo in WNBA action on Tuesday, June 16. Don't be surprised if it goes like this: The Fever take a double-digit lead, the Tempo rally to take the lead, and the outcome comes down to critical plays in the closing minutes. That's how the past four Fever games have gone. Caitlin Clark (20.3 points, 7.8 assists), Kelsey Mitchell (20.3 points) and Aliyah Boston (17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds) lead the Fever, who have won their past three games in nail-biting fashion.
Future bright for Western Boone following runner-up finish: 'Want this experience again.' Original
The Western Boone softball team lost the Class 2A state championship to Tecumseh with a final score of 7-2. • Despite the loss, the team was praised for its resilience, having overcome injuries and deficits throughout the season. WEST LAFAYETTE — If there's one thing people should (and probably will) remember about the 2026 Western Boone softball team, it's that they fought.
State finals experience everything Western Boone hoped for and 'a lot more'
Hear from Raina Lutz and Mickey Burns following WeBo's loss to Tecumseh in the Class 2A state championship game. Full interviews at YouTube.com/@IndyStarTVPreps
Fever, Caitlin Clark vs. Sun live updates, start time, how to watch
The Indiana Fever are seeking their third straight win against the Connecticut Sun. • The Fever are coming off a historic win where Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston each had 30-point double-doubles. • The Connecticut Sun are currently on a four-game losing streak. • The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 13. The Indiana Fever look for their third consecutive win when they visit the Connecticut Sun in WNBA action tonight, June 13.
Lake Central softball fulfills potential as state's top team: 'Like a dream' Original
Wilkins tied a 4A finals record with her four RBIs. WEST LAFAYETTE — It sounded like a cannon off the bat. A thunderous crack that reverberated through Purdue's Bittinger Stadium as the rows of fans behind home plate held their breath. The one responsible was Lake Central's Emma Wilkins, who squared up the first pitch she saw from Jaleigh Lindley and absolutely launched it over the left-field wall for her first career grand slam.
Lake Central softball snaps title drought against Terre Haute North
Hear from Maddie Such, Lexi Iwema and Tegan Tripp following Lake Central softball's 9-2 win over Terre Haute North in the 4A state final. Full interview: YouTube.com/@IndyStarTVPreps
New Palestine softball fought, but it 'just couldn't pull through' in 3A final Original
New Palestine lost to Hanover Central 6-3 in the Class 3A state softball championship game. • Hanover Central pitcher Jillian DeYoung struck out 11 batters and allowed just two earned runs. WEST LAFAYETTE — Ed Marcum wanted to be a father figure when he first started coaching softball at New Palestine in the early 2000s. The New Pal alum loved the game and he loved the girls, and for the past couple decades, he was viewed in a fatherly light.
Where to Watch Caitlin Clark, Fever vs Sun WNBA game Saturday, June 13 Original
June 12, 2026, 11:59 a.m. ET The Indiana Fever will face the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, June 13. Indiana enters the game with a 7-5 record, while Connecticut is 2-12 and on a four-game losing streak. The game will be played at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut at 6 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the game on WTHR-13 in Indianapolis and NBC Sports Network. The Indiana Fever look to stay in the win column, as they matchup against the Connecticut Sun in WNBA action on Saturday, June 13.
Western Boone catcher overcomes thyroid disease to come through for state-bound Stars
THORNTOWN — It started with profuse vomiting and what Kenzlei Mathews and her parents thought was a late-February flu.
State softball finalists share superstitions & traditions; we make predictions Original
Class 4A championship set up to be an instant classic • Diving into dugout traditions, superstitions and more We're into the final days of the 2026 IHSAA softball season. State champions in 3A and 4A will be crowned later tonight (weather permitting), then the Class A and 2A finalists will bring us home Saturday. Before heading out to Purdue's Bittinger Stadium, let's empty the notebook with a collection of odds-and-ends — softball-related and otherwise.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Brian
Contact Brian, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack