Who Is Kelsey Mitchell? Know More About Rookie Caitlin Clark’s All Star Guard

“We can be invincible. I sincerely believe that. We’re young, we’re vibrant, we’re gonna be different than any other team you’ve ever seen, obviously, for so many different reasons. Our weapons can be utilized in different ways, that’s how great we can be because everybody can do everything,” these were Kelsey Mitchell’s words looking up to make an impact this season. Yes! Kelsey Mitchell is making a comeback.

After spending months recovering from a painful injury, Kelsey Mitchell, Fever’s star guard is here to take the season by storm as the No.1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark makes her WNBA debut. Keeping the spirits high, let’s get to know Indiana’s trailblazing guard.

Meet Indiana Fever’s leading scorer – Kelsey Mitchell

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelsey Mitchell has always been a scorer. She attended Princeton High School and took her high school team to the state championship as a senior. After that, she committed to play for the Ohio State University. There, she spent an impactful freshman season by scoring 873 points, becoming the second freshman to do so in NCAA Division I history. The first freshman to score maximum points was San Diego State’s Tina Hutchinson who scored 898 points in 1983-84.

Mitchell added her name to the NCAA Division I list of all-time leading scorers with a remarkable 3402 career points when she concluded her college basketball career. Moving on, her WNBA career too has been a successful path. She was selected as the second overall draft pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2018 WNBA draft. Since then, she has been one of the Fever’s key players contributing to the team in points and assists.

Kelsey Mitchell was Indiana Fever’s leading scorer last season and was named the WNBA All-Star besides being honored with the Dawn Staley Leadership Award. However, Mitchell had to face some downsides as she sustained an ankle injury in April last year. At the time, she was preparing for the 3×3 National Training Camp as a result of which, she had to miss out on this year’s preseason training camp and the games against Dallas and Atlanta.

However, this Fever guard has been itching in anticipation and started practicing with the team on Friday. Being mindful of her injury, Mitchell began her practice by slowly phasing in. At first, she kept her practice sessions limited to having offensive possessions. Then, on Sunday she shook the rust off of her defensive skills too.

These recent incidents only indicate one thing, Kelsey Mitchell is making a comeback this season. But what does it mean for the Indiana Fever? Let’s find out.

Can Mitchell’s return this season take Indiana Fever to glory?

“I feel really, really great, but for me it’s making sure I’m being professional on and off the floor, making sure I’m listening to my doctors, listening to the proper protocol just to make sure I’m getting everything that I need going into the beginning of the season,” said Mitchell describing her preparedness before going into the 2024 season as she is mindful of following safety protocols to avoid any further damage.

However, she still needs a thumbs-up from Indiana’s longtime trainer, Todd Champlin. “That’s up for Todd to decide, it’s his decision. I’m looking forward to that day, for the thumbs up, whether that’s limited minutes, but can’t wait to get her out there,” as Fever’s head coach, Christie Sides puts it.

So, it depends strictly on Champlin if Kelsey Mitchell will be playing in the Fever’s season opener game against the Connecticut Sun. And, if she does, it will be a total game-changer for the team. “Kelsey just brings a whole different dynamic and speed to this game, so it’s just gonna take some time to get used to what she does and put it all together,” Sides elaborated on Mitchell’s powerful display during the training camp. Her current average stands at 18.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

Stay tuned for more updates as we cover every move these top scorers are set to make this season.