Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell opened up about her ongoing mental health journey following the 2026 WNBA season.
In a recent interview for the Indianapolis Colts’ “Kicking The Stigma” initiative, Mitchell reflected on her father’s death. The four-time All-Star shared how the tragedy significantly changed her mental state and how she adjusted accordingly.
“My mental health journey has always kind of been an uphill-downhill battle,” Mitchell said. “My father passed in 2024, and I think that it kind of shifted my perspective psychologically in terms of have to adjust without a parent. And I think that those kinds of things, those kinds of bad days, influence who you are.”
Coming off a career year where she averaged 24.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists, Mitchell also emphasized the importance of her support system in dealing with adversity.
“I’m happy that I was able to withstand the bad days, the bad moments,” she continued. “I’m happy that I had a family to kind of do it with. There’s strength in numbers, and so I always want to lean on the people around me that I know love me.”
Mitchell’s father, Mark, was a key figure in her life, serving as her coach and mentor. He died unexpectedly in 2024. He was 56.
Indiana’s 2026 campaign also demanded mental fortitude from the 30-year-old guard, after she opened up about the scrutiny she faces playing alongside Caitlin Clark.
During her team’s exit interview, Mitchell talked about the amount of hate she and her teammates receive simply for playing alongside Clark.
Now, Mitchell faces an important career decision. The former Ohio State standout will enter free agency and must decide whether to re-sign with the Fever or take her talents elsewhere.
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