Kelsey Mitchell: Rising Star of the WNBA
The Corteba Coliseum embodies the essence of Indiana in a truly unique way. Located at the Indiana Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, it has long been called the Indiana Farmers Coliseum—perhaps too on the nose for some. Interestingly, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion and even serves as a pig barn during the State Fair every August.
While it can host basketball games, it doesn’t always feel like a traditional basketball arena. In 2022, however, it was the venue for half of the Indiana Fever’s home games. That year was particularly tough for the franchise, marking a low point in its history.
The Fever ended the season with a dismal 5-31 record—an all-time low. After a victory against the Sky on June 19, they didn’t manage to win another game, losing the last 18. The attendance wasn’t any better, with just 960 fans showing up for their sixth game of the season.
Now, the Fever has the potential to become one of the league’s favorite teams largely due to Kelsey Mitchell, though her journey to this moment has been anything but easy.
Mitchell is one of only two players remaining from the challenging 2022 season, alongside Lexie Hal. While Hal struggled to find consistent playing time, Mitchell shone as she led the team in minutes, points, assists, and steals.
Reflecting on her earlier years, Mitchell said, “You had to be here to experience it. I’m grateful for this opportunity as it helped me grow both as a person and as a player.” She expressed appreciation for her early challenges, stating they shaped her into a strong athlete.
This season, Mitchell is averaging a career-high 19.3 points and 2.8 assists. While her scoring efficiency has dipped slightly from last year’s peak, it remains impressive overall.
It’s also a season that’s earned her another All-Star selection. For the third consecutive year, she’ll be joined by teammates Kate Linklark and Alija Boston at the mid-season exhibition.
“It’s a great opportunity for myself and my family, but I can’t help but think about where this journey is headed,” Mitchell noted after her All-Star announcement.
Statistically, Mitchell’s performance mirrors her 2022 season, but the atmosphere surrounding the Fever feels vastly more positive. Attendance has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, with Gainbridge Field House averaging over 16,000 fans each game.
In fact, a game against the Dallas Wings earlier this season drew a crowd of 20,409. In just the past two seasons, the Fever have played in front of over 20,000 fans on multiple occasions.
Throughout her six seasons, Mitchell and the Fever have had a tough road, with a record of 49-149. They consistently ranked low in home attendance, but things seem to be changing.
Despite the challenges, Mitchell has continually shown improvement and has persevered, even when few fans attended games. Now, she’s beginning to see that hard work pay off.
Her fellow All-Star, Clark, praised her: “She has a great heart and has been through a lot with this franchise. It’s been tough, but she’s always been a standout player. Having her play in the All-Star Game in front of a full house feels like a full-circle moment.”
Indianapolis has become a vibrant home for the Fever, establishing one of the league’s most dynamic environments. Hosting the All-Star Game is a testament to how far the franchise has come and where it’s headed.
Gainbridge Field House will be a sold-out venue for this special event, allowing fans to witness Mitchell’s journey culminate in an unforgettable moment.
“I’ve had an incredible career, and no one told me how tough it could be,” Mitchell reflected. “So I feel proud standing here, knowing what it was like when nobody came.”
