Kelsey Mitchell Overcomes Serious Injury, Vows to Compete Harder in 2026 Season

Kelsey Mitchell carried a heavy load for the Indiana Fever last season. Caitlin Clark was not the only teammate who was sidelined for a significant period in 2025. Along with Clark, four other players suffered season-ending injuries for the Fever last season.

This meant that Mitchell had to step up in a major way. That’s exactly what the 5-foot-8 guard did. Mitchell played all 44 games in the regular season. She averaged a career-high 20.2 points on 45.6% shooting, 1.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.5 triples in 31.4 minutes per contest.

Mitchell was named an All-Star for a third consecutive year. She also finished fifth in the MVP race.

Mitchell played all eight games in the playoffs as well. Unfortunately, she did not have much left by the end.

Mitchell had to be helped off the court in the Fever’s final game of the season. This was in Game 5 of their semifinals matchup against the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces .

Mitchell was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis , which is a rare muscle injury where muscles break down. One known cause of the condition is extreme exertion.

Despite the concerning injury, Mitchell is adamant she will not let it affect her this upcoming season.

“Hell no,” Mitchell said when asked if the injury would change her approach to taking care of her body in 2026. “If I gotta do it all over again and let my body fall out the way it did, I'm going to do it. I love the game that much. I love competing that much.

“Lord willing, it don't happen again like that. Hopefully it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but I'm going to die on my sword every game, every time.”

Mitchell is now fully healthy. She said that she was cleared to resume basketball activities two weeks after her initial diagnosis.

The Fever open their season on May 9 with a home matchup against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings .

Related: Sophie Cunningham Has Big Plans for Indiana Fever Teammates

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.