Kelsey Mitchell’s horrific rhabdomyolysis injury was perhaps the biggest what-if moment in the WNBA during the 2025 season. The Indiana Fever had pushed the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, to a decisive Game 5 in the semifinals when Mitchell suddenly collapsed in the third quarter.
If anything, the Fever had shown throughout the 2025 playoffs that their grit and tenacity were remarkable. There were high expectations that they might come out victorious against A’ja Wilson and Co. However, those hopes were shattered the moment Mitchell went down with the scary muscle injury.
On Friday, when Kelsey Mitchell appeared on Sue Bird’s “Bird’s Eye View” podcast, she shared emotions reflecting that moment. The Fever star said she felt like the 2025 season was *the* moment for the Fever.
“I felt like that was a moment for our group. I felt like where we were and what we were doing, the path we were taking, the way we started to play, and the way TH started to rebound a little bit— I was like, if this is going to be a time, this is going to be our time,” Mitchell said.
“You know, like that’s how I felt, and I think that I cried about that more than anything because I felt like I was prepared for the moment.”
Mitchell added that after her injury and the Fever’s loss in Game 5, she began having wild thoughts. “I was like, wow, maybe, like, you know, the spiritual or whatever to God, like maybe he didn’t want this moment for me, and so my mind started to play tricks on me for a while.”
(Timestamp 1:04:25)
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### Kelsey Mitchell Credits Stephanie White for Renewing Her Confidence
As soon as the Indiana Fever got the chance, they acquired Stephanie White as the head coach. Apart from trading for crucial pieces, this coaching change proved to be vital for Indiana’s success.
Kelsey Mitchell also credited her breakout season to White’s influence. During the interview, Sue Bird asked Mitchell about White’s impact on her game this season. Mitchell opened up, saying it was the first time in her career she felt protected under a coach.
“Oo, Steph was big because I think for me, Sue, uh, we talked about having five coaches in eight years,” Mitchell said. “This was one of the first times in my career that I felt safe through my coach. Like, I felt—that’s big. I felt I could be me and not be overly criticized about being me, but instead, help me be a better me. I just think that she didn’t take away confidence. She instead poured it into us.”
(Timestamp 57:15)
Mitchell also revealed that when Lexie Hull was going through a shooting slump, White made sure to keep her spirits high by encouraging her to continue shooting.
“It was like, it’s dope because you get that coach or a leader who believes in your abilities, and knowing that whatever system she put in or wanted for us, she knew that we could do,” Mitchell added.
Even without two of her big stars, White inspired the Fever to push all the way to Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals. With Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and other stars expected back in the lineup, Indiana’s 2026 season could prove to be something special.
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**About the author**
*Nandjee Ranjan* is a journalist covering the NBA and WNBA at Sportskeeda. His passion for basketball dates back to childhood when he enjoyed playing the sport at school. Nandjee’s heart is divided between two NBA powerhouses: the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He idolizes LeBron James for his leadership and appreciates the Warriors’ dynamic, team-oriented style of play.
For Nandjee, basketball is more than a sport; it’s a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. Drawn to team sports, he finds fulfillment in the physical engagement basketball offers. With years of following basketball, Nandjee contextualizes historical events and player performances. He believes in thorough research, prioritizing accuracy to benefit his readers. During his leisure hours, Nandjee enjoys relaxing with a good book.
*Edited by Nandjee Ranjan.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-i-cried-that-kelsey-mitchell-reflects-her-injury-heartbreak-during-fever-s-potential-finals-push