For years, Kelsey Mitchell was the lone bright spot on an Indiana Fever team stuck in the mud. Seven years. Four coaches. Zero playoff appearances. It would’ve been easy for her to walk away. But in a new interview with teammate Erica Wheeler, Mitchell made one thing clear: Caitlin Clark changed everything.

Mitchell’s Loyalty Was Tested

Drafted second overall in 2018, Mitchell arrived in Indiana with high hopes. But instead of competing for titles, she endured losing season after losing season. Four different head coaches in seven years meant no stability, no identity, and no real hope. At one point, she didn’t know if she’d last in Indiana.

“The points were the points, the accolades were accolades, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to win.”

And then came Caitlin Clark.

Clark’s Arrival Changed Everything

Clark’s arrival didn’t just bring excitement—it brought belief. For the first time, Mitchell had a true running mate. Defenses could no longer key in on her alone. Suddenly, there was spacing, ball movement, and—most importantly—wins.

“I look back at our lockers every day, and I just think, dang, I’m here today. And I’m grateful.”

Clark’s presence revitalized Mitchell’s game. The numbers don’t lie—she posted career-best efficiency while averaging 19.2 points per game, right alongside Clark. It was a true dynamic duo, and it reignited her love for basketball.

Mitchell’s Second Home

Despite offers from other teams, Mitchell re-signed with the Fever on a one-year supermax deal. Why? Because this wasn’t just a team anymore. It was home.

“Indiana is my second home. And I met one of the greatest people in the world—Caitlin Clark.”

Mitchell could’ve left. She could’ve started over somewhere else. Instead, she stayed to finish what she started. And now, with a championship-caliber roster around her, she’s more motivated than ever.

The Fever aren’t just here to compete—they’re here to dominate.

Caitlin Clark shares her thoughts on Indiana Fever’s signings

Is Clark happy with the Fever’s recruitment?

The Indiana Fever are making bold moves to build a championship-caliber roster, and Caitlin Clark is fully on board with the team’s latest acquisitions.

After a playoff appearance in her rookie season, Clark is eager to see how Indiana’s offseason additions will elevate the team.

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Speaking to reporters following DeWanna Bonner’s introductory press conference, Clark expressed her excitement over the Fever’s roster upgrades.

“I’m really excited,” Clark said, according to Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star. “I think Kelly and Amber have done a really good job of finding pieces that fit, and it makes me excited about the future.”

Fever president Kelly Krauskopf and general manager Amber Cox have been active in free agency, re-signing All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell and bringing in proven veterans. The team signed former Connecticut Sun forward DeWanna Bonner, three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard, and point guard Sydney Colson, while also acquiring Sophie Cunningham via trade.

A focus on experience and leadership

Clark acknowledged that Indiana lacked playoff experience last season, which was evident during their first-round exit. By adding seasoned players with championship pedigrees, the Fever addressed a crucial gap.

“We didn’t really have much experience at all playing in playoff games,” Clark said. “I don’t know what the exact number was, but we really lacked in that area. So just adding pieces of players that have been in this league, they know what it takes to win.”

Bonner, a six-time All-Star, won two championships with the Phoenix Mercury before spending five seasons with the Sun. Howard, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has won three WNBA titles. Colson, a respected veteran, secured back-to-back championships with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023.

“They know what it takes to get to the Finals,” Clark added. “They know what it takes to win championships. I think it’s exactly what we needed in our locker room.”

A competitive mindset

Despite a tense on-court history with Bonner during last year’s playoffs, Clark is looking forward to teaming up with the veteran forward. She values playing alongside teammates who match her competitive intensity.

“That’s going to push all of us to get better when you can see a vet like that coming here and want to get better every single day,” Clark said.

Clark also highlighted the importance of adding not just talented players but strong personalities who will enhance team chemistry.

“I think every person you ask in this league, past teammates that they’ve had, they only say good things about them,” she noted.

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“We’re just really fortunate that we were able to get a lot of the pieces that we’ve wanted, so that just speaks to what we’ve been able to build here over the course of the last year.”

With a mix of young talent and experienced leadership, Indiana is positioning itself as a serious contender for the 2025 WNBA season.