The Indiana Fever were on the move again, preparing for their next big test. In style, they all came together to board their flight to Las Vegas for the WNBA semifinals. This is right when coach Stephanie White decided to break some news in an unforgettable fashion.
What started as a routine moment during team travel quickly turned into one of celebration. For star guard Kelsey Mitchell, it was a milestone, years in the making.
Stephanie White Has a Special Announcement for Kelsey Mitchell at 30,000 Feet
When the Fever squad boarded their flight to Las Vegas, coach White made a frolicking announcement over the plane’s PA system. All she wanted was the trip to start with a moment to remember. During her announcement, she revealed that guard Mitchell had been named one of the five finalists for the 2025 WNBA MVP award.
She said, “Would anybody who might happen to be a top 5 finalist for the WNBA MVP please stand up?!”
“Would anybody who might happen to be a top 5 finalist for the WNBA MVP please stand up?!”
head coach Stephanie White surprised Kelsey Mitchell with the announcement she was named a finalist for MVP before we took off for Vegas 🙌 pic.twitter.com/55WrHYuOZ6
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 19, 2025
With this feat, Mitchell joins other big stars like A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, and Allisha Gray.
The news immediately set off cheers from the entire Fever squad, capping off a breakthrough season for Mitchell. White’s announcement was followed by more showering of love over Mitchell. “We love you, Kelsey. We’re so proud of you!”
The reveal not only honored Mitchell but also showcased how tight-knit the Fever have become under White, who has guided them through a season full of injuries and adversity.
A Career Year for Mitchell
Mitchell’s campaign was one for the record books. She finished third in the WNBA in scoring at 20.2 points per game, eclipsing Tamika Catchings’ single-season franchise record from 2003. Her 890 total points were the second-most in the league, and her 111 three-pointers led all players.
In doing so, she also cemented her place in Fever history, becoming the team’s all-time leader in made threes with 669, the eighth-highest mark in WNBA history.
Her workload was immense. Mitchell logged 1,381 minutes, more than anyone else on the roster, and carried the Fever through stretches where injuries left the team shorthanded.
Despite that, she thrived in the biggest moments, recording 11 career 30-point games, more than any other Fever player. This season also marked her third straight All-Star appearance, along with two Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
Her path to this moment has been anything but easy. Drafted second overall in 2018, she endured years of rebuilding and coaching changes. Soon after this, she finally got the chance to shine on a contending roster.
The MVP finalist announcement comes at a pivotal time, with Fever preparing to face the Aces in the semifinals. Game 1 tips off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
While the Aces bring championship pedigree and depth, the Fever, along with Mitchell, are riding momentum and the belief that they can continue their improbable run.
While for Mitchell, her personal accolades are meaningful, the bigger picture remains crystal clear. She’s the centerpiece of Indy’s resurgence.
