In a revealing new interview, WNBA star Kelsey Mitchell shared an emotional and candid account of how Caitlin Clark, one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, played a pivotal role in revitalizing her career with the Indiana Fever.

Mitchell, a talented guard for the Fever, has been one of the team’s key players for several seasons. However, her journey in the WNBA has not been without its challenges. In the interview, she opened up about the struggles she faced in recent years, both on and off the court, and how Clark’s inspiring performances and leadership provided her with the motivation she desperately needed to get her career back on track.

“Honestly, there was a time when I didn’t know what was next for me in the league,” Mitchell admitted during the conversation. “I had a few rough seasons, and I started to question whether I still had it in me. But then Caitlin Clark came along, and watching her play, I saw the fire and the confidence I was missing. It was like watching a younger version of myself, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with this game in the first place.”

The connection between Mitchell and Clark is particularly significant considering their shared ties to Indiana. Mitchell has played for the Fever since being drafted in 2018, and Clark, an Iowa standout, has faced off against the Fever on multiple occasions during her college career. Mitchell described Clark’s rise to stardom as a turning point for her.

“I started watching Caitlin and seeing how fearless she was, how she took over games, and it really clicked for me,” Mitchell explained. “She wasn’t afraid to take the big shots, and that’s something I used to do—take control, step up in big moments. She gave me the confidence to believe in myself again.”

Mitchell emphasized that Clark’s influence wasn’t just about basketball skills but also about attitude and mentality. Clark’s unapologetic confidence and her ability to overcome adversity resonated deeply with Mitchell, who had been battling her own internal struggles. Clark’s impact was so profound that Mitchell now credits the young star for helping her regain her mental toughness and focus.

“Caitlin didn’t know it, but watching her play gave me the spark I needed,” Mitchell said with a smile. “She saved my career in a way. I felt like I had a renewed purpose in the league. I knew I could be a leader for this team and make an impact like I once did. It’s all about embracing who you are, and Caitlin reminded me of that.”

As Mitchell prepares for another season with the Fever, her confidence is at an all-time high, and it’s clear that the support and inspiration she found in Clark’s journey have given her the mental and emotional tools to excel. The bond between these two players, while rooted in the admiration of one another’s games, extends beyond the court—proving that even in the competitive world of professional basketball, mentorship and support between athletes can make all the difference.

As Mitchell continues to build on her newfound inspiration, the Fever are poised for a fresh start, with Mitchell at the forefront of the team’s new chapter. With Clark’s career continuing to soar and Mitchell reinvigorated by her influence, the future looks brighter than ever for both of these incredible players and their respective teams.