'It Was an Honor': Indiana Fever Coach Sends Message to Kelsey Mitchell After WNBA Season

Fever assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly was a first-hand witness to Mitchell’s heroics this past season. Christmas-Kelly has been an assistant in Indiana since 2023, and she has seen Mitchell’s rise to the top. This is why the former WNBA guard-forward just had to send a heartfelt message to Mitchell now that the season has come to an end.

“The past few years of closely witnessing the growth in your game have been nothing short of amazing,” Christmas-Kelly wrote. “The circumstances you’ve endured, the loss you’ve encountered, and the adversity you’ve constantly overcome. But never did you waver in the love you have for the game, the work you put into perfecting your craft, and the professionalism you constantly put forth.

The Fever coach then heaped praise on Mitchell for always wanting to be held accountable “no matter the circumstance.” In her mind, Christmas-Kelly feels blessed to be part of Mitchell’s journey.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to be by your side during this 2025 season. I’m so happy everyone got to witness your greatness on the biggest stage throughout the year. You show love, you give love, and I now you receive love from near and far! Keep being you my girl! ❤️” Christmas-Kelly wrote.

Mitchell caught wind of the emotional statement from her coach, and the Fever star responded with an equally touching message of gratitude.

“You let me be vulnerable with you. You let me grieve with you. You let me be down and then be there to pick me up! You never gave up on me. I love you eternally ❤️” Mitchell posted on her Instagram stories.

This is a perfect example of how a coach-player relationship can transcend the confines of the basketball court. Christmas-Kelly has been guiding Mitchell in her career, but she’s also become a trusted confidant for the Fever guard.

Mitchell signed a max contract with the Fever before the start of the season. It was a one-year deal worth $249,224. She will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, which means that the Fever's front office will need to place a substantial offer on the table to keep one of their top stars on the team for 2026 and beyond.