Sophie Cunningham Reacts to Indiana Fever News on Friday

Mitchell carried a heavy load for Indiana all season long. The three-time All-Star was the team’s primary option on the offensive end, averaging 20.2 points on 45.6% shooting, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while knocking down 2.5 triples per game on a 39.4% clip. The 5-foot-8 guard played all 44 games of the regular season, averaging 31.4 minutes per contest.

Amid all the injuries the Fever had to deal with throughout the campaign, Mitchell stepped up to produce the best season of her eight-year WNBA career. This resulted in the former Ohio State Buckeyes star finishing fifth in the MVP vote.

That was not the only honor Mitchell received in 2025. On Friday, the WNBA announced that for the first time in her career, Mitchell has been named part of the All-WNBA First Team alongside four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, former Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas and Allisha Gray.

The Fever posted a congratulatory video for Mitchell after the news broke, and Cunningham was the first to share her reaction to her teammate’s incredible achievement.

"Kelsey, kelsey, kelsey," Cunningham said. "I don't think anybody is surprised. You are more than deserving. We love you so much. I'm so proud of you. I think this is the tip of the iceberg for you. There's so much more in your tank. I'm just so proud to be right there by your side. Congratulations. Love you."

Clark; Aliyah Boston, who was named to the All-WNBA Second Team; and head coach Stephanie White also sent congratulatory messages for Mitchell, along with her other Fever teammates and the coaching staff. They were united in stating that Mitchell deserves this honor for all the hard work she put in this season.

Mitchell’s memorable season ended in heartbreak , though. She suffered lower-body cramping in the third quarter of Indiana’s do-or-die Game 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA semifinals. The Fever star’s body pretty much gave in on her after a grueling campaign, and Mitchell was not able to see out what turned out to be Indiana’s final game of the season.

It is worth noting that both Mitchell and Cunningham, among others, will be free agents in the offseason. There is no guarantee they will be back in Indiana next year, and the front office will need to work hard to secure new deals for both stars.