Kelsey Mitchell’s 2025 season was nothing short of heroic. With All-Star guard Caitlin Clark sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to a groin injury, the 29-year-old Indiana Fever guard stepped up in spectacular fashion, averaging 20.2 points per game on 45.6% shooting while dishing out 3.4 assists. Her performance elevated her into MVP conversations and carried the Fever to a 24-20 record, culminating in a hard-fought semifinals appearance against the Las Vegas Aces.
But Mitchell’s drive on the court last season was fueled by more than just the pursuit of a championship. She was playing for her father, Mark Mitchell, whose sudden passing in March 2024 at the age of 56 left a profound mark on her life. “Pops blueprint kept me in survival mode,” Mitchell shared on Instagram, opening up about how her grief became a source of strength on the hardwood.
Now, as the WNBA offseason unfolds, Mitchell is channeling her energy into a different kind of court—one that honors her father’s lasting legacy. Cincinnati’s Taft High School, where Mark Mitchell coached for 11 seasons starting in 2003, is hosting the inaugural Mark Mitchell Classic, set to tip off on January 18. Mitchell has been actively promoting the event on social media, urging fans and followers to tune in and “Mark the calendar NOW.”
Mark Mitchell’s impact on basketball and football spans decades. He played football for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels before transitioning into coaching, eventually serving as an assistant coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes. His career also included leadership roles in the Cincinnati Public School System and at Wilberforce University, shaping countless young athletes along the way. The Mark Mitchell Classic represents a celebration of that dedication and influence, and for Mitchell, it’s intensely personal.
The tournament will feature nine games over two days, offering a showcase of talent and a platform to honor her father’s legacy. While Mitchell will be busy with the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league starting January 17, her connection to the Classic underscores how deeply the event resonates with her. Whether or not she steps onto the court, her presence looms large over the proceedings—a symbol of pride, remembrance, and perseverance.
Mitchell’s story transcends basketball. It is a narrative of loss turned into purpose, grief transformed into action. Fans who followed her scorching 2025 campaign now have another reason to stay tuned: the Mark Mitchell Classic promises emotion, competition, and a window into the heart of one of the WNBA’s most determined stars.
As the countdown to January 18 begins, Kelsey Mitchell reminds everyone that legacy isn’t just built on stats or victories—it’s built on the lives we touch, the memories we honor, and the paths we pave for the next generation. The Mark Mitchell Classic is more than a tournament—it’s a living tribute, and the Fever guard is at the center of it all.
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