Kelsey Mitchell GOES DEEP After She, Caitlin Clark, and Aari McDonald ‘Sneak’ into Eli Lilly Event

In a lighthearted and unexpected twist off the court, Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell recently shared a hilarious story involving herself, teammate Caitlin Clark, and Atlanta Dream guard Aari McDonald. The trio, according to Mitchell, “snuck” into a private corporate event hosted by Eli Lilly, the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant — and ended up stealing the spotlight.

During a post-practice media session earlier this week, Mitchell recounted the moment with her trademark humor. “We were just walking by, and we saw all these people dressed up, music playing, lights everywhere,” Mitchell said, laughing. “So we figured, why not just walk in and see what’s going on? Next thing you know, we’re inside, taking pictures, meeting people, and nobody even questioned us.”

Caitlin Clark, known for her on-court intensity and off-court charisma, reportedly went along with the idea without hesitation. “Caitlin was all in,” Mitchell joked. “She was like, ‘If we get caught, we’ll just say we’re with the entertainment.’” Aari McDonald, meanwhile, served as the group’s lookout. “Aari kept saying, ‘Y’all, we’re gonna get in trouble,’ but she was laughing the whole time,” Mitchell added.

The spontaneous adventure quickly became a viral story among WNBA fans after Mitchell shared snippets of it on social media. Photos circulated online showing the players smiling with attendees and posing near Eli Lilly’s event banners. Fans were quick to comment on how relatable and down-to-earth the players seemed. One fan wrote, “They’re just like us — crashing fancy events and having fun!”

Eli Lilly later responded to the playful intrusion with good humor. A company spokesperson released a statement saying, “We always welcome our Indiana Fever neighbors. We’re glad they enjoyed themselves — next time, we’ll make sure they’re on the guest list.”

For Mitchell, the experience was more than just a funny memory. She used the story to reflect on the importance of joy and connection outside of basketball. “We work so hard, travel so much, and deal with so much pressure,” she said. “Moments like that remind us to just live, laugh, and be human. That’s what keeps the game fun.”

The story also highlights the growing visibility of WNBA players in the Indianapolis community. With Caitlin Clark’s rookie season drawing national attention and veterans like Mitchell leading the team, the Fever have become a major part of the city’s cultural and sports scene.

“I think people are starting to see that we’re not just athletes — we’re part of Indy,” Mitchell said. “Whether we’re at a game, volunteering, or, apparently, sneaking into Eli Lilly events, we’re representing this city with pride.”

As the laughter fades and the season continues, Mitchell’s mischievous tale will likely live on as one of the funniest off-court stories of the year — a reminder that even professional athletes know how to have a little fun when the cameras aren’t rolling.