NO TAKEOVER! | Kelsey Mitchell: As Big as Caitlin Clark Is, She Never Tried to Be Bigger than Team

Indiana Fever veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell has always been known for her honesty — on and off the court. And in a recent interview, she made it clear that despite all the attention surrounding rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, the team’s chemistry remains built on mutual respect, not ego.

“As big as Caitlin is — and she’s huge for women’s basketball — she’s never once tried to be bigger than the team,” Mitchell said. “That says a lot about who she is. The hype never changed how she approaches the game or how she treats people.”

Clark’s arrival in the WNBA brought an unprecedented media wave. From sellout arenas to record-breaking TV ratings, every Fever game has felt like an event. Yet, Mitchell emphasized that behind the spotlight, Clark has blended into the Fever’s culture with humility and focus.

“People think it’s some kind of takeover, but it’s not,” Mitchell continued. “We’ve all had to adjust — her, me, everyone. But what I appreciate is that she came in ready to learn. She listens, she works, and she respects the grind.”

The Fever, once struggling at the bottom of the standings, have found new energy this season. With Clark’s dynamic playmaking and Mitchell’s veteran leadership, the team has built momentum both on the scoreboard and in the locker room. Mitchell, who’s been with Indiana since 2018, says that balance has been the key.

“I’ve seen this franchise at its lowest points,” she said. “Now we’ve got people filling the seats, little girls wearing our jerseys, and a locker room that believes again. Caitlin’s a part of that, but so is every woman on this roster.”

Fans and analysts alike have praised Mitchell for embracing Clark instead of resisting the media frenzy around her. Rather than letting the attention cause friction, Mitchell has used it as motivation. “It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons,” she admitted. “But I’ve never felt like it’s ‘me versus her.’ It’s always been ‘us.’ She’s got her strengths, I’ve got mine, and together we’re trying to win basketball games.”

Mitchell also highlighted Clark’s willingness to defer and facilitate — a trait sometimes overlooked amid her scoring reputation. “There are nights when she could take over, but she doesn’t force it,” Mitchell said. “She trusts us. That’s leadership.”

For the Fever, this season isn’t just about rebuilding — it’s about redefining what it means to be a team in the spotlight. And for Mitchell, that spotlight doesn’t belong to one player alone.

“At the end of the day, we’re the Indiana Fever,” she said firmly. “Not the Caitlin Clark Show, not the Kelsey Mitchell Show. Just a group of women trying to make history together.”

Mitchell’s words resonate far beyond basketball. They reflect a growing culture in the WNBA — one grounded in collaboration, respect, and shared purpose. While stars like Clark bring the crowds, it’s veterans like Mitchell who help keep the foundation steady.

“No takeover,” Mitchell repeated with a grin. “Just teamwork.”