Caitlin Clark’s rookie season was a challenge for the Indiana Fever. Of course, Clark was under the microscope for the entire season, every move scrutinized by fans and critics. However, that intense pressure was also shared by her Fever teammates, who often were caught in the crossfire of the media frenzy around Clark.

Fever All-Star Kelsey Mitchell talked about that in her latest piece for The Players’ Tribune. In the article, Mitchell said that instead of the pressure splitting the team, they instead grew stronger together. The Fever guard said that she was proud of everyone for battling through their adversity.

Mitchell also had a short message for Clark. The Fever guard said that she was proud of her teammate and that she hopes she helped her through her rookie season.

“And I have so much respect for Caitlin, especially, and how she handled it as a youngin’,” Mitchell said. “I hope we did a good job of being there for you, too, C ❤️. I gave her her flowers early in the game because the eyes she brought shined a light on all of us, too.”

Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark (22) and Kelsey Mitchell (0).

Clark and Mitchell formed one of the most potent backcourts in the WNBA last season. Both players averaged 19.2 points per game, with Mitchell being the more efficient scorer out of the two. Meanwhile, Clark made up for it with her brilliant playmaking, dishing out a league-leading 8.4 assists per game.

With Clark, Mitchell, and center Aliyah Boston leading the charge, the Fever made it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They unfortunately lost to the Connecticut Sun in the first round, but hopes are still high nonetheless.

The Fever are now coming into the 2025 season with more expectations. That, obviously, will entail more criticisms, more eyes on them, and more chaos. Based on Mitchell’s article, though, the women of the Fever are more than prepared for the 2025 season both on and off the court.