The Indiana Fever have seen several former players transition into coaching roles in recent years, and another familiar face is officially making that move. On Tuesday, the University of Texas announced that former Fever guard Victoria Vivians has joined Vic Schaefer’s staff as an assistant coach, bringing one of the most accomplished players in Mississippi State history back together with her former college coach.
The news quickly spread across the women’s basketball world, drawing congratulations from fans, former teammates and fellow players. Among those celebrating the announcement was current Fever star Kelsey Mitchell, who shared her reaction on social media after Vivians officially began the next chapter of her basketball career.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks to Seattle Storm guard Victoria Vivians (35) following being run into after making a three-pointer, Thursday, May 30, 2024, during the WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.Joe Timmerman/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kelsey Mitchell Reacts to Victoria Vivians‘ Texas Coaching Hire
Shortly after Texas announced Vivians as its newest assistant coach, Mitchell shared the news on her Instagram Story, celebrating the career milestone for her former Indiana teammate.
Mitchell and Vivians spent multiple seasons together with the Fever after Vivians was selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. During her six seasons in Indiana, Vivians appeared in 162 games while establishing herself as a key contributor before later finishing her WNBA career with the Seattle Storm.
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Mitchell’s social media post reflected the respect the two built during their time together in Indianapolis and highlighted the support that continues long after sharing the same locker room.
Victoria Vivians Returns to Vic Schaefer
Vivians’ move to Texas is a full-circle moment.
She starred under Schaefer at Mississippi State from 2014-18, helping lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back NCAA national championship game appearances in 2017 and 2018. She finished her college career with 2,527 points, the second-most in program history, while earning Associated Press First Team All-America honors as a senior and four All-SEC selections.
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Following her playing career, Vivians began building her coaching resume. She served as an assistant coach and director of scouting at Mississippi State during the 2024-25 season and also gained experience with the Rip City Remix and Portland Trail Blazers organization.
“Joining the Texas women’s basketball program is incredibly special to me,” Vivians said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to work alongside a coach who played such an important role in my own development as a college player makes this a true full-circle moment.”
Schaefer praised Vivians not only for her decorated playing career but also for the perspective she brings after competing at both the collegiate and professional levels.
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For Mitchell, the announcement marked another milestone for someone she shared the court with in Indiana. Her Instagram Story on Wednesday served as a simple but meaningful show of support as Vivians begins what could be a long coaching career with one of the nation’s premier women’s basketball programs.
Related: Indiana Fever Announce Double History for Kelsey Mitchell
Related: Indiana Fever Share Kelsey Mitchell Update Before Aces Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
