Last season, Kelsey Mitchell literally fell until her “wheels fell off”. In Game 5 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, Mitchell stopped the game because of intense cramping and was immediately stretchered out of there to the hospital. It was later found out that she had Rhabdomyolysis a life-threatening disease. Now, Mitchell has revealed where her determination and focus come from, which has fans respecting her even more.
Kelsey Mitchell has always been someone who managed her books as well as the ball. Last year, Mitchell revealed that she is pursuing a Phd at Liberty University after completing her Master’s in Sports Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Now, she has revealed what the experience of being a student athlete at the age of 30 has been like.
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“I’m getting my PhD in Educational Leadership. Yeah, it’s pretty hard being student athlete at 30, but I guess I can do it, but it’s been humbling,” Mitchell said. The WNBA star manages both by pursuing her degree online.
“I’m an online girly. Recently, I just did a research class. It was the worst of my life,” Mitchell further said. “Y’all. I was fighting for my life, but I think in retrospect it is good for me because the discipline that is kind of maintained with doing school has still been a pro and what I do is kind of like keeps me grounded. Keeps me focused.” Seeing a different side of their electric star, fans immediately praised how Mitchell is already preparing for the long-term future.
Kelsey Mitchell’s PhD Grind Sparks Massive Fan Respect Online
“Dr. Mitchell. That sounds nice!” wrote a fan. “Congratulations Kelsey on continuing to inspire anyone who thinks it’s too late to learn,” pitched in another. Mitchell has always been an athlete to look up to as far as basketball is concerned. She was drafted by the Fever in 2018 when the franchise was not in their best state. But, even through losing seasons, Mitchell continued to persevere with the team and now when they are contenders and one of the most popular teams in the league, she is getting results of that hardwork. With this all-round progress, Mitchell is an inspiration for fans as well as the locker room.
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“Kelsey is truly an Awesome person and player! What a role model for the Fever Team!!!!❤️,” wrote a fan. Mitchell is an important part of the internal leadership in Indiana as a veteran player. But since she has experiences and knowledge beyond basketball, that respect elevates further. Because the teammates themselves understand how difficult it is to do a PhD and play in the WNBA at the same time, they respect her word even more. As hard as it might be, this strenuous process might help Mitchell beyond basketball.
“So glad she kept on going through school. Can’t wait to see what she does when her career is over,” wrote another. With a Sports Administration masters and an Educational Leadership Phd, she could go into managing a front office of a WNBA or NBA franchise. She could even go into coaching, like many players do. But these options are only available because of the league’s importance to education
“One thing I do appreciate about the W, is their emphasis on higher education. Now Kelsey is taking it even further. Lofty goals, but worth it in the end,” wrote a fan. The WNBA emphasizes education in two ways: via its draft rules and via its support programs after. The player has to be atleast 22 to enter the draft, which means she would have already completed the undergraduate degree by then. Then, the WNBPA partners schools like the Indiana University Kelley School of Business to give them an opportunity at higher education with programs tailored to their schedule. This culture helped Mitchell when she was first arriving on the scene and gave her motivation to go above and beyond the standard.
