On January 11 2026, Indiana Fever star guard **Kelsey Mitchell** took to social media to share a deeply emotional tribute marking the **two-year anniversary** of her father Mark Mitchell’s sudden passing. The post, accompanied by throwback photos of her dad coaching her through the years, quickly went viral among WNBA fans, garnering thousands of likes and messages of support.
Mark Mitchell, a beloved basketball coach who led teams at Taft High School, Ohio State University (as an assistant during Kelsey’s college career), and Wilberforce University, died unexpectedly in March 2024 at the age of 56. He was not just a coach but Kelsey’s biggest mentor, best friend, and the architect of her elite scoring ability. Kelsey has often credited him as the “blueprint” for her game, from her deadly left-handed jumper to her relentless work ethic.
In her poignant message, Mitchell wrote:
“Two years without you, Pops. It still doesn’t feel real. You trained me my whole life — on the court, in life, everything. Every shot I take, every game I play, I feel you right there pushing me. You were my coach, my dad, my best friend. The gym was our love language, and I miss our talks, our laughs, the way you’d hold me accountable like no one else could. Grief doesn’t get easier, but carrying your legacy makes me stronger. I love you forever. Keep watching over us. 💙 #MarkMitchell”
The post included cherished memories: old photos of a young Kelsey drilling shots under her father’s watchful eye at Ohio State practices, family moments with her mom Cheryl and siblings, and Mark proudly watching from the sidelines during her early WNBA days.
Teammates and fans flooded the comments with support. Fever forward Aliyah Boston wrote, “Sending you so much love, Kelz. Your strength inspires us all.” Caitlin Clark added a simple heart emoji and “Forever with you ❤️.” Fans shared stories of how Mark’s coaching impacted their own lives, highlighting his reputation as a tough but loving mentor in the Cincinnati basketball community.
Since her father’s passing, Mitchell has channeled her grief into remarkable on-court performances. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, she emerged as one of the WNBA’s premier scorers, leading the Fever to deep playoff runs and earning multiple All-Star nods. She has spoken openly about how basketball became her sanctuary, saying in interviews that “playing saved me” during the darkest times.
As the 2026 WNBA season approaches, Mitchell’s tribute serves as a reminder of the personal fuel behind her excellence. The Fever organization issued a statement: “We stand with Kelsey and the Mitchell family today and always. Mark’s impact lives on through her.”
Mitchell’s vulnerability has resonated widely, reinforcing her status not just as a basketball star, but as a role model for resilience and family love.
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