Sure, we have seen Kelsey Mitchell put up electric plays on the basketball court, but it is her hustle in the virtual classroom that has fans buzzing this time around. Last season, Mitchell literally played until her “wheels fell off.” In Game 5 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, she 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. The Indiana Fever guard has always been someone who managed her books as well as the ball. Last year, she revealed that she is pursuing a PhD at Liberty University after completing her Master’s in Sports Administration from the University of Cincinnati.

With that, she has now revealed what the experience of being a student athlete at the age of 30 has been like. “I’m getting my PhD in Educational Leadership. Yeah, it’s pretty hard being a 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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Indiana Fever (@indianafever) “I’m an online girlie. Recently, I 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.

The 3x WNBA All-Star 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 its 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 from that hard work.

With this all-around progress, Mitchell is an inspiration for fans as well as the locker room. “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. The teammates themselves understand how difficult it is to do a PhD and play in the WNBA at the same time, and 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 Master’s in Sports Administration and an Educational Leadership PhD, she could go into managing the front office of a WNBA or NBA franchise. She could even go into coaching, as 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: through its draft rules and through its support programs. The player has to be at least 22 to enter the draft, which means she would have already completed her undergraduate degree by then. Then, the WNBPA partners with 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.