Kelsey Mitchell made a strong statement in the WNBA with her mesmerizing performances in the 2025 season. The player was an MVP finalist in the league following her career-best season. After the season, though, she remained completely distant from the franchise’s operations and activities, making very few public appearances.
A few days later, Mitchell announced the first annual Mark Mitchell Classic to honor her late father. The player considered her father her inspiration, who passed away in 2024.
Kelsey Mitchell’s Tribute To Her Father
As per her update, Cincinnati’s Taft High School will host all the games. Mark Mitchell coached at the school for 11 seasons, from 2003. While the event starts on January 18, the player made a special post urging fans and supporters of Mark Mitchell to show up for the event.
Posting her message on Instagram, the player wrote, “If you loved my pops, his passion for the game, and his love seeing the YOUTH thrive through hoop, show up today and Monday. The Legacy lives on…”
The event features 10 teams and halftime performances by the NPHC organization’s step dancers. The exciting event also includes many giveaways. The player is holding high hopes for her initiative, paying a perfect tribute to her basketball-loving father.
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On the work front, the player is currently playing in the Unrivaled league, representing the Hive BC. The Fever guard made her mark in the 3-on-3 league, too, with her game-winning performance.
Kelsey Mitchell Shining In Unrivaled League
Aliyah Boston called Mitchell the toughest one-on-one player in the league, making her a perfect player for the Unrivaled league format. But the veteran guard struggled to find her footing early in the game, leaving the Hive BC winless in the first week. In the third game, though, the explosive scorer showed her capability with a 24-point outing (in just 16.3 minutes) against the defending champions, Rose BC.
Hive BC (1-3) beat the champs Rose BC (3-1) 78-75 for their first win in team history 🐝
— AllThingsWNBA (@AllThingsWNBA) January 17, 2026
Kelsey Mitchell: 24-3reb-1stl
Monique Billings: 12-10reb-1stl
Saniya Rivers: 14-9reb-2blk
Chelsea Gray: 36-1-7-2stl
Azurá Stevens: 17-9-1-1-1 pic.twitter.com/XM71mRRv5M
Ironically, the Rose side was undefeated in the league until they faced the ‘prime’ Mitchell. This win would boost their confidence as they would need a few more wins to push for the playoffs. The Hive team also has other top players, such as Saniya Rivers, Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, and Monique Billings, who could be match-winners on their day.