The WNBA 2025 is over, with a few takeaways that could be building blocks for future seasons. Players improve on their skillsets and learn to adapt to changes in situations. But one thing that remained constant, or rather growing, is ‘negativity’. The Aces’ star Kiah Stokes was a recent member who spoke openly about mental health.
Earlier in the season, Napheesa Collier mentioned that there is growing negativity in the league targeting the physicality and officials in her statement, while off the court, there is also heavy criticism. The Phoenix Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner also made a heartbreaking confession about cyberbullying and finding hope with her team. Now the Aces’ Center spoke about her experience.
Kiah Stokes Talks About Mental Health
The sports world is currently struggling with some ‘extra’ criticism and trolls, where fans have access to social media. In the case of famous games like basketball, tennis, soccer, and football, the situation is severe. The Aces’ 6-foot-3 forward also experienced such ‘hate’ and recently opened up about her mental health.
“Social media is terrible, and it’s really hard to feel good about yourself when you have people just constantly tearing you down. …. I had just to take a break, control what I can control. … I really need a mental reset,” Stokes said.
Here’s that answer from Kiah Stokes. A reminder that athletes are people, too.
— Callie Fin (@CallieJLaw) October 13, 2025
“It’s really hard to feel good about yourself when you have people just tearing you down… there’s so much more to a basketball team than just the players on the court.” https://t.co/0afCPVWh6F pic.twitter.com/O248DaNTua
Adding to her point, she mentioned that most critics are unaware of the things that happen behind the scenes, and she did what her team asked her to do. The former UConn player mentioned that she played a passive role and gave her input to the team. She averaged 2.8 minutes in the playoffs and didn’t score a point in the series.
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During her five seasons with the Aces, the 32-year-old won three championships and will be a free agent in the upcoming season, and plans to take a vacation.
Las Vegas Aces Center Kiah Stokes Stars In Her Role
While on the paper the star might not have heavy numbers, but on the court, she has a valuable impact. During their 2023 championship run, the player filled various roles, as Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and assistant coach Natalie Nakase praised her.
“We don’t compete for a championship this year without Kiah. We don’t. I don’t care how many All-Stars we have. You need a spine to connect everything else. You can have great arms and legs, but without a spine, it’s not happening for you,” Plum said to Kiah.
In the 2025 season, during the first half, Kiah played a key role in holding the fort until everyone reached their full potential. Particularly, Wilson made history with a record fourth WNBA MVP award after a dominant second half of the season and also helped the side win its third title in four seasons.