Mikesell seeking to return to WNBA
Taylor Mikesell is still working hard, eager for another chance to play in the WNBA.
The former Ohio State Buckeye was cut by the Indiana Fever on May 17, just days before their season opener against the Connecticut Sun, making Mikesell a free agent. She is currently back at her Jackson Township home, waiting for a phone call from a WNBA team and practicing.
“It was a great experience,” Mikesell said, “just being able to see the pace of the game and all the talented players that they had in training camp. It was really cool to see and be able to compete against them every day and just take what I fell short on, work on it, and when that next opportunity comes, I’ll be ready to go.”
Mikesell was among the 15 prospects invited to the WNBA’S draft night in New York City. She was selected in the second round by the Fever.
“You kind of don’t know what to expect on draft night,” Mikesell said. “I was just happy to be there with the opportunity to be drafted and be part of a team.”
Mikesell only played in the first preseason game for the Fever, scoring five points against the Chicago Sky. She didn’t play in the next preseason against the Dallas Wings.
Seven 2023 draft picks in addition to Mikesell were also released, mainly due to the limited roster space in the WNBA. There are 12 teams in the league and there’s a limit of 12 players per team.
“It’s incredibly hard to make a WNBA roster,” Mikesell said.
“It’s easily the hardest professional league to join and be successful, but it’s also what makes it elite. They are doing a great job already working toward expansions.”