'I'll be ready to go': Former Ohio State star Taylor Mikesell hopes to return to WNBA
Taylor Mikesell’s time with the Indiana Fever is over. Her basketball career is not. The Jackson High School graduate is still working hard, eager for another chance to play in the WNBA.
Mikesell was cut by the Fever on May 17, just days before their season opener against the Connecticut Sun. Mikesell is a free agent and is back at home in Jackson Township. As she waits for the next phone call from a WNBA team, she remains on the basketball courts, working on her game.
“It was a great experience,” Mikesell said Wednesday after a workout. “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.”
More: Jackson High School celebrates Taylor Mikesell being drafted by Indiana Fever
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 after staring at Ohio State. Despite getting cut, she was grateful to get selected.
“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. One of 12 (on a WNBA roster) is incredibly hard, so I don’t think there’s any bad blood or feel like you drop it all. It’s more of a blessing at that moment. Wherever you find out where you going then try to get to work.”
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.
Mikesell was not the only draftee who was waived. Seven other 2023 draft picks also were released, mainly due to the limited roster space in the WNBA. While she awaits another opportunity, she sees a positive direction in the WNBA, which plans to expand, according to multiple reports.
“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.”
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Taylor Mikesell works to return to WNBA after waived by Indiana Fever
