Aliyah Boston Declines to Help Kelsey Mitchell with PhD Studies

The Indiana Fever stars were honored at a community event, but Boston made it clear she wants no part in Mitchell's academic pursuits.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:10pm

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Indiana Fever stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell were honored at a community event, where Mitchell announced she is pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership. When asked if she would help Mitchell study, Boston bluntly refused, saying 'I gave that up when I graduated.' The two players have a close on-court relationship, but Boston made it clear she has no interest in assisting with Mitchell's personal academic goals.

Why it matters

The exchange between Boston and Mitchell provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the Fever's talented roster. While the two are key pieces for the team, they maintain clear boundaries when it comes to their individual lives and priorities off the court.

The details

During the on-stage interview at the Steward Speakers Annual Fundraising Gala & Award Ceremony, Mitchell revealed that she is pursuing a PhD at Liberty University, with plans to complete the program in 2028. When asked if Boston would help her study, the 6-foot-5 center-forward bluntly responded 'No,' adding 'I gave that up when I graduated.' Mitchell noted that her classes start on May 18, to which Boston quipped 'Our first game's May ninth. We might have a game on [May 18], bro.' Mitchell suggested they could study together, but Boston firmly told her teammate 'You're on your own.'

  • Mitchell announced her PhD plans during the event on Friday, April 19, 2026.
  • Mitchell's classes are set to begin on May 18, 2026.

The players

Aliyah Boston

A star center-forward for the Indiana Fever, Boston was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She recently signed a four-year, $6.3 million contract extension to remain with the team.

Kelsey Mitchell

A three-time WNBA All-Star, Mitchell is a key part of the Fever's core alongside Boston and Caitlin Clark. She signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract to stay in Indiana for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“'I gave that up when I graduated.'”

— Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever Center-Forward

“'Our first game's May ninth. We might have a game on [May 18], bro.'”

— Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever Center-Forward

“'You're on your own.'”

— Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever Center-Forward

The takeaway

The exchange between Boston and Mitchell highlights the balance professional athletes must strike between their on-court chemistry and off-court personal lives. While the two Fever stars are close teammates, Boston made it clear she has no interest in getting involved with Mitchell's academic pursuits, preferring to keep their relationship focused on basketball.