Taylor Mikesell's tenure with the Indiana Fever was short-lived.
Despite her status as the No. 13 overall selection in the 2023 WNBA draft and accounts that she produced a solid preseason camp, the Fever waived Mikesell on Wednesday. The former Ohio State guard was one of three players Indiana's front office and coaching staff released as it trimmed the roster to the WNBA maximum of 12 before the 2023 season.
We have waived guard Taylor Mikesell.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 17, 2023
https://t.co/qqW8KTbxd5 pic.twitter.com/wYZ5wgLkM3
At Ohio State, Mikesell averaged 17.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest across two seasons. Her overall totals in that stretch included 1,215 points and the fourth-most 3-pointers in school history with 230 as she connected on 44.2% of her attempts from beyond the arc – a mark that ranks second all-time at Ohio State behind Cheryl Perozak (45.8%).
News of the Fever waiving Mikesell is one of many surprising roster cuts over the past few days while WNBA teams shape their rosters for 2023. With only 12 teams and 12 roster spots per squad, there are limited opportunities at the next level, especially for those chosen later in the draft, such as Mikesell, who went off the board with the first pick in the second round.
Looking ahead, most of the WNBA's 12 teams have their rosters set for this summer, which means Mikesell will continue her work away from the league. The Massillon, Ohio, native will hope to be picked up by another squad after the season starts.
