For those who have followed Powers’ career, her arrival in Indiana feels like a move that was long overdue. A product of Michigan State, she entered the WNBA in 2016 as the fifth overall pick, a testament to her scoring prowess and athletic potential. With the Dallas Wings, she made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Her journey, however, would be defined by adaptability and resilience as she moved between franchises, each stop adding another layer to her story.
Her most celebrated chapter came with the Washington Mystics. In 2019, Powers was a crucial role player on a team that battled its way to a WNBA championship. She provided scoring, toughness, and energy off the bench, embracing her role on a star-studded roster. That championship ring was validation of her talent and her ability to contribute to winning at the highest level. Following her success in Washington, she found a new home with the Minnesota Lynx, where she stepped into a more prominent scoring role, averaging double figures and proving she could be a primary offensive weapon when called upon.
Yet, the life of a professional athlete is rarely a straight line. After her time in Minnesota, Powers took her talents overseas, a common path for WNBA players seeking to stay sharp and secure opportunities during the offseason. It was there, far from the spotlight of the league, that she continued to hone her craft, waiting for the right call to bring her back. One standout performance saw her pour in 23 points, knocking down five of six three-pointers while adding seven rebounds and showcasing her defensive versatility. The skills were clearly still there, sharp as ever. But in a league with only 144 roster spots, talent alone is never a guarantee.
This brings us to the Indiana Fever, a team in the midst of a fascinating, and at times turbulent, season. Led by a cadre of young stars, including generational talent Caitlin Clark and powerhouse center Aaliyah Boston, the Fever have captured the nation’s attention. But with youth and newfound fame come growing pains. The team has been hit hard by injuries, forcing them to shuffle their roster repeatedly. The constant turnover of hardship contracts has given the franchise the feel of an expansion team, searching for the right combination of players to build sustainable chemistry and provide much-needed depth.
It was into this challenging environment that the call for Ariel Powers finally came. The Fever needed a veteran guard, a reliable scorer who could stabilize the backcourt and provide leadership. Powers, with her No. 23 jersey, was the perfect fit. But for her, this wasn’t just a business transaction; it was a deeply emotional moment that she shared with her followers.
In a heartfelt message posted to social media, Powers pulled back the curtain on the mental and spiritual toll of waiting for an opportunity. “God put this on my heart,” she shared. “I was actually just shooting and I broke down and started crying. On the background of my phone, I have a picture that says, ‘When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.’”
