Central Michigan University Athletics
Mitchell Leads Volleyball Squad
9/20/2000 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2000
In four years, senior Jennifer Mitchell has only seen the bench from the corner of her eye. The four-year volleyball standout has started every match and played in every game since her freshman season. That's 92 matches and 325 games.
Mitchell came to Central Michigan University and earned the starting role in her first game. It's four years later and now Mitchell is just one of two seniors set to lead the youth movement.
"Since Jessica [Rocho] and I are the only two seniors, it has made us really close," said Mitchell. "We help each other out, work out together and it's nice to work with a young team.
"I hope to be a contributor to the volleyball team this season. "I hope to be a role model on and off the court, and I will do what I need to do to keep the team's intensity up and help others."
The team has posted a 41-69 record in Mitchell's first three years and tallied just six wins her junior season. Despite the rough times, Mitchell has flourished. She has etched her name in the career record books with 903 kills (10th), 54 block solos (10th), 248 block assists (6th) and 302 total blocks (ninth).
"Last season was a learning experience for the whole team," said Mitchell. "We were taught the concepts last season and now we are going to apply them this year. This should be a better season. We're going to be more consistent, intense and we believe in ourselves. We know we can do it."
The 6-0, Lake Odessa native was a three-sport standout at Lakewood and also played basketball and softball. However, volleyball was the sport Mitchell focused on.
"Softball was my favorite sport going into high school," said Mitchell. "I loved playing shortstop. But during my sophomore season, I got the chance to play volleyball with my sister and that's when I started concentrating on volleyball."
Since Mitchell grew up on a lake, most of her hobbies outside of volleyball revolve around water.
"I like to go out on my family's boat and one of my favorite activities is fishing," Mitchell said. "I've been fishing with my brother for as long as I remember. In fact, this past summer I learned how to fillet a fish."
Mitchell will graduate in December of 2001 with a degree in marketing and logistics. After graduation, her plans aren't so firm.
"Well, I hope to get a job where I can use my business degree," said Mitchell. "I don't know what kind of job it will be but I want to stay in Michigan, close to family."
by: Scott Pettett, Sports Information Intern
