Our Coach of the Week, Mike Mitchell from Phoenix, Arizona started out like any youth athlete, learning the fundamentals of football at the early age of nine with minimal playing time. It’s wasn’t until high school that he found his stride, setting an Arizona High School rushing record, still unsurpassed to this day, and earning a spot on the All-Century state team!
It’s not surprising, considering Coach Mitchell’s high school honors that he went on to receive a scholarship to Stanford University. Of course, with a solid understanding of the basics and will to play and win, our Coach of the Week thrived as a Pac 10 player, and even placed 5th on Stanford’s all-time rushing list.
While Coach Mitchell remains in the record books, a devastating injury suffered during his final year ended any opportunity at NFL play. And while this news may have been initially devastating to our Coach of the Week, he knew that his football days were not over. In no time, Coach Mitchell found himself working with several high school teams, and eventually found his way into a Pop Warner family.
Now, seven years into his coaching role, Coach Mitchell shared that he has truly enjoyed the transition from player to teacher. He finds great pride and satisfaction in hitting the field each day with his players. And both Coach Mitchell and his entire staff try to keep the kids engaged with a fun and structured environment. In particular, he focuses on the day to day skill development of each child, sharing that it’s not about winning every game or creating a “super team”.
"Our teams have been very successful on the field because they are having fun,” wrote Coach Mitchell. “We play hard and we leave it all on the field.”
And while he’s no longer setting ridiculously impressive rushing records, he’s certainly giving back to the game and community he loves. Already in full preparation for the fall football season, Coach Mitchell and his 2010 Cambrian Valley Mitey Mites of San Jose, California begin practice on August 1st. We don’t have to reiterate how lucky the Mitey Mites are to be led by such a dedicated and experienced coach like Mike Mitchell.
Coach's Mitchell's Keys to Success:
- One team,one family, one mission
- Keep it fun
- Build disciplined, respectful and hard working young men
- Teams win
- Luck is when preparation meets opportunity
Sounds like real good advice Coach Mitchell! Good luck in your upcoming season, and congratulations on your Coach of the Week honor!
