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Women's Soccer Spotlight: Nicole Mitchell
March 28, 2013 | Women's Soccer
March 28, 2013
Nicole Mitchell, a rising senior midfielder for the University of Louisville women's soccer team, gained soccer inspiration and guidance from a former collegiate soccer standout like many young athletes. Unlike most though, the former collegiate soccer player she looked up to happened to be her father.
"My father grew up playing soccer all his life and he even had the opportunity of playing college soccer when he was younger as well," said Mitchell. "I guess one can say that he was the first person who introduced me to the game."
Like her father, Mitchell was introduced to soccer at a young age and developed her skills over years of hard work, dedication, and guidance.
"When I was younger soccer was a huge aspect of my life," she explained. "I started playing soccer when I was four-years-old and have never looked back since."
The Guelph, Ontario, Canada native spent three years on Ontario's Provincial team and took part in the National Training Program for two years to develop her game and follow in her father's footsteps.
"As I got older, soccer became more and more serious and it became clear to me that I wanted to play at the college level one day," explained Mitchell. "However, before I could even consider playing at that level, I had to further develop my skills and I did so by being a part of numerous clubs."
Mitchell credits family support for being instrumental in her development, not only in soccer, but as a young adult.
"Without that experience, I would never have become not only the player that I am today, but also the person," she said. "It was and still is one of the biggest passions in my life and I know that I would not be the same person I am today had it not been such a huge aspect of my life."
A consistent starter and major contributor in her collegiate career, Mitchell is grateful for her time as a Cardinal and has high hopes for the program in the future.
"The team has come so far -- far enough to lead us to win the conference last year and be a part of the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament," said Mitchell. "I know that this team will continue to grow even after I have graduated and am no longer here. As I said before, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity at this school and to have all of the experiences that have come along with it. Go Cards!!"
