Jessica Mitchell, a power forward, has been a varsity basketball player for four years. On November 8, Mitchell signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division 1 basketball at University of North Carolina, Wilmington.

In 2016, Mitchell was named to The Frederick News-Post’s All-County first team as well as the All-Central Maryland conference. She has been a major asset to girls basketball. By tying the school’s blocked shots record at 41 and averaging 12.4 points a game, she is a threat to any opponent.

In the fall, Mitchell played varsity volleyball and keeps her schedule filled during the off season by working out at Player’s Fitness and Performance and attending one on one basketball training multiple times a week.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it definitely pays off,” said Mitchell.

Junior year was filled with lots of decisions for Mitchell. Her college quest began as she narrowed down her top three schools to Furman University, Mercer University, and UNC Wilmington.

The Seahawks play in the Colonial Athletic Association and currently stand third in the division.

“The location of this school couldn’t be more perfect for me. It’s only a few miles from the beach, and the campus is beautiful,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell’s parents have always been her biggest supporters. Both of her parents, Jen and Chet Mitchell attended James Madison University on sports scholarships, so they were both advocates for her when she was beginning her journey as a student athlete.  By getting her involved in AAU club basketball, it allowed her to be noticed by colleges.

“I’m very proud of her. The hardest part of her leaving will just be not having her around,” said Chet Mitchell.

Rachel Easterday, the Linganore Girls Varsity Basketball coach, has also pushed Mitchell to be her best.

“My favorite part of coaching her has been watching her improve over the years. I’ve coached her for so long now and will definitely miss her,” said Easterday.

Easterday has coached Mitchell since she was in 7th grade and played for the New Market middle school team. Throughout middle and high school, Easterday has watched Mitchell grow as a player and as a person.

“Rachel has helped me by teaching me almost everything I know about basketball. She has always supported and pushed me to achieve my goals,” said Mitchell.