Mark Mitchell, a former assistant coach for the Ohio State women’s basketball team and head coach of the Wilberforce University men’s basketball team, has passed away at the age of 56. Mitchell spent four seasons coaching the Wilberforce men’s team and made a significant impact on both his players and the campus community. Despite his title as Men’s Basketball Coach, he left a legacy that will be remembered by everyone he coached, on and off the court.
During his time at Ohio State, Mitchell helped lead the Buckeyes to a pair of Big Ten Conference regular season titles and four appearances in the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament. Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff expressed devastation over Mitchell’s passing, praising his dedication to his family, friends, and players. Mitchell was also the father of WNBA star Kelsey Mitchell, who played for Ohio State from 2014-2018 and earned All-American honors four times.
Before his coaching career at the collegiate level, Mitchell found success as a high school basketball coach. In 2011, he led Taft High School in the Cincinnati area to a state championship. Former NFL player Adolphus Washington, who was coached by Mitchell at Taft High School, spoke highly of him, describing him as more than just a coach but also a father figure and mentor. Mitchell’s impact extended beyond the basketball court, touching the lives of those he coached.
The Wilberforce athletics department praised Mitchell for the positive influence he had on the campus community and his players, both in sports and in life. While his official title was Men’s Basketball Coach, Mitchell’s impact went far beyond coaching and left a lasting impression on those around him. The department expressed condolences for Mitchell’s passing but acknowledged the exceptional life he lived and the legacy he left behind for every young man and woman he coached.
Mitchell’s coaching career included success at both the collegiate and high school levels, demonstrating his ability to mentor and guide young athletes to achieve their goals on and off the court. His leadership and dedication to his players and the game of basketball were evident in the success of the teams he coached. Mitchell’s influence on the lives of his players and the broader community will be remembered for years to come, as he left a positive mark on everyone he encountered during his coaching career.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Mitchell was also known for his dedication to his family, friends, and players, as well as his passion for shaping the lives of the young people he coached. His impact extended beyond the basketball court, touching the lives of those he mentored and leaving a legacy of inspiration for future generations. Mitchell’s commitment to excellence and mentorship serves as a reminder of the profound influence that coaches can have on their players and the importance of leadership both on and off the court.
