Get to Know Your Hawks: Kelsey Mitchell

Aug. 8, 2012

Hawkeyesports.com caught up with junior forward Kelsey Mitchell (Berlin, N.J.) for a Q&A.

What was it like to be a member of the 2011 NCAA tournament team?
“Making the NCAA tournament was something I’ll definitely never forget. Having to wait around a few days for the selection show was pure torture. Then, when we all watched the selections together at Carver, and we were in one of the last brackets to finally be called. It was even better because it was the first NCAA tournament for the majority of our team. Experiencing it for the first time with everyone else was cool.”

How rewarding was the experience, after the work put in during the offseason/season?
“It was probably one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done in my life. Knowing how much extra time and effort we put in as a team together in the offseason made it that much more special. On top of that, being able to almost say like “take that” to all the people who doubted us and all the teams who thought poorly of us is what made it so satisfying to me. Our team is a living example that hard work pays off.”

What are your hobbies?
“I read all the time. I like fiction novels and the news. I have a lot of news apps on my phone because I’m interested in current events and I always know the weather forecast. I listen to a lot of music and sometimes when I’m stressed out I’ll color; it helps me calm down. I am not a shopper whatsoever… I hate it.”

What is your favorite movie?
“Any movie in the Harry Potter series. I’ve read all the books more than once and have seen the movies so much, but I love them; they never get old. My favorite character is Bellatrix.”

What is your favorite food/meal?
“I have a serious weakness for sweets, chocolate especially. My favorite meal would be homemade cheesesteaks and French fries made by my mom. It’s always the first thing I ask her to cook when I’m home for a break.”

What is your favorite TV show?
“It’s a tie between Law and Order SVU and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Kind of an odd combination, but they’re both so good!”

Who is the most influential person in your life?
“Both of my parents and my brother are the most influential people in my life. I talk to my parents about everything, and they have really been guiding forces in all aspects of my life. In a sense, I also “look up” to my younger brother as well. He’s a wrestler, and I’ve seen him mature as a person because of the sport. I’m so impressed with his discipline and work ethic. I love my family and they are always the first people I turn to.”

Do you have any pregame superstitions?
“I always smile at my mom on our warm up lap and get a head nod from dad before the opening whistle, but that’s about it. As a team we listen to our music really loud in the locker room to drown out our awful singing and just loosen up and get focused.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
“The Vine. I get the French dip and fries and it’s so good. Plus on football game days it’s really crowded and it’s cool to be in that type of environment watching the Hawks on TV.”

What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye field hockey program?
“I was looking for a school that had a solid combination of a successful field hockey team and a great academic program. Iowa has that. The field hockey team also has a lot of history and that was another cool aspect I was drawn to. On the academic side, the Tippie College of Business is annually ranked in the top 20 public business schools in the country. I found that perfect balance I was looking for.”