Unless you’ve been following the BG gymnastics team closely this season, you might not be aware of who Laura Mitchell is.
Mitchell, a freshman from London, England, has quietly put together a spectacular season in her first year with the Falcons.
The freshman was named the Mid-American Conference Specialist of the Week last week after back-to-back impressive individual performances in the team’s home meets against Ohio State and Ball State.
Against Ohio State, Mitchell scored a career-high 9.825 to finish tied for first on bars, and scored a 9.825 on beam to finish tied for second on that apparatus. Two days later against MAC opponent Ball State, Mitchell claimed the outright title on bars by registering a career-best 9.850, topping her 9.825 that she posted against Ohio State.
Mitchell played a number of sports at a young age but said gymnastics was always her “true” passion.
“My mother and aunt were both accomplished gymnasts,” Mitchell said. “My mom and dad let me participate in a variety of different sports, but once it became obvious that I wanted to focus on gymnastics, they helped signing me up for a gymnastics club, extra training sessions and competitions to improve my skills.”
Mitchell dedicates most of her time to either her classroom responsibilities or training and preparation for the team’s feature meets, but she noted that she carries a passion for interior design and drawing.
“I’m an interior design major,” Mitchell said, “I was always studying arts in high school because it fascinated me. I love to design and draw random structures when I’m not overwhelmed with homework. I don’t want to be bigheaded but I’m pretty good at it. I know I can’t do gymnastics forever so I’m glad I found something else I can pursue when my career is over.”
Mitchell said that being at Bowling Green, away from her family and friends, has been a major adjustment and credits her teammates helping her adjust to the new environment.
“At the beginning I was really nervous to come here because I was the new girl from Europe and everyone had already established their friendships with one another,” Mitchell said. “But once I got here, they included me in everything, made me feel wanted and helped make my transition to college much easier to manage. I love my girls.”
Mitchell also noted that she is a self-proclaimed Grammy-award-winning car-passenger singer, something she is extremely proud of.
“I love to sing in the car on long road trips,” Mitchell said, “My boyfriend always gets annoyed with me when I’m singing at the top of my lungs and I’m off key, but I know he loves it deep down though.”
Mitchell’s outgoing personality and strong work ethic has left a strong impression on the program, and more importantly, head Coach Kerri Turner.
“Laura Mitchell is such a competitor and incredible athlete,” Turner said, “She’s comes to practice every day with a smile on her face and a hunger to get better and perfect her craft. She is a standout on beam and bars and only continues to get better. Every competition she seems to exceed expectations and I can’t wait to see how she blossoms over the next four years.”
