Mark Mitchell, a beloved coach who had worked with the Ohio State women’s basketball team and more recently with the Wilberforce University men’s basketball team, has passed away at the age of 56. Mitchell spent four seasons coaching the Wilberforce University men’s basketball team, where he made a significant impact on his players and the entire campus community both on and off the court. The Wilberforce athletics department expressed their condolences and emphasized the exceptional life and legacy that Mitchell leaves behind.
During his time as an assistant coach with the Ohio State women’s basketball team, Mitchell helped guide 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 spoke highly of Mitchell, highlighting his dedication to his family, friends, and players, and his passion for positively shaping the lives of those he worked with. Additionally, Mitchell was the father of WNBA star Kelsey Mitchell, who played at Ohio State from 2014-18 and was the second overall pick in the 2018 draft.
Prior to his coaching career at the collegiate level, Mitchell enjoyed success as a high school basketball coach, leading Taft High School in the Cincinnati area to a state championship in 2011. Former Ohio State football star and NFL player Adolphus Washington, who is also an alumnus of Taft High School, praised Mitchell for being more than just a coach, describing him as a father figure, mentor, and overall a person you would want in your corner. Mitchell’s impact on his players and those around him extended far beyond the basketball court.
The news of Mark Mitchell’s passing has deeply saddened those who knew him and worked with him, with many expressing their condolences and remembering him as a dedicated coach and mentor. Mitchell’s legacy as a coach and role model will continue to live on in the lives of the young men and women he coached throughout his career. His influence and impact on the basketball community, both at the collegiate and high school levels, will be remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
While the basketball community mourns the loss of Mark Mitchell, they also celebrate the exceptional life he lived and the positive influence he had on those around him. Mitchell’s commitment to his players, his passion for coaching, and his ability to shape the lives of young people have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire others in the world of basketball and beyond. His dedication to his family, friends, and the game of basketball has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
