March 25, 2003
Matthew Mitchell, one of the most energetic and enthusiastic recruiters in the business, comes to Kentucky as an assistant coach after three seasons at Florida, Coach Mickie DeMoss announced Tuesday. Mitchell is the first addition to DeMoss’ coaching staff since her hiring on March 18.
“I am extremely excited to have Matthew Mitchell on my staff at Kentucky,” DeMoss said. “He is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable of the game. He is talented in so many areas and I know he will make significant contributions to the Kentucky women’s basketball program.”
Mitchell has served as an assistant coach and recruiter under two head coaches at Florida since 2000, helping the Gators compile a 51-36 record. During his first two seasons the Gators recorded a 19-9 Southeastern Conference record en route to two NCAA Tournament (2001 and 2002) appearances under Coach Carol Ross. With Mitchell’s help, the Gators won a program-tying best 24 games and tied the school record with 11 wins in the SEC in 2001. He then served under new coach Carolyn Peck last season for the Gators. As the primary recruiter at UF, Mitchell brought in the ninth-ranked recruiting class in 2002 and the No. 2-ranked class by All-Star Girls Report for the 2003 class.
Mitchell, who will be responsible for coaching the post players, saw great success in that area at Florida. In 2001, forward Naomi Mobley led the SEC in rebounding, pulling down 9.8 rebounds per game. In 2002, center Vanessa Hayden was the league’s leading rebounder with 11.8 rpg. She also led the country in blocked shots that season, totaling an impressive 126 blocks for a 4.34 blocks per game average. That mark also set a NCAA sophomore record for blocked shots per game.
“I feel very fortunate to be at the University of Kentucky,” Mitchell said. “Basketball is a way of life in the Bluegrass State and the opportunity to be reunited with Mickie DeMoss is something I’m very excited about. We’ll work very hard to make this the premier program in the country.”
The 32-year-old native of Louisville, Miss., was a graduate assistant under DeMoss and legendary coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee during the Lady Vols’ run to the Final Four in 2000. UT advanced to the national championship game before losing to top-ranked Connecticut. The Lady Vols finished No. 2 in the national polls at 33-4 overall, 13-1 in the SEC.
Prior to Tennessee, Mitchell spent one year in Yazoo City, Miss., as a coach and teacher at Manchester Academy. He taught American history and served as both the boys’ and girls’ basketball coach.
His first experience as a head coach came in 1996 when he took a job at Central Holmes Academy in Lexington, Miss. Mitchell performed multiple duties as the head coach of both basketball teams and also the football, track and golf teams.
Mitchell attended Mississippi State from 1993-95, where he received a bachelor of science degree in marketing.
He has one daughter, Lacy Mitchell, of Madison, Miss.
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