Maria Mitchell, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to run cross country and track for Huntington University in Huntington, Ind. Huntington University is a member of the Crossroads League and is a NAIA athletic institution. She is the daughter of Matt and Michelle Mitchell.
Mitchell has been running since the sixth grade but says she didn’t fall in love with the sport until her sophomore year. It was then when she realized what she was able to accomplish as an athlete. Since joining both the track and field and cross county teams at Hamilton Heights, Mitchell proved she was a force with which to contend. She has been able to further develop her skills by continuing to work hard every day whether running alone or with a group. “I try to think of the end goal that I ultimately want to accomplish and make every run count.”
It has paid off for Mitchell in a big way. She was named to the All-Conference Cross Country Team all four years, All-State Track and Field (1600 and 800), was the 2019 Cross Country Fall Athlete of the Year, Individual Section Champion (2019), holds records in cross country for the 1600 and 800 meters and was the Cross Country Conference Champion three of her four years on the team.
Mitchell, who is a member of the National Honor Society, Kindness Club, student athletic advisory committee member, and attends Harbour Shores Church, will follow in her sister’s footsteps as a HU Forester. “My sister, Molly, attended Huntington University and absolutely loved the atmosphere,” said Mitchell, who is excited about college but is undecided about her a major. “Huntington University seems to encompass a solid faith aspect along with strong academics and competitive athletics. In terms of athletics, the coach is building up a great cross-country program that I would like to be a part and continue to progress as a runner at the collegiate level.”
Mitchell credits her parents as being a major influence as a student athlete. “My parents always support me and encourage me to be better in whatever I am doing,” she said. “They display hard work and set a good example for me to follow. Another strong influence in my life is my brother Blaine, who helps me through the ups and downs. He gives me lots of advice and always believes I can accomplish things that may seem way out of reach in my mind.”
“Maria has been the poster-child for a dual sport athlete at Hamilton Heights,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights Athletic Director. “When I think of the sacrifices she had to make (along with her parents) to hustle to a Hamilton Heights girls soccer game immediately after finishing a tough cross country race, I’m always amazed that she did that… FOR 4 YEARS!! Then, after the exhausting fall dual sport season, she jumps in the pool to swim for Heights’ Girls team and then in the spring, she runs track & field. The fact that she’s not only a tremendous athlete but at the top of her class scholastically, speaks volumes concerning her work ethic, her drive and commitment to what’s important. She is truly a special kid. Huntington College should feel privileged, that’s for sure.”