Shooting for Greatness: Welcome Fordham’s WBB New Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell
On April 7th, 2023, the Fordham University Athletics Department proudly announced the appointment of their new women's basketball head coach, Bridgette Mitchell, better known as Coach B. With an impressive history both as a player and a coach, Mitchell is expected to propel the program to unprecedented heights.
Coming from Trenton, New Jersey, Mitchell's journey in basketball began with a formidable playing career overseas, showcasing her talents with ESBVA in France before signing with Energa Torun in Poland. During her stint with the Polish team, she had a noteworthy season, leading to a bronze medal in the European Championships. Upon returning home, Mitchell seamlessly transitioned into coaching, where her passion for the sport and dedication to her athletes shone through.
In an interview with Black Social, Coach B reflected on her time as a student-athlete at Duke University, where her team was a number one seed during her freshman year, eventually making it to the elite eight in her senior year season. She credits the success of her team to "great leadership" and the bond she formed with her teammates, who she considers her sisters.
Being a black woman in a predominantly white institution (PWI), Mitchell faced her share of challenges. However, she appreciated the efforts made by the institution to help her and her peers feel at home. The Black Student Alliance (BSA) events, like Gospel Sundays and Soul Food Thursdays, played a part in enhancing her experience.
When asked about the advice she would give to black student-athletes attending a PWI, Mitchell stressed the importance of remaining true to oneself. She shared, "I encourage them to be themselves, remember your values, and hold true to those because it's shaping who you're going to be."
While reflecting on her coaching experience, Coach B mentioned her initiative of hosting free clinics for underprivileged children in Trenton. She believes in the importance of representation and hopes to empower these young athletes to follow their passions and work hard towards their goals.
As she takes on her new role at Fordham University, Mitchell is excited about the challenges and opportunities that come with it. The alignment of the university's mission with her values, the competitive nature of the Atlantic 10 conference, and the proximity to her family were key factors in her decision to coach at Fordham.
Coming off a win as the Coach of the Year in the CIAA this past season, Mitchell is ready to bring her strategic approach and emphasis on leadership to the Fordham team. Her plan revolves around fostering a competitive environment, recruiting the right players, and nurturing intelligent, impactful women of character.
With Coach B's leadership, the Fordham community can look forward to an exciting season with the women's basketball team, marked by high energy, fierce competition, and a strong connection with the community. Coach B's vision is clear, "We're gonna bring the juice. We're gonna be exciting to watch. We are going to compete. And the biggest thing that I believe our team will be able to do is create a connection."
The future looks bright for the Fordham women's basketball program under the leadership of Coach Bridgette Mitchell. Her passion for the sport, dedication to her athletes, and commitment to excellence clearly indicate that the team is in capable hands.