“I want to play for T&T like my dad and uncle!” One-on-one with Five Rivers’ Mia Mitchell

Michelle Salandy Saturday 1 December 2018 Local Football, Volley 2 Comments

Standing at just 5 foot tall, Five Rivers Secondary striker Mia Mitchell has football in her blood, as she follows in the footsteps of her father, Devon Mitchell, and uncle, Carlyle Mitchell, who were both Trinidad and Tobago national players.

Mia helped Five Rivers to the 2018 Girls East Zone Intercol title and she took time to talk one-on-one with Wired868:

Photo: Five Rivers Secondary attacker Mia Mitchell (centre) volleys towards goal during East Zone Intercol final action against Valencia Secondary in St Augustine on 20 November 2018.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

What is your date of birth?

20 November 2002

What is your hometown?

Arima

What led you to football?

My father Devon Mitchell, who played with San Juan Jabloteh and the Trinidad and Tobago National Team as well as my uncle Carlyle Mitchell, who also played for the National Team.

I started playing for Five Rivers at 14 and I also play for St Augustine FC. I usually train three days a week. I tried out for the National Under-16 team in 2017 but I was not selected.

What do you do in your spare time?

I listen to music.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago players (from left to right) Yohance Marshall, Carlyle Mitchell and Khaleem Hyland try to reign in Argentina star Lionel Messi (centre) during an international friendly in Buenos Aires on 4 June 2014.
Argentina won 3-0.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Daniel Garcia)

How would you describe yourself as a person?

I am a tomboy. I am a bit rough as well since I usually play football games with boys in the area.

What is something most people do not know about you?

I run competitively for my school and I also used to play hockey

What do you hope to do when you finish school?

When I finish school, I want to go further in football. My dream is to one day play for the National Team. In terms of studies, I would either like to study Languages or be a flight attendant.

What would be success for you as a player?

Success for me as a player would be getting a scholarship and travelling the world to play football games.

Who was your most important coach?

My most important coach is Desiree Sarjeant, my current coach. She motivates me the most; she pushes me and always encourages me to do better

Photo: Five Rivers Secondary coach Desiree Sarjeant (right) has a word with forward Jada Gaskin (left) during East Zone Intercol final action against Valencia Secondary in St Augustine on 20 November 2018.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

What makes you stand out as a player?

My drive and my determination to score at all times

Who is your favourite player and why?

My favourite player is Eden Hazard because he’s strong on the ball and I like his competitiveness. My favourite team is Chelsea.

What was your best moment in football so far and what was your worst?

I enjoy all my time playing football but my best moment was a game against St Augustine [Secondary] when I scored five goals. My worst was in the [East Zone Intercol] final against Valencia when I threw away a goal in front of the post.

What would you say to young aspiring footballers?

I would tell them to keep pushing themselves, train regularly and never give up. I think a good football player must have a positive attitude and be disciplined.