DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – North Carolina Central University head volleyball coach Georgette Crawford-Crooks announced on Tuesday, Aug. 23 the addition of Darlene Mitchell as the new assistant volleyball coach.
Mitchell joins the program with more than three years of collegiate coaching and administrative experience from North Carolina A&T State University.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me, “said Mitchell. “I am grateful to the Eagle family and Coach Crawford-Crooks for giving me a chance to grow and mature as a young coach.”
Mitchell joins NCCU after a three-year stint at North Carolina A&T. From 2008-11, she served as a volunteer assistant volleyball coach and assistant sports information director.
As a volunteer assistant coach for her alma mater, Mitchell focused on fundamental development, tactical aspects of the game and refining defensive and offensive training.
“I am ecstatic about Darlene joining the program in our first year as a full MEAC and NCAA Division I member,” said Crawford-Crooks. “She was a versatile volleyball player at N.C. A&T with a high volleyball IQ and she is great at sharing that knowledge with our student-athletes. Darlene also has administrative experience that makes her a valuable asset in terms of team concerns off the court.”
Prior to her time at North Carolina A&T, Mitchell instructed various developmental volleyball camps in the High Point and Greensboro area under USA Volleyball and Wesleyan Christian Academy.
Mitchell, who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2007 from North Carolina A&T, graduated with a 3.2 grade point average in sports science and fitness management.
While posting Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference accolades in hitting (11th in 2005) and blocking (5th in 2004), Mitchell was gaining academic honors, making the Dean’s List from 2005-5007.
“I’m excited about this program,” said Mitchell. “We have some great student-athletes on our team. I think we have a group of energetic young ladies who are ready to learn, develop and compete for a MEAC Championship.”
Mitchell resides in Greensboro, N.C., with her twin sister Arlene Mitchell, who is the assistant volleyball coach at North Carolina A&T.
