Bryan ISD September 2024

Cover Story

Rudder High

\\ Matt Malatesta [THE 411] Mitchell is the heartbeat of Rudder Basketball

puzzles,” she said. “That’s how I wind down. I look for inspirational pictures or just jot down my feelings and paint from there.” When she hangs up her high tops, the 4.3 GPA student has a plan for her future. “I love to help people and just get to know people I might not run into every day,” she said. “That’s why I want to pursue nursing. It will be a challenge, but I’m up for it.” No surprise there.

Rangers try and compete for a playoff spot this winter. “We had some bumps in the road last year,” she said. “We had some really tough injuries, but I think those adversities will push us even more this season. We will be putting up a big fight in district play with the goal of making the postseason.” When she’s not honing her game on the hardwood, Mitchell taps into her artsy side. “I love to paint and do

touch and likes to defend, aggressively. “Basketball is more than just a game for me,” she said. “I love competing and it’s been a great motivator for me over the years, on and off the court. My older sister played, so that sparked my interest but it’s really about the small gains you can make every day. When I see improvement, I just want more. I have that kind of grit.” That’s music to coach Karla Calhoun’s ears as the

PARIS MITCHELL IS A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY. The second-team, all district forward on the basketball team isn’t afraid to mix it up. “I like getting myself out there,” she said. “I like to get involved in little programs and meet people. It gets me out of my shell. I like being uncomfortable.” The 5-foot-10 hooper has big energy on the court and can score inside and out. She has a great shooting

bryanisd.org // SEPT 2024 // BRYAN ISD // 27