For many, leaving behind family, friends, and loved ones in pursuit of educational opportunities or perhaps career goals and dreams in a distant and unfamiliar land can be daunting, scary, and traumatic to say the least. However, the prospect of swimming in foreign waters was not too difficult after all, for one individual.
Making the transition from the familiar streets of Pointe Michel and environs to the unknown in Louisiana, in the United States proved to be a relative breeze for an aspiring professional footballer and an honor student.
A mere seven weeks before Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica, Gylles Mitchel, along with five other Dominicans left for various colleges and universities in the US on partial football scholarships.
According to Gylles, there was no culture shock as he was quickly able to make the adjustment and get down to the business that brought him to this part of the world.
“Coping with the new culture was not too difficult. There were some differences in culture that I noticed as I went along my daily routines. I quickly made the adjustments that were necessary and constantly reminded myself of the very purpose for me being in the United States.
“So basically, it was not too much of a culture shock for me. I prepared myself mentally so everything just naturally fell into place,” according to Mitchel, a product of the Newtown Juvenile Football Academy (NJFA).
On December 19th, 2019, the former St. Mary’s Academy student made history as the first Freekick Foundation recruits to graduate when he graduated from the Louisiana State University Alexandria with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.
Mitchel, who made his senior team debut in 2016 in Martinique, did not only show his prowess in the classroom but his exploits on the pitch for the Generals assisted the school in achieving several milestones.
“That season (2018) we came in with a different mindset. The entire team bought into that mindset and we worked really hard that year. Our will to win was so great that the coaches abandoned fitness as a disciplinary measure because we were not phased.”
“That season we broke every school record finishing with 17 wins and four defeats. The previous best was 11 wins. We went on to win the conference regular season for the first time in the school’s history,” he remarked.
Mitchel played a pivotal role during the season and finished with impressive numbers.
“Individually, I had the best season statistically with 6 goals and 8 assists and I finished with a total of 20 points which is a school record. I was named as the postseason tournament most valuable player and I made the 2nd All-Conference team. During that run, for me, the proudest moment was being able to raise my Dominica flag as champion,” he said with a genuine sense of accomplishment.
While the current COVID -19 pandemic has slowed down his plans, Mitchel is optimistic and says that his ultimate dream is to play professionally.
“Presently with COVID-19, my plans have not changed only the timing. I’m keeping prepared and patient for that one opportunity” he stated.
Mitchel, who was named as the 2015-2016 Dominica Football Association Male Player of the Year had this advice for other student-athletes.
“My advice to individuals who want to walk a similar path of sports and academics is to be very honest with yourself about what you are really going to do. Is it really about academics and sports or something else? When you answer that truthfully, you will be able to find your balance and to make the best of the opportunity that is before you,” he advised.
From very early in his career, Mitchel, showed his ability on the field when he singlehandedly propelled the Convent Preparatory School to its first and only title to date in 2009 when the school captured the 2009 Sports Division under 13 football championship under the guidance of Erickson Christopher, who served as part-time coach of the team.
Mitchel, who is a member of the Harlem Sports Club, won several trophies during his tenure at the NJFA and in the various leagues of the DFA. The versatile footballer, who is competent in several positions on the field, has represented the island at various youth levels. He is thankful to all those who have helped him in one way or the other on his journey thus far.
“Along the way, many individuals and organizations have contributed to my successes. Special mention must be made of my family, the Freekick Foundation, the Government of Dominica, the Harlem Sports Club, and the Dominica Football Association. To one and all, a big thank you,” he said gratefully.