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Washington High School senior Taylor Mitchell will continue her soccer career at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. this fall.

Mitchell, whose high school career was disrupted by COVID-19 her freshman year and by a concussion last spring, scored 47 goals in 11 games for the Pam Pack during her COVID-shortened sophomore season.

Her standout play for the Wilmington Hammerheads national team caught several coaches eye at various showcase events and Mitchell decided on the Eagles.

“The coaches watched me in an ID camp and invited me to campus,” Mitchell, who also considered UNC-Greensboro, said. “I liked it a lot and Rock Hill is close to Charlotte, so there will be a lot going on. I know some of the girls (future teammates) from camps and tournaments, so I felt like it was the best fit.”

Mitchell made the Hammerheads national travel team during the COVID-19 pandemic and has competed in tournaments all over the country with a five-hour round trip commute to practices in between.

“I really appreciate my parents driving me back and forth so I could play high level soccer,” Mitchell said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s support and am excited about playing Division I soccer.”

Mitchell tried several different sports growing up before settling on soccer at an early age.

“I always liked to move on whatever field I was on and soccer was perfect for that,” she said. “I’m a center back and midfielder, so I have to communicate well on the field. I like the practices as much as the games, because that’s where I learn more about the sport.”

Mitchell has lifted weights and drilled on her own in addition to team practices to get college coaches attention.

“You basically recruit yourself through sending video and emails to coaches and by going to as many camps and tournaments as possible,” she said. “I’ve wanted to play Division I soccer since I was nine, so I think my fourth grade self would be pleased with my progress right now.”