Former Ohio State women’s basketball assistant coach Mark Mitchell has died. He was 56.
Mitchell, the father of former Ohio State star and current Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, had been the Wilberforce University men’s basketball coach the past four seasons. Wilberforce is an NAIA program in Ohio.
Mitchell spent four seasons on staff at Ohio State from 2014-18, helping the Buckeyes win two Big Ten regular season titles and a Big Ten Tournament title while reaching four NCAA Tournaments.
During that time, his daughter Kelsey was a four-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree and four-time All-American, including one first-team selection. She became the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.
“As a program, we are devastated to hear of the passing of former assistant coach, Mark Mitchell,” Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff said in a statement. “Mark was extremely dedicated to his family, friends and players. His passion for young people allowed him to positively shape the lives of so many who had the privilege of playing for him.
“We mourn with Cheryl, Kelsey, Chelsea, Kevin, Cam and the extended family. Mark will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
Mitchell also spent many years as a high school basketball coach in the Cincinnati area. He led Taft High School to its first-ever boys basketball state championship back in 2011.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mitchell family.