Penn State women's hockey welcomes six newcomers to the 2021-22 roster as the Nittany Lions aim to defend their first-ever CHA regular season championship title.
Head Coach Jeff Kampersal and the entire women's hockey program are happy to welcome the newest student-athletes to Hockey Valley.
"After a well-deserved break, the Nittany Lions are all busy getting better, said Kampersal. "These six players will significantly add to our already motivated team."
Introducing a graduate transfer coming in to solidify our blue line, Avery Mitchell!
AVERY MITCHELL
Position: Defender
Height: 5-4
Shooting Hand: Left
Hometown: Pickering, Ontario
Previous Team: Clarkson University
PRIOR TO PENN STATE
Established herself as a rock-solid defender in four seasons with the Clarkson Golden Knights (2017-21)...Won 2017-18 NCAA national championship as a freshman...Captured ECAC championship in 2018-19...Totaled 21 points in 128 games played with a +50 rating...Notched six points with three goals in 19 games during senior season (2020-21)...Set single-game career best with two points (1G, 1A) vs. Saint Lawrence (1/20/21)...Earned ECAC All-Academic Team honors four times...Graduated with a degree in global supply chain management with minors in marketing and communications.
BEFORE COLLEGE
Played for Team Canada's Silver-Medal winning U18 team at the 2017 IIHF World Championships…Was a member of Team Ontario Red's 2016 National Championship team…Was a standout defender for the Toronto Jr. Aeros (PWHL)…Participated in Hockey Canada's 2016 Strength & Conditioning Camp...Graduated with honors from Dunbarton High School.
PERSONAL
Full name is Avery Sheniel James-Mitchell...Parents are Chris Mitchell and Junette James...Step-mother is Sarah Mitchell...Sarah played soccer at Florida International...Has three brothers Tayvon, Evan and Ryan, and two sisters, Tamya and Allie…Pursuing Master's of business analytics degree…Born August 30, 1999 in Oshawa, Ontario.
WHY AVERY CHOSE PENN STATE
I chose Penn State to be apart of the largely connected network of past, present and future Lions. I immediately saw the hockey program as something I'd love to be apart of and felt so impressed with the coaching staff and the players. Learning about the Master's of Business Analytics program with the Smeal College of Business solidified my decision to become a Nittany Lion. Penn State proved to be the exact experience and opportunity I was in search of for my post-graduate plans.
COACH KAMPERSAL'S TAKE
"Avery is a rock solid D and great shot blocker. She was a national champion at Clarkson and brings winning experience and leadership to our program."
