The Jacksonville University softball team announced on July 8, 2025 the hiring of Holli Mitchell as the team's new pitching coach. Mitchell comes to Jacksonville after three years as the pitching coach for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
"I am excited to welcome Holli and her family to Jacksonville," head coach Erica Ayers said. "I feel very confident that she is the right person to lead our pitching staff and a great fit for JU. Holli has had success leading pitching staffs at both the JUCO and Division I level. She has proven the ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively and develop talent in the circle."
For her entire career as a pitcher and coach, Mitchell has found achievement at all levels.
Starting her playing days at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Ala., Mitchell helped lead her squad to consecutive state titles in 2007 and 2008. During the '08 season, Mitchell anchored the team to a NJCAA National Championship and was awarded the ACCC MVP during her sophomore season.
She earned all-region honors twice, was an All-ACCC honoree and was named an All-American while with Wallace State.
Mitchell continued her playing career at Central Arkansas, where she excelled again on the mound. During her first season with the Bears, Mitchell was named the Southland Conference's Newcomer of the Year after a 33-start season that featured Mitchell posting 2.10 ERA accompanied by 167 punchouts.
After her playing days, Mitchell began coaching at Snead State Community College in Boaz, Ala. where she was an assistant from 2014-2022.
Mitchell helped Snead State pitcher Madison Wright to consecutive All-Region nods, All-ACCC Second-Team honors in 2021 and an All-ACCC First-Team nod in 2022.
This past season at Jax State, Mitchell's Gamecocks reached the Conference USA Championship against Liberty. Led by ace Kat Carter, the 2025 JSU pitching staff had four pitchers finish with above .500 records. Carter led the unit with a 2.50 ERA across 140 innings, with 102 strikeouts en-route to Second-Team All-CUSA recognition.
