Q&A With Paxton Junior Jakcee Mitchell

We have another question-and-answer blog! This time with Jakcee Mitchell.

Q. Pregame Ritual or superstition? 

A. Before every game, I always wear my hair in a slicked-back ponytail because it's become part of my routine. Whenever I try a different hairstyle, I don't seem to play as well. For away games, I put on a sleep mask and my headphones and take a short power nap to help me relax and get focused before the game. As a team, we also get pumped up in the locker room by listening to the same hype playlist before we go out to play.

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Q. What does teamwork mean to you? 

A. To me, teamwork means working well with others to get the job done. Everyone brings something different to the team, and it's important to communicate, help each other out, and be respectful. I think the best teams are the ones where everyone does their part and is willing to step in when someone needs help.

Q. Favorite Sports Hero?

A. Harper Murray is my favorite sports hero because she works hard and never gives up. She's an amazing volleyball player, but what I admire most is how she keeps pushing herself even when things get tough. She's faced challenges and a lot of pressure, but she hasn't let that stop her. Instead, she's learned from those experiences and kept getting better, both on and off the court. That's one of the biggest reasons I look up to her.

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Q. Favorite Sports Memory?

A. One of my favorite sports memories was getting the opportunity to compete at the state track meet during my freshman year. It was the first time I had ever been part of a state event, and it was an unforgettable experience. I learned a lot from being there, and it motivated me to keep working hard and improving as an athlete.

Q. How do you make practice fun? 

A. I always try to make practice fun, but I also know there are times when everyone needs to stay focused and work hard. I like to joke around and make my teammates laugh, especially if someone is having a rough day. I think having fun together helps build team chemistry, but I also know when it's time to lock in and give our full effort.

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Q. If you could make the ultimate sandwich what would be on it?

A. If I could make the ultimate sandwich, it would have turkey, lettuce, pickles, cucumbers, green peppers, and plenty of ranch.

Q. Text or call?

A. Text.

Q. What is it like having your mom as a coach?

A. Having my mom as a coach has its advantages, but it can also be challenging. One of the best parts is that we can always talk about practices, games, and what we need to improve on. She gives me honest advice, and we can discuss our game plan before games or talk about what went well and what we could do better afterward.

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Q. Pineapple on Pizza? Yes or No?

A. Yes 

Q. Best advice you have ever been given?

A. The best advice I've ever been given came from my dad. He says it to everyone, but it really stuck with me during basketball last year. I was going through a rough stretch and had a few games where I just wasn't playing my best. Before one game, I talked to my parents because I was frustrated and wanted to get back to playing like myself.

Before the game, my dad said to me and said, "Attitude and effort over everything. That's the only thing you can control. Go be a dawg!" Those words completely changed my mindset. Instead of worrying about making mistakes or having a perfect game, I focused on giving my best effort and keeping a positive attitude. That was exactly what I needed to hear. I went out, played with confidence, and finally felt like myself again. Since then, I've tried to remember that no matter what happens, I can always control my attitude and effort.

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Q. If you could live in another country, what would it be?

A. If I could live in another country, I would choose France. I've always thought it was a beautiful place with so much history and amazing architecture. Living in France would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I think I'd learn a lot while making unforgettable memories.

Q. If you could have a superpower what would it be?

A. If I could have any superpower, I would choose teleportation. It would make getting places so much easier, and I'd never have to worry about being late again, which happens to me more often than I'd like to admit. It would also make traveling so much more fun because I could go anywhere in the world whenever I wanted. Teleportation would save so much time and let me experience so many new places without having to spend hours traveling.