An Interview with Jaylinn Mitchell, Sophomore Midfielder for SMU Soccer

by Mikayla Nagl, Sports Reporter, Fan Day Nation

 SMU midfielder Jaylinn Mitchell, a two-time Offensive MVP in high school, delivers a powerful kick during a competitive nighttime match, showcasing his offensive prowess.

As a freshman, Jaylinn Mitchell saw three starts in 19 games of play. He scored in the season opener against UTRGV, logged an assist versus UCA, and had five shots on goal across 617 minutes of play. 

Before his college career, he was a two-time Offensive MVP in high school. Mitchell came to SMU after receiving the All-CIF Southern Section Team Award. While playing for La Mirada High School, he logged 40 goals and 18 assists throughout 51 games. He also notched two league titles while playing club soccer for Slammers FC ECNL.

Tell me a little bit about you.

I’m from Southern California, I grew up in the city of Whittier. I played soccer all my life and now go to school in Dallas, Texas, at SMU and play for the men’s soccer team. 

How did you start playing soccer? What drew you to the game?

It was actually my uncle. I always used to play with my uncle and my cousin. My cousin was slightly older than me, so I looked up to him in a way. It was always fun to watch him play, and then play with them. They took me under their wing. I’ve been playing since I was three years old, so I think it definitely had something to do with them. 

If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self what would it be and why? 

I think I would give myself advice to not take moments for granted. I think you don’t realize it until afterwards, and then it’s just a memory at that point. I feel like thinking back on my childhood, there's always moments where I wish I would’ve enjoyed it a little more. 

Going into game day, how do you prepare yourself mentally and physically? 

To be honest, I think you have to give yourself a schedule. I know a lot of players have something that they do every game. They have an exact routine. For me, it’s just trying to keep it casual and not get too out of the zone. I try to just go about my day how I usually would and then an hour before we are supposed to report into the locker room I usually try to dial in and have some time to myself. 

How important would you say the fan community is at your games or just in sports in general? 

I think that the fan community is really important whether that’s here in college or the pro level. I think that’s what brings motivation for athletes to do well. You have all different kinds of support whether they went to the school in the past or just people you know cheering you on. Same on the pro teams, with all the support they get it motivates them to do well and just like the fans, you want to win. 

Has there ever been a moment where a fan or fans in general have changed your viewpoint on the game? 

Yeah, of course. I’ve been to games before, soccer games more specifically, and you know just being in the stands looking down supporting your team just puts in perspective that these guys are playing and they have no idea who I am but still know I am there supporting them. I feel like even now when I play, there’s kids that come to my games and I want to do well because I want to be a role model for them and whoever else may be watching. 

Is there a team you think deserves more recognition? 

I think a sports team that is pretty underrated is Arsenal soccer of the Premier League. I think that they are good when they’re good, but recently they just keep choking. I might be a little bit of a bandwagon. 

Jaylinn Mitchell in action for SMU, showing his determination and skill during a soccer match.

Would you say that sports and style go together? 

Yeah, definitely. I think if you feel good, you play better. Sports can be a style in itself and if you’re feeling yourself, I guess it can give you confidence on the field. 

Is there a specific style that you have? 

I'm going to say yes and no. I think it’s just kind of how I grew up. I always wore and liked very sporty and athletic clothes. But as I’ve grown up, I have developed a little more of a style. I try to dress around my shoes, but for the most part I dress for comfort. 

Who do you look up to most? 

I probably look up to my mom and grandma the most. They have always been there for me, always showing me the way. I think they are really strong and they always push me to better myself everyday. So definitely them. 

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why? 

I would like to fly. I feel like sometimes it’s just convenient to get from point A to point B.

How would you say being an athlete has changed your perspective on everyday life? 

It’s kind of part of my identity now. That is just who I am and have been for the longest time. But now I am starting and trying to build my name for something that is more than just an athlete. But at the same time, anything can happen at any moment to anyone. It’s a gift to play but that gift can also be taken away. 

As an athlete, do you feel like you have a lot of expectations? 

Yes, sometimes I think whether that’s coaches or family and friends. Sometimes they don’t understand your side and expect you to do well. It’s just a lot of pressure from a lot of people. 

How do you, Jaylinn Mitchell, want to be remembered? 

I want them to say I was nice, inspirational and kind. Always there if you need a hand. I never want to be seen as someone who wasn’t willing to help and who wasn’t kind to those around him.