Allison Mitzel is an intelligent, focused young lady who loves the game of golf. Not only does she love golf, she is awesome at the sport.
Since she was 7 years old, Mitzel has been teeing off on her competition and hasn’t decided to slow down. At Poland Seminary High School, Mitzel helped lead the Bulldogs to a first-place finish at the 2008 Ohio State Division II Championships and a second-place finish in 2009. At the 2009 Championship, she was her team’s top performer by five strokes and golfed a 158 (84-74) and lettered all four years in high school.
After a successful high school career, Mitzel brought her talents to Youngstown State University where she has continued her athletic accomplishments. As a freshman, she placed fourth in the Horizon League Championships with a three-round total of 240 with rounds of 82, 80 and 78. As a sophomore, she not only improved, she placed first at the Championship with a three-round score of 221, including a second round 71 which was one under par.
Mitzel is a junior and she is only the fourth in school history to take medalist honors and already holds a YSU record for shooting a 67 at the Dayton Invitational in 2013.
Nate Miklos, head coach of the women’s golf team, said even when faced with adversity, Mitzel remains an encouraging influence on the other players. Even when a tournament might be going wrong, she remains an inspirational force.
“She is one of the leaders of this team. Her work ethic and attitude even when things aren’t going great really sets a great example for the rest of the team,” Miklos said. “When I was at Cleveland State [University], I tried very hard to recruit Allison. I would have never imagined that a couple years later, I’d be thrilled that she chose another school and that I’d be coaching her at YSU.”
Mitzel has the ability to rally the team together and keep the energy level high. Her team mate Kayla Cerimele agrees with Mitzel on that idea.
“Allison is a great teammate,” Cerimele said. “She takes a true interest in the success of her teammates and believes in every one of them. She is someone that I feel comfortable going to when I have a question or if I am struggling with my game I know she can help me and encourage me.”
No matter what the circumstances, Mitzel puts her team first and can still take control of a match. Being the defending Horizon League Champion proves that she is a remarkable competitor and teammate. This season, she has the bar set very high for herself.
“This year, I wasn’t playing to where I expected myself to be playing, but there is no time to over think it,” Mitzel said. “Ever since high school, I seem to get hot during tournament time, I get more in the zone.”
The pressure of being the defending champ comes with many challenges, but she makes sure that nothing phases her state of mind. Her preparation for every match remains similar, and she’s learned that she just has to trust herself.
“I pretty much try preparing the same every time. Whatever your swing is that day, you just have to trust it. Some days you’re on the practice range and you don’t like your swing,” Mitzel said.
Growing up, Mitzel’s family encouraged her to play in as many juniors tournaments as she could and improve her game. When she is on the practice range, you can find Mitzel teeing off with her father and grandfather.
