The Ohio State women’s basketball community suffered a tragic loss on Tuesday.
Mark Mitchell, an assistant coach for the Buckeyes from 2013-18, died Tuesday at 56 years old. A cause of death had not been reported as of Tuesday night.
Devastated to hear of the passing of former assistant coach, Mark Mitchell. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family today and in the future pic.twitter.com/9bQuKIQjBQ
— Ohio State Womens Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) March 26, 2024
Mitchell, the father of Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer Kelsey Mitchell, was with the Buckeyes for each of Kevin McGuff’s first five seasons as head coach. The Buckeyes won two Big Ten regular-season championships and a Big Ten Tournament title and made four NCAA Tournaments during Mitchell’s time on staff.
“As a program, we are devastated to hear of the passing of former assistant coach Mark Mitchell,” McGuff said in a statement to WCPO9. “Mark was extremely dedicated to his family, friends and players. His passion for young people allowed him to positively shape the lives of so many who had the privilege of playing for him. We mourn with Cheryl, Kelsey, Chelsea, Kevin, Cam and the extended family. Mark will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
This is devastating.. nobody more dedicated to his family, friends and players. https://t.co/NYujvun6u1
— Coach McGuff (@CoachMcGuff) March 26, 2024
Before Ohio State, Mitchell was the head boys’ basketball coach at Cincinnati’s Taft High School from 2002-13. He led the Senators to a state championship in 2011 with a team that included former Ohio State football star Adolphus Washington.
After leaving Ohio State, Mitchell became the head coach at Cincinnati’s Western Hills High School for one year, then became the head men’s basketball coach at Wilberforce University in 2020, a role he held until his death.
A multitude of former Ohio State basketball players were among those who paid tribute to Mitchell on social media.
Rest easy Coach. Prayers to your family https://t.co/CSD4AobT9W
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) March 27, 2024
My condolences to the Mitchell family, and to all of his players. Unbelievably sad. https://t.co/jJ43HFFGWj
— Sam Thompson (@SlamIAm12) March 27, 2024
Praying for strength for the Mitchell family. https://t.co/yna3Zcq05S
— Evan Ravenel (@e_rav24) March 27, 2024
Rest Easy Coach Mitch! You will be missed https://t.co/9hdnN25neb
— Linnae Harper (@that_harperkid) March 26, 2024
Awful news. My condolences to the entire Mitchell family. He was a gem. RIP Coach/DJ Mitch https://t.co/npMtChSk8s
— Jeff Boals (@JeffBoals) March 26, 2024