After seven years as both a head coach and assistant for the Redmond High softball squad, Alison Mitchell will be leaving the program for Central Washington University. It was announced on Dec. 17 that Mitchell has been hired as the head coach for the Wildcats of Ellensburg.

“It was a really impossible decision for me because of how much these people mean to me,” said Mitchell, who was the Mustangs’ head coach since 2016. “These young women have helped me grow and shaped me into who I am today and helped me achieve one of my dreams by winning a state title. I know for a fact I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without them. I am excited and heartbroken all at the same time.”

It’s a dream come true for Mitchell to coach at Central, she said in a press release.

During her time with the Redmond program, the Mustangs won a 3A state championship in 2017 in addition to notching three division titles, two KingCo crowns and a district title in the 3A/4A classes. Redmond qualified for state six of those years.

Mitchell also made an impact as a head coach for the successful Washington Ladyhawks organization, and prior to her tenure at Redmond, with Skyline High and Eastside Catholic High. While at Redmond, Mitchell had eight of her players earn collegiate scholarships.

Central director of athletics Dr. Dennis Francois said that Mitchell’s “passion for the sport and its ability to transform the lives of young women became more evident as the search and interview process evolved.” Francois added that they’re excited to have Mitchell aboard to lead the program in the classroom and on the diamond.

“The Redmond softball players and their families, past and present, will always be everything to me,” Mitchell said. “These young women are so much stronger than they think and will continue on to do amazing things in their lives beyond softball. I love them all and will miss them more than words can say.”

Redmond High was in the process of posting the open position at press time.