It’s been 72 hours since she landed in Scotland’s Capital and Morgan Mitchell has just completed her third training session with her new Spartans team mates.
The reward in the changing room is a sugar burst from cake made by two members of her new Spartans Family in the latest instalment of the Great Spartans Bake-off.
The popular and gregarious Armstrong State University Basketball and Soccer star arrived at a sun-soaked Edinburgh Airport on Wednesday morning after more than 12 hours of travel. Did the new arrival have a chance to stretch her legs and play tourist?
Mitchell smiles, “No. I had a nap then I came to my first practice session! I was a little rough – my legs were so weak from having sat on a plane for so long.”
The Centre Midfielder turned Striker is looking forward to her short-term stay in Edinburgh and playing some soccer. “I’m here until the end of June and keen to gain a little bit of game time experience in a different setting along the way. I’m not expecting anything. I just want to have fun, travel and see what it’s like over here.”
The 24 year old’s visit came about after Kayley Ralton – a surname synonymous with Spartans Women – discussed the opportunity last year whilst the two were at College together in Savannah. Ralton is currently the Armstrong State University Pirates assistant women’s soccer coach. “I was already planning on visiting Europe,” Mitchell noted, “and what better a place to start than Scotland for an extended stay?”
Spartans Manager Debbi McCulloch has been monitoring the initial progress of former Atlanta Silverbacks semi-pro player who will be in the squad for Sunday’s SWPL clash with Hutchison Vale at Saughton 3G.
Having not played competitively since her domestic season ended in August, can Mitchell go from being American Idle to American Idol during her time at Ainslie Park?
“It’s going to take a little bit to get back into it but I’m enjoying being back on the practice field this week. If I play then that’s great. If not, I know that I have to earn it. I’m not expecting to come here and take anyone’s spot in the team, I just want to come here and have a good time and if I get to play then that’s a bonus for me.”
With over 5,000 views on our Facebook page since we unveiled the influential Women’s Pro-Am Soccer League player, Mitchell has already been a big hit online.
A modest Mitchell laughed, “I’ve got a big family! Also, there are a lot of people from College and High Schools who will be wanting to see what’s going on over here – maybe even for themselves in the future. The teams I played on all care about each other too, we look at each other as ‘family’ – a lot like what we have here at Spartans. “
The SWPL Round 3 fixture against Hutchison Vale takes place at Saughton 3G on Sunday 26th April. Kick-off 1pm.