Leilani Mitchell: Good Things Come In Small Packages

By Tracy Jusay: SPM NY Writer
Posted Thursday, August 7, 2008

ABOVE: Leilani Mitchell at the free-throw line during the Liberty's West Coast trip. BELOW: On defense against LA's Temeka Johnson; Smiling in action with teammate Shameka Christon. Photos by Tara Polen.

Rookie point guard Leilani Mitchell is making the most of her minutes coming off the bench for the New York Liberty. As their backup point guard, she plays a major role and has already demonstrated the ability to change the complexion of a game once she takes the floor.

Elaine Elliot, her former college coach at Utah, is quoted on the Utes' website. “Leilani will make a big impact on much that we do," Elliot said before Mitchell transferred there. "She will make others' jobs easier. She is WNBA ready.”

Mitchell has proved Elliot correct, showing her WNBA-readiness with an early impact in her first pro season.

In early June, Mitchell gained additional minutes on the floor while starting point guard Loree Moore sat out for five games due to back spasms. This experience was beneficial, boosting her confidence in fulfilling her role for the team.

In the last 13 games leading into the Olympic break, Mitchell logged 37 assists against only five turnovers. According to WNBA.com, she is a 2008 Assist Leader, and ranks #1 in Assists to Turnover ratio.

Mitchell was chosen in the second round of the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, but a pre-season trade sent her to the Liberty. It did not take long for her to win over fans at Madison Square Garden, becoming an oft-cheered favorite as the season progressed.

Playing professionally has been an adjustment for Mitchell, especially at 5-5, but she is taking it all in stride. She isn’t easily intimidated by her opponents and can always be found smiling whenever she is on the court. SPM had the chance to sit down with Mitchell both before and after the Liberty went on their west coast road trip in early July.

SPM: Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. Let’s start with you telling readers a little bit about yourself, such as where you grew up.

LM: I’m from Kennewick, Washington. It’s part of the Tri-Cities. It’s two hours south of Spokane, Washington and three from Seattle. I have five brothers and no sisters.

SPM: Are you the youngest?

LM: No, I have one younger brother.

SPM: Were they responsible for getting you into sports?

LM: Yeah. We all played outside. I was a little bit of a tomboy and basically just played with them all the time, whenever we had free time.

SPM: Did they knock you around a lot?

LM: Yeah. They used to make me box the little neighbor boy who was my age. They’d put boxing gloves on us.

SPM: Growing up, did you play any other sports besides basketball?

LM: When I was really young, I played soccer too. And then, in middle school I played volleyball and softball. But high school, it was just basketball.

SPM: Did you have any favorite basketball players growing up?

LM: Yeah, I used to watch Michael Jordan.

SPM: Is what why you wear number 23?

LM: Well, no, because the number I wanted wasn’t available. So, I picked 23.

SPM: So what number did you want?

LM: 11.

SPM: Ah, Spoon’s number.

M: Yeah.

SPM: Did you have any favorite WNBA players?

LM: Not really. Not when I was younger.

SPM: In doing my research, I learned that you spent two -- or was it three -- years at Idaho, and then you transferred to Utah?

LM: Yeah, three years at Idaho.

SPM: Okay, so my question is, what was your reason for transferring to Utah?

LM: It was just not a good situation at Idaho any longer. I wanted to go to where I would, you know, be successful and where I could learn the most. I mean, Utah -- Elaine Elliot -- she’s a great coach, and we played against them when I was a sophomore in college. And I really liked her style, the way she taught her system. So I just sent out my release to them and they called back.

SPM: So, is that what basically appealed to you about their athletic program?

LM: Yeah, the coaches are awesome there and I would recommend it for anyone.

SPM: I guess the decision to transfer paid off, since it got you a little bit of exposure and now you’re here in New York.

LM: It did. Like I said, they are great coaches and it’s easy to see that when you just watch them play. To be able to play for her for a year on the court -- but I was there two years, so I learned a lot. I wish I could have been there longer, but time goes on.

SPM: You logged your first career start early in June, playing in place of the injured Loree Moore. Did you have any jitters about starting for the first time in your professional career?

LM: Yes, I was really nervous actually. But my teammates, Loree especially, said, “Don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine. Just do what you do in practice everyday.” That gave me a lot of confidence and kind of calmed my nerves.

SPM: I’m guessing Loree has been your biggest mentor.

LM: Yes, she has. She’s always there, helping me because she knows the game. She’s been in this system. She’s a great player, so she knows what I need to do and she helps me a lot.

SPM: How has the transition been for you, going from the college level to the professional level, in terms of the game and speed?

LM: It was a little a difficult at first. Obviously, the players here are a lot better from top to the bottom of the roster. But just the professional life in general is completely different from college. You can be in one place one day and the next day, you’re somewhere else, which I experienced.

SPM: You mean, in terms of being on a road trip?

LM: No, I mean as far as trades and stuff. So, you never know what’s going to happen and just enjoy everything.

SPM: Out of all the defensive assignments you’ve had so far, who’s been the most challenging?

LM: Well, Sue Bird and Ticha Penicheiro did really good against me. (laughs) They kicked my butt. I’d have to put both of those two in there.

SPM: But you can chalk it up to it being an educational experience, too, going up against some seasoned vets.

LM: Yeah, they’re both great players, some of the best in the league. I’m not trying to take anything away from them. I’m just giving them credit to how good of a player they are and how hard they work.

-After the game against the Detroit Shock, July 12, 2008-

SPM: The team just came back from a five-game road trip, how was that for you?

LM: Long, very long, but it was fun. You kind of get to know your teammates a little more. You’re always together, so it’s nice to spend time with each other and get to know them on a more personal level.

SPM: Describe what it feels like to play at Madison Square Garden, dubbed the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’?

LM: It’s a great experience. I remember the first game, I’m like “Ooh, Madison Square Garden!” And everyone I know, my friends from back home, said, “Oh, you’re so lucky you’re going to play there.” So, it’s definitely a good time and it lives up to all the hype that you hear about it.

SPM: The fans at MSG are known to give a lot of support. How does that make you feel?

LM: It’s great. I mean, we love playing at home because of our fans. We go on the road and other teams don’t get as many as we get, so it’s nice and we appreciate it. We love having all the fans at the game.

SPM: Do you ever feel that people underestimate you because of your size?

LM: Yeah. (laughs) I’m sure they do and that’s fine, because people are going to do that. I’m not as big as the other players, so they look to post me up maybe more than someone else.

SPM: Does it ever bother you?

LM: No. It’s been going on all my life, so you just have to do other things to make up for it.

SPM: Do you ever think twice about going to the basket?

LM: (laughs) Sometimes, yes.

SPM: I heard the vets on the team make the rookies get them Krispy Kremes.

LM: Donuts? Yes, they do.

SPM: Is there anything else they make you and the other rookies do?

LM: Yes, they make us carry their dirty laundry home from the road trip, their dirty uniforms.

SPM: How are you adjusting to being in New York? Have you been to any of the sights?

LM: I’ve been down to Times Square. I went to see “RENT,” the Broadway show, and I walked around, went shopping. So it’s fun, I like it.

SPM: Any favorite spots?

LM: Not yet.

SPM: What do you like to do in your free time in between practices and games?

LM: Just try to relax, not much else. Swim, I like to go swimming and lay out in the sun.

SPM: What are your words of advice for girls who want to make it to the professional level someday?

LM: Um, just to work hard, because with hard work, it can make up for a lot of different things, like height or maybe if you're not as athletic as some of the girls. As long as you work hard and strengthen your game, it’s possible for anyone.

SPM: And for my final question, do you agree with the statement, “Good things come in small packages?”

LM: Of course I do, (laughs) yes I do.

SPM: Thanks, Leilani.

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