Douglas and Mitchell: The Making of Spartan Captains
2/20/2020 2:05:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics
Michigan State senior Ella Douglas chose a different path for her gymnastics career, and she now sees the experience paying off. She took a two-year gap between high school and coming to college, as she went to train with the Canadian national gymnastics team. Her elite skill level allowed her to be part of the very best in Canada.
Douglas, a native of Toronto, believes that gap between schooling helped her smoothly transition to Michigan State as an international student. She now is in the final months of her gymnastics career, as she will graduate in May with a degree in Kinesiology.
"We all really respect each other on this team, and that's a really big thing," said Douglas, who is in her second year as team co-captain. "I also respect the freshmen equally, as much as they respect me. Since I am a little older and have been through it already, if I have advice or if I help them they are very open."
MSU's other captain, junior Lea Mitchell, shares being far away from home with Douglas. Mitchell, a native of Boynton Beach, Florida, also has learned to lean on the support of her teammates and coaches as a strong support system. Mitchell recalls the transition to Michigan State being difficult at first, because she was homesick. At times, managing school, gymnastics, and a social life has been stressful for her.
She has tried to be a source of strength for her teammates, helping encourage them and build friendships.
"As a captain, I tried to be a leader vocally in and out of the gym, I also try to really show it through my actions too, with my commitment and dedication to school and gymnastics," said Mitchell. "Helping others and being selfless; being a good person overall."
Douglas' sports career is coming to an end, but she still plans make being an athlete part of her life. She is planning to attend medical school to pursue sports medicine. She wants to provide other athletes the same great experience she received throughout her injuries.
"I didn't think I would make it to my senior year, I have had a lot of injuries through this sport," said Douglas. "But I did, which only makes me even more sure about giving this season my all and leaving the sport after 12 years without regrets. I plan on going into Sports Medicine to help others go through the same wonderful recovery experiences my doctors gave me through my recoveries."
After this season, Mitchell will only have one more season to go as a gymnast. Her competitive gymnastics career will end when she graduates in May 2021. Like Douglas, she plans to stay in sports, as Mitchell plans to use her Journalism major by becoming a sideline reporter.
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"It can be hard to manage everything, but I am passionate about gymnastics and journalism," said Mitchell. "When there is passion, it makes it easier to do things."
Douglas and Mitchell are taking an individual approach to their leadership as captains. They focus on each team member, encouraging a supportive atmosphere. They hope the positive and supportive team chemistry can be passed on to the younger teammates.
"Great team chemistry will only bring positive outcomes in and outside the gym," said Douglas. "Hopefully a Big Ten Championship too."
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Douglas, a native of Toronto, believes that gap between schooling helped her smoothly transition to Michigan State as an international student. She now is in the final months of her gymnastics career, as she will graduate in May with a degree in Kinesiology.
"We all really respect each other on this team, and that's a really big thing," said Douglas, who is in her second year as team co-captain. "I also respect the freshmen equally, as much as they respect me. Since I am a little older and have been through it already, if I have advice or if I help them they are very open."
MSU's other captain, junior Lea Mitchell, shares being far away from home with Douglas. Mitchell, a native of Boynton Beach, Florida, also has learned to lean on the support of her teammates and coaches as a strong support system. Mitchell recalls the transition to Michigan State being difficult at first, because she was homesick. At times, managing school, gymnastics, and a social life has been stressful for her.
She has tried to be a source of strength for her teammates, helping encourage them and build friendships.
"As a captain, I tried to be a leader vocally in and out of the gym, I also try to really show it through my actions too, with my commitment and dedication to school and gymnastics," said Mitchell. "Helping others and being selfless; being a good person overall."
Douglas' sports career is coming to an end, but she still plans make being an athlete part of her life. She is planning to attend medical school to pursue sports medicine. She wants to provide other athletes the same great experience she received throughout her injuries.
"I didn't think I would make it to my senior year, I have had a lot of injuries through this sport," said Douglas. "But I did, which only makes me even more sure about giving this season my all and leaving the sport after 12 years without regrets. I plan on going into Sports Medicine to help others go through the same wonderful recovery experiences my doctors gave me through my recoveries."
After this season, Mitchell will only have one more season to go as a gymnast. Her competitive gymnastics career will end when she graduates in May 2021. Like Douglas, she plans to stay in sports, as Mitchell plans to use her Journalism major by becoming a sideline reporter.
Â
"It can be hard to manage everything, but I am passionate about gymnastics and journalism," said Mitchell. "When there is passion, it makes it easier to do things."
Douglas and Mitchell are taking an individual approach to their leadership as captains. They focus on each team member, encouraging a supportive atmosphere. They hope the positive and supportive team chemistry can be passed on to the younger teammates.
"Great team chemistry will only bring positive outcomes in and outside the gym," said Douglas. "Hopefully a Big Ten Championship too."
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Players Mentioned
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