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Mitchell takes her game overseas

January 15, 2009|Keith Taylor/Sun Sports Editor

Kelsey Mitchell is already looking past college.

Mitchell, a senior shortstop at George Rogers Clark, is participating as a member of the North American Select Team in the Cup this week. Mitchell departed for the Netherlands Wednesday and will return in one week.

Mitchell has made her college choice - Tusculum College - but wants to continue her career overseas after college.

"This will help me determine if I want to play (softball) after college," she said. "There are more opportunities to play professional ball overseas. It's a better opportunity. I don't want to stop playing after college. I want to keep playing, if I can. Going overseas to play will be an amazing experience."

Mitchell, the only girl from Kentucky competing in the event, said playing in the cup will give her a chance to get a feel for the competition.

Mitchell will compete as a member of the Stripes. The teams will feature eight-members on the field, excluding a right-fielder, adding another new experience for Mitchell.

"I'm looking forward to it, because it's a different type of ball than what I am used to playing," she said. "I've never played indoors before."

In addition, teams competing include the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Russia. Dutch Olympic athletes are also scheduled to compete.

"It's like playing against some of the athletes who played in the Olympics," she said. "It's a high-level of competition."

The teams will compete indoors in what are known as "halls." When she's not playing, Mitchell will participate in a three-day tour of Paris.

"I'm looking forward to it," she said.

"I'm going to take a lot of pictures."

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