ELEANOR MITCHELLSacred Heart AcademyLouisville, Kentucky
Mitchell led Sacred Heart Academy to the first undefeated state championship in the state of Kentucky since the KHSAA started sponsoring field hockey in 2014. The Valkyries were absolutely dominant in Kentucky state play- winning the Apple Preseason Tournament, and beating defending state champs and rivals Assumption High School 3 times throughout the season, outscoring them 14-3. The Valkyries played 11 out-of-state games, starting with a trip out east to the MAX Field Hockey High School National Invitational where they finished 3-0, registering victories over 2024 AAA State Champions Conestoga High School (PA), Mount Saint Joseph Academy (PA), and eventual New Jersey Group 3 State Champions Clearview Regional High School. They faced the top 4 teams in Illinois throughout the season, including eventual State Champions and #8 ranked New Trier High School, who they beat 3-2. Their lone tie of the season was to #10 ranked and Illinois state finalist Glenbrook North High School (IL). They also defeated 3 of Missouri’s top teams and outscored them 12-6. Finishing 27-0-1, as the top squad in the West/Mid-West Region and the #6 ranked team in the nation (their highest ever finish), the 2025 KHSAA State Championship was the program’s 13th overall title, 5th since the KHSAA started sponsoring the sport. Mitchell also reached her 200th career win this season and was recognized as the KHSAA Field Hockey Coach of the Year.
