Speed, Heart, and Grit: Murphy Mitchell Signs with Chipola College
By: Shelia Mader
Murphy Mitchell will graduate from Marianna High School in May 2026, already miles ahead on her academic path. While completing her high school coursework, she has been dual-enrolled at Chipola College and will be halfway to earning her AA degree when she crosses the stage next spring.
Across her 13 years in school, Murphy has stood out as both a leader and a competitor. She is an A student and an active member of BETA, National Honor Society, FCA, and Student Government Association. She will represent her class as a page candidate in the spring and has been a key contributor to the Bulldog soccer and softball teams. Last year, she represented Marianna High School at Girls State in Tallahassee. Teachers and staff consistently praise her respect for others, her curiosity, and her drive to excel in everything she takes on.
On Tuesday, surrounded by family, friends, teachers, staff, and her teammates, Murphy signed to continue her softball career and her education at Chipola College. In true Murphy fashion, she asked her teammates to sign with her, recognizing the role they played in helping her reach this moment.
Murphy expressed deep gratitude for the coaches who guided her over the years, saying she especially appreciates the ones who believed in her early on. She thanked Jamie Goodwin, Kristen Massengill, Scott Wiggins, Reagan Oliver, and Travis Bruner for their patience and encouragement. “I am so glad I made the decision to give up cheer for softball,” she said. “I worked my tail off to get better, and I love the game.”
Her softball journey began in fifth grade and continued through Marianna Middle and Marianna High School. She found her home in the outfield, where she loves the chance to change the course of a game with her speed and instincts. That same speed makes her a threat on the bases.
Murphy made an immediate impact as a freshman starter, hitting .435 with a .458 on-base percentage and helping lead the Bulldogs to a district championship. As a junior, she led the district in both batting average and OBP, posting an impressive .537 and .612.
Though she explored other colleges, and several showed interest, Chipola remained the goal she kept her heart set on. Looking ahead, she’s eager for the challenge. “I’m looking forward to continuing to play the game I love, but I really just want to put up some good numbers and win some games.”
Her favorite memory as a Bulldog? “Probably winning the district championship my freshman year. We beat Florida High by one, and they had a handful of D1 commits. Getting to do that with some of my best friends was one of the best memories of high school.”
The signing ceremony left her especially touched. “It was really special to have my high school friends there and to know I’ll look back years from now and remember what they wrote and how they felt about me.”
Murphy is the daughter of Michael John and Maredith Mitchell. She has two siblings, Mabry and Madden, and is the granddaughter of John and Cindy Mitchell and Chuck and Janie Nolen.