NEW LONDON, N.H. – Colby-Sawyer College Women's Basketball Head Coach Tim Viola has announced that former Charger Elyza Mitchell will join the program's coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2026-27 season.
Mitchell transitions to the sidelines following the conclusion of her playing career at Colby-Sawyer, continuing her involvement with a program she helped shape as a student-athlete.

"I am so incredibly excited to have Elyza step right into a coaching role with our program now that her playing career is over," said Viola. "She deeply understands what we are trying to build here because she has lived it over the past three years since I arrived in New London. She cares deeply about her teammates, Colby-Sawyer and the direction of our program. Her ability to connect with our players and prospective student-athletes, combined with her knowledge of our system and standards, will make her an immediate asset to our staff."

Mitchell concluded her playing career with her best season as a Charger, averaging career highs of 12.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during her senior campaign. She led the conference in field goal percentage at 56.4 percent, a mark that ranked 12th nationally in NCAA Division III. Mitchell finished her Colby-Sawyer career with 903 points and 702 rebounds.

Beyond her production on the court, Mitchell became an important part of the culture and foundation of the program. Her familiarity with the Chargers' players, systems and expectations will allow her to make a natural transition from teammate to coach.

In her new role, Mitchell will assist with practices, player development, scouting, game preparation and recruiting, while working closely with the Chargers' forward positional group. She will draw on her experience as an efficient interior scorer and rebounder to assist with position-specific development, including finishing, footwork and rebounding.

"Elyza has already given so much to this program as a player," Viola added. "I feel incredibly fortunate to now have her alongside me on the sidelines. There is something special about having someone who wore the jersey and helped build our culture now teaching, leading and investing in the players who come after her."