Meet Kandice Mitchell

Kandice, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Southwest Atlanta… I grew up in a family of educators, coaches, and athletic administrators. It was natural for me to grow up as an athlete. I was very competitive in track & field and basketball. Back in the 70s and 80s, girls didn’t have many sports options where I grew up. I embraced the sports I participated in, but always longed for the desire to play football. It was just never an option for me as a kid. As an elite track & field athlete, I traveled the world representing my city, state, and ultimately, my country. As the youngest member of the USA Junior World National Team, I was part of the record-setting Gold medal 4 x 400 meter relay team. I later went on to compete on one of the top Division I programs in the nation at the University of Texas. We won Conference and National titles as Lady Longhorns. After being plagued with injuries, I signed a medical release and eventually came home, started my family and career in education. It was a natural progression for me to work in education and become a coach. While balancing life as a wife, mother, coach, and educator, I discovered women’s tackle football. Football pretty much became my saving grace in more ways than I could ever explain. The lifelong friendships, connections, and opportunities for me to flourish have been unparalleled.

During a football hiatus following an injury, I had a short stint in the pageant industry. I hung up my cleats for crowns. I held local, state, and national titles. I really enjoy sharing my life journey because I’ve come to realize how inspirational it may be to other women and girls, or anyone who may be hesitant about living life to the fullest or taking a chance on themselves. So many people have asked me about why or how I do so much. I get so many messages about how I’ve inspired people to change their careers or career paths, try a new hobby, or advocate for their own health because of stories they’ve seen about me on the news or social media. The messages inspire me to be transparent if my story can help to inspire or motivate someone else.

I used my personal experience in football to eventually coach varsity high school football as a linebackers coach. From there, I earned a spot on the 2017 Team USA women’s tackle football team. We won a gold medal in the FIFA World Championships. I was elected to the USA Football Football Board of Directors that same year. After retiring from tackle football, the competitive fire in me keeps me active as a member of the legendary Lyte N Tyte Women’s Flag Football Team. These times have been defining, and some of the best years in my life. Along the way, I took my professional career to Atlanta Public Schools as the Assistant Director of Athletics. In this new role, I’ve been named region Athletic Director of the Year for three years in a row, one of which I was named Athletic Director of the Year for the entire state of Georgia in 2019. I also help to launch the most elite women’s football league in the nation and serve as Commissioner of the Women’s National Football Conference.

Also in 2019, I had a battle with breast cancer. This experience gave me a pause in life. I was forced to reevaluate all I do and why. I shared my journey on social media and several women got mammograms who never got mammograms before. One of whom ended up with breast cancer.  She was able to get help immediately. My experience inspired me to not be ashamed about living my life off of the beaten path or living life as unapologetically as you can imagine. Ironically, the global pandemic never really knocked me down. As devastating as this pandemic has been, in many ways, it has been a light-bulb moment in my life. So many people focused on the negative things, or what this devastation has taken away from them. I made a personal decision to use this time to decompress and embrace the positive things that experience has given me. Cycling has been one of those things that I finally decided to do. I purchased a bike about four years ago and only rode it around the neighborhood for leisure. Well, now it is a whole new story. I have truly embraced this sport and I’m training for my first 100 mile century race in October. I completed my first 60 mile ride last week.

As interesting as my personal life is, I still find time to excel within my profession. I’ve worked my way up to being one of the top leaders in my field across the nation. I serve on state and national committees while leading the way in professional development and leadership within my field.

I’m truly living my dream.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Personally: Physical injuries (two knee surgeries, broken bones, etc.), breast cancer, divorce, loss of a grandmother. Each hurdle in my life has made me a better and stronger person. I truly embrace and grow from every experience in my life.

Professionally: I must say that my professional road has had its typical challenges, but nothing that ever took me off of my path. Some people may call certain challenges obstacles, but I view them as bumps in the road that either I have to step over or navigate around.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in athletic administration.

I’m known as a newcomer (5 years) that has taken the industry by storm.

I’m proud of balancing my career, motherhood, my personal hobbies, and all of the boards I serve on,
– GADA Board of Directors
– GHSA Board of Trustees
– NIAAA 5th Strategic Planning Committee (1 of 20 in the nation) & Sports Facilities Committee
– USA Football Board of Directors
– Touchdown Club of Atlanta National Football Foundation Board of Governors
– Three-Time Athletic Director of the Year-—Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Georgia.
-State Award of Merit from NIAAA

There are not many people in Athletic Administration who have excelled in the industry this fast. I don’t take my accomplishments or opportunities for granted. I’ve earned every seat at every table in every boardroom. It’s important for me to bring other leaders with me along this journey. Each one, teach one.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My goal is to one day serve as Director of Athletics for a school district and eventually serve as President of the NIAAA. I also have an interest in working for the NFL.