Ravenscroft Athletics standout JJ Mitchell ’24 was selected to play in the 2024 Bull City All Stars Cullen Classic, which took place at Duke University’s Koskinen Stadium in Durham on May 29.

JJ, who graduated on May 24, was selected from among 234 nominations submitted by 98 lacrosse coaches across the state of North Carolina. She was one of 29 players on the Blue Team, coached by East Chapel Hill High School’s David Gilner and Richard Oh. They defeated the White Team with a final score of 25-13.

JJ has played varsity lacrosse at Ravenscroft since her sophomore year and was an All-Conference player this year. Coach Josh Gallagher said, “JJ is a player who through hard work and dedication was able to become a leader on the team and make an impact in every game. Her speed, agility and tenacity allowed her to become not only one of the best defenders in the conference but in the state of North Carolina.”

“It means a lot, especially considering there’s never been a woman from Ravenscroft to be selected,” JJ said of the recognition. “So it means a lot to be a representation of girl power and women in sports and, for all the girls after me, being a woman and a woman of color.”

JJ was also a member of Ravenscroft’s varsity basketball program and has played soccer as well. At last week’s Upper School Honors Convocation, she received the Athletic Achievement Award, given to two seniors considered by the coaching staff to have “evidenced outstanding contributions to the school through participation in athletics. This participation includes more than prowess as a winner. It encompasses not only physical agility, stamina and strength but also exemplary attitudes in leadership and sportsmanship.”

The Bull City All Stars event was established to help the sport grow and make a positive impact on school communities by providing recognition for the state’s best high school players. Established in memory of Duke lacrosse legend Tony Cullen, the event supports both the NCHSAA Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Duke Cancer Institute.

JJ said the competition at the game was fierce but she felt ready.

“It was nerve racking playing with a lot of talent. I was one of three girls who won’t be playing in college,” she said. “I honestly stuck to what I do best, which is defending. It never made me nervous to do what I know best — which in the end helped my team win.”

Congratulations, JJ!