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Mitchem Magic: Quiet Confidence Fuels Akari's Fiery 2-0 Start In PVL Reinforced Conference
Photo credit: PVL
The Akari Chargers are off to a blazing start in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference — and at the heart of it all is a calm yet commanding presence: Annie Mitchem.
The 31-year-old American spiker may be soft-spoken, but her game has done all the talking. Mitchem has been the driving force behind Akari’s back-to-back statement wins — including their historic first-ever victory over the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers after ten previous tries.
In her first PVL appearance, Mitchem unleashed a jaw-dropping 33 points, capped by a clutch game-winning spike that sealed Akari’s thrilling five-set triumph, 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12, against the defending champs.
Just a few days later, she proved her debut was no fluke. Mitchem followed up with 17 points and 15 digs in another five-set thriller, this time against Chery Tiggo, helping Akari stay perfect in Pool B at 2-0.
For her stellar play, Mitchem earned the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honor (October 9–18), edging out fellow imports and local stars alike.
But despite the spotlight, Mitchem remains grounded and grateful.
“I’m really happy and proud of us because this team is really good,” she said. “The crowd here reminds me of Brazil and Indonesia — very passionate, loud, and fun! I’m really enjoying it.”
Mitchem, who previously played in Indonesia, Türkiye, Brazil, and Italy, says her confidence comes from the team’s chemistry and hard work in training.
“I think just going to practice and being with everyone is really helpful. We enjoy our time together — that makes all the difference,” she shared.
Head coach Tina Salak, meanwhile, praised her import’s consistency but stressed the need for local players to step up.
“‘Yun ‘yung goal namin — tulungan ‘yung import namin to make points. Hindi lang kami dapat magrely kay Annie. We have to rely din sa locals para makapag-produce at makapag-provide ng points,” Salak said.
With Mitchem leading the charge and the rest of the team rising to the occasion, the Akari Chargers are suddenly looking like serious contenders — and if this start is any indication, they’re just getting warmed up.
The 31-year-old American spiker may be soft-spoken, but her game has done all the talking. Mitchem has been the driving force behind Akari’s back-to-back statement wins — including their historic first-ever victory over the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers after ten previous tries.
In her first PVL appearance, Mitchem unleashed a jaw-dropping 33 points, capped by a clutch game-winning spike that sealed Akari’s thrilling five-set triumph, 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12, against the defending champs.
Just a few days later, she proved her debut was no fluke. Mitchem followed up with 17 points and 15 digs in another five-set thriller, this time against Chery Tiggo, helping Akari stay perfect in Pool B at 2-0.
For her stellar play, Mitchem earned the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honor (October 9–18), edging out fellow imports and local stars alike.
But despite the spotlight, Mitchem remains grounded and grateful.
“I’m really happy and proud of us because this team is really good,” she said. “The crowd here reminds me of Brazil and Indonesia — very passionate, loud, and fun! I’m really enjoying it.”
Mitchem, who previously played in Indonesia, Türkiye, Brazil, and Italy, says her confidence comes from the team’s chemistry and hard work in training.
“I think just going to practice and being with everyone is really helpful. We enjoy our time together — that makes all the difference,” she shared.
Head coach Tina Salak, meanwhile, praised her import’s consistency but stressed the need for local players to step up.
“‘Yun ‘yung goal namin — tulungan ‘yung import namin to make points. Hindi lang kami dapat magrely kay Annie. We have to rely din sa locals para makapag-produce at makapag-provide ng points,” Salak said.
With Mitchem leading the charge and the rest of the team rising to the occasion, the Akari Chargers are suddenly looking like serious contenders — and if this start is any indication, they’re just getting warmed up.
Oct 20, 2025
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