Mitchell was named head coach of the North Texas women's basketball team on April 9, 2015. Between moving back to Denton, getting to know the team and beginning to operate the Mean Green program, Mitchell will be very busy early on in her tenure. We want to give fans an in-depth look at her #First44 days on the job in the form of a 44-part series that will run from April 10-May 23.



The North Texas alumni just keep on rolling into the office of Jalie Mitchell. On Day 25 of the #First 44, former Mean Green men's basketball player Eric Tramiel stopped by the Super Pit to say hi to the new head coach. This time, it was Roger Franklin who came knocking to let Mitchell know he is excited for her and is praying for her first head coaching job to be a successful one.

"The pleasure was all mine seeing Roger today. He's the epitome of how faith, confidence and hard work pay off; I'm so proud of him," she said. "Our paths have some similarities and it's always great to have the support and prayers of those who are considered family. Roger is doing an awesome job overseas and I wish him all the best as he continues to leave his mark on the game."

As Mitchell mentioned, Franklin is currently playing overseas, most recently with Black Star Mersch of the Diekirch League in Luxembourg. He transferred to North Texas from Oklahoma St. at the beginning of the 2011-12 season and played his junior and senior years with the Mean Green. But the similarity in their paths began at Duncanville High School, as both played for the Panthers. Although they were about 10 years apart, the two share a special bond as both Duncanville and North Texas graduates.