RAYMOND — Hinds Community College looked within its own ranks to find its next women’s soccer coach.

Brandon Mitchell, formerly an assistant coach for Hinds’ men’s team, has been named the new head coach of the women’s program.

“Brandon has been a major part of the Hinds family for many years, both as a former student-athlete and coach. He’s been very successful throughout his tenure as an assistant for the men’s program and we are excited about his opportunity to take over women’s program,” Hinds athletic director Gene Murphy said in a school release.

Mitchell joined the staff of men’s soccer coach Doug Williams as an assistant in 2012. Over the past seven years, Mitchell has helped lead the Eagles to five playoff appearances, two Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges state runners-ups and a MACJC state championship.

While at Hinds, Mitchell has coached 16 players who have moved on to four-year universities to continue their academic and soccer careers. He has also coached 15 MACJC All-State selections and six NJCAA All-Region selections.

Mitchell currently holds a National C license recognized by the United States Soccer Federation.

“He has learned how to build a program and all the responsibilities that come along with it. The women’s program here at Hinds is in good hands,” Williams said.

Prior to the start of his coaching career, Mitchell, a Clinton native and graduate of Clinton High School, was a two-year starter for Hinds in 2007 and 2008. He was named team captain as a sophomore, and earned MACJC All-State honors as a freshman.

Following his two years at Hinds, Mitchell continued his playing career at Mississippi College, where he started for two seasons as a defender. He was named to the All-American Southwest Conference team as a junior.

Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Mississippi College.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to lead this program,” Mitchell said in a release. “Hinds has been a part of my life for about 10 years now, and I hope to continue to expand upon the success and tradition this program has had in the past.”