EL PASO, Texas – UTEP rifle head coach Andrea Palafox announced the addition of transfer Molly Mitchell (Red Lodge, Mont.) to the Miners' roster for the 2026-27 season.
Mitchell joins UTEP after an outstanding freshman campaign at Schreiner University during the 2025-26 season, bringing championship-level experience, consistency and a proven record of success in both air rifle and smallbore.
A native of Red Lodge, Montana, Mitchell is a product of the Yellowstone Rifle Team, where she trained under Ralph and Marlene Saunders. At the club level, she placed second at both the CMP Regionals and CMP Nationals in 2024 and earned NRA Air Rifle Distinguished honors.
During her freshman season at Schreiner, Mitchell delivered an exceptional all-around year under head coach Tim McGuire. She posted a 575 average in smallbore and a 585 average in air rifle, while compiling an extensive list of honors and accolades.
Mitchell was named Schreiner's Rifle Athlete of the Year and team captain, while also earning the Academic Excellence Award. At the conference level, she collected Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference (MAC) Rookie of the Year honors and was selected to the MAC All-Conference First Team in both air rifle and smallbore, along with a spot on the MAC All-Conference Academic Team.
She capped her season with a dominant performance at the MAC Championships, finishing second individually in air rifle, winning the aggregate individual title, and claiming the smallbore individual championship. Mitchell also earned the MAC Smallbore Achievement Award for her performance throughout the season.
With her competitive résumé, academic success and championship mindset, Mitchell adds significant depth and firepower to the Miners' lineup heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
UTEP rifle continues preparations for the upcoming seasons as the program builds toward continued growth and national competitiveness under Palafox's leadership.
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