From hitting home runs on the diamond to making jump shots on the court, Mitchell Sutton, senior, has been a key part to his athletic teams throughout his high school career.

“I started playing basketball in third grade. It has been one of the best teaching points in my life and it has helped me learn many valuable life lessons. It has also helped me build some of the best friendships that I still have to this day,” Sutton said.

Coach Kevin McKenna, boys basketball coach, has coached Sutton throughout his four years at Homestead.

“He has always been a leader,” Coach McKenna said. “Last year when he was hurt and out until February, it was like having another coach on the sidelines. He only missed practices for his physical therapy and gave good, accurate insights into situations.”
“He has always been a vocal leader in the locker room and on the floor,” McKenna continued. “He has ideas that have helped our team improve. He is very insightful, understands what the goal of the team and plays are and is willing to sacrifice in order to accomplish those goals.”

According to Jacob Urban, junior teammate, “Mitch gives his all day in and day out. He gives the team someone to look to as a captain and his leadership has been amazing all year. His game has really improved this year and I have loved playing with him.”

Coach McKenna agrees that Sutton’s game has made immense strides this season. “His jump shot is much better, and he’s able to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. He is also a more physical post player that he has been in the past,” Coach McKenna said.

According to Sutton, playing basketball at Homestead has been a key part of his life. “Playing Homestead basketball has been a fantastic experience. The pride of competing for Homestead every week and representing this school has been an honor.”

Coach McKenna believes that Sutton will be missed dearly after he graduates from Homestead. “He’ll be missed in many ways — his leadership, his willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team, his ability to play inside and out, guard both big men and wings, his ability to rebound and make others better,” Coach McKenna said.
“This year is going well so far, and we are still getting better. I want a state championship for the end of my senior year and I think this team has the pieces to do it,” Sutton added.

Transitioning from basketball, Sutton spends his springs and summers prepping for the Homestead baseball season and helping to get other players ready as well.

“I can’t even remember the first time I started playing baseball, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve loved it,” Sutton said.

Returning last year from a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder that occurred in the playoff loss to Port Washington, Sutton helped lead his team to a second place finish losing in the state championship game to Brookfield. However, with the injury, Sutton was not able to pitch at all for the Highlanders, although he was an asset at third base.

“My injury was the toughest thing I have ever had to go through,” Sutton said. “Major injury is always something that is tough to come back from, but because it was my throwing shoulder, I was never really sure how well I’d be able to recover. The rehab was extremely tough but it has molded me into the player I am now.”

“Mitch has a tremendous work ethic. He has been a starter on the varsity since his sophomore year and has only gotten better each season. This is because he puts a tremendous amount of time honing his skills in the off season,” Coach Ernie Millard, head boys baseball coach, said.

“I’ve been playing with Mitch since we were nine years old and we have become best friends through the process. I love putting in work with him during the off-season. We will go lift or hit sometimes and it really pays off during the season when we start winning games,” Trevor Cho, senior teammate, said.

Whether on the basketball court or on the baseball field, Sutton’s leadership shines the same way.

“He has always possessed leadership skills, but has really developed into an outstanding role model for others not only on the baseball team, but within Homestead as well,” Coach Millard said. “Mitch isn’t a super vocal guy, but always leads by example. He means a lot to the program because of his skills as a player, but more importantly because of the quality person he is.”

Coach Millard continued, “In my 22 years as head coach, I would place Mitch as one of the top few people I have ever worked with because of his character as an individual.”
Just like basketball, Coach Millard believes that Sutton will be missed greatly next year. “I will miss him terribly, because he treats people well and makes everyone around him better,” Coach Millard said.

“We only get one more year to play together,” Cho added. “I’m really looking forward to going out together as champs.”