Georgia WR Malcolm Mitchell wrote a children’s book
Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell was not much of a reader during his high school days, but discovered a love for it once he got to college. To explain to others the positive impact reading can have, the senior wide receiver decided to write a book of his own – a children’s story called “The Magician’s Hat.”
“My journey into reading really inspired me to start doing some writing on my own and working with kids pushed me toward the picture book and children’s book realm,” Mitchell told UGASports.com. “I wrote a story a while ago, and for about a year and half I’ve been working to get it to the point that you see today.”
The plot of Mitchell’s new book, which will be available in August, very much mirrors his own personal growth, he said.
“Today is the first time I’ve talked about it,” Mitchell told USA Today. “With writing it’s almost personal. This is a piece of me. It’s my vision, it’s my heart it’s my words. Opening up and sharing that with everybody isn’t the easiest thing to do, but if you want to get a message out you have to open your arms and allow people to step in and today is my attempt to do that.”
Knee injuries cost Mitchell all of the 2013 season and part of the 2014 season. And during the down time of his recovery process, he joined an all-women’s book club in Athens. He said that reading was a boost for him when he was down about his injuries.
“I definitely believe that story would not have been possible if I didn’t get injured because it definitely gave me time to read a lot more,” Mitchell told UGASports. “So I kind of do appreciate the injury more so than I did initially. I didn’t think I would ever say that.”
Though compliance issues prevent Georgia from promoting the book, Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt wrote the forward for “The Magician’s Hat” and has been supportive of his players pursuing their creative endeavors.
“He definitely doesn’t confine us to just athletes,” Mitchell told USA Today, referencing the Star Wars film ex-UGA receiver Chris Conley made last year. “Him allowing us to go out and do projects like this, we’re so thankful for. He’s a great guy and a great coach, and I seriously pray we have a long-lasting relationship.”
Mitchell returned midway through the 2014 season and was a solid contributor for the Bulldogs, hauling in 31 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.
With his sights set on an NFL career, Mitchell is hoping to increase his production as a fifth-year senior.
“My No. 1 passion is still fulfilling my dreams as a professional athlete. I don’t want that to be overshadowed,” he said, referring to his book. “They go hand in hand.”
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
