The YDL Sports Network is highlighting returning high school student-athletes this summer. The year in school listed next to the athlete’s name is the year the athlete is entering this fall. Player profiles are powered by Pizza Hut
Player profiles are also brought to you by Showcase Homes, Generational Wealth Management, Icyy Ink, and Hunter’s Station Golf Club
Full List of 2023 Player Profiles
PLAYER – YEAR – SCHOOL
Sports Played: Softball, bowling, volleyball
Parents Names: Jackie and Tom Mitskavich
Siblings: I have an older brother, Ryan. He played basketball and baseball when he was in high school. He still does golf and bowling now.
Social Media Handles: Instagram: melia.mits; Twitter: MeliaMitskavich; Facebook: Melia Mitskavich
2022-23 Highlights: Softball: 1A District 9 champion in softball; First-team infield TCW/CE all-stars; YDL Sports Network All-District second-team hitting pitcher/DP; Tied for leading RBIs in District 9 (40 RBIs); Batting average: .463; ERA: 3.94
Bowling: High average in the nation for a youth bowler for the 2021-2022 season; I’ve bowled six 300 games; 2023 State Pepsi Champion; 2023 state singles youth open champion; 2023 New York Storm Youth championship champion; 2023 PBA Jr. national finalist.
College Athletics plan if applicable: My plan is to bowl in college, but I haven’t committed anywhere yet.
Q&A
Q: How did you get involved in playing sports?
A: All of my family has been involved in a couple sports, so I wanted to do the same. Softball and bowling have been my favorite sports that I have done. I got involved in bowling very young because my parents are the owners of the DuBois Lanes. In addition, my mom used to bowl on the PWBA tour, so I have been around bowling a lot. I started playing softball at a young age as well where I played tee ball. Another sport that I do is volleyball, and I started to play volleyball when I was in middle school.
Q: What is the most enjoyable thing you have ever had happen to you on an athletic field?
A: Hitting a home run in softball is a great feeling. It feels good to know that hard work is paying off after you hit a homerun. When I’ve bowled a 300 game in bowling, that is also an extremely rewarding feeling.
Q: If you could go to any event (it doesn’t have to be a sporting event) in the world, what would it be and why? *
A: I would choose to go to watch a live Professional Bowling Association
(PBA) event. This past year I got the opportunity to watch the PBA tournament of champions TV show in person, and it was an awesome experience.
Q: What teacher has had the most impact on you in school? Why?
A: My English teacher, Mr.Murphy, has been the most impactful teacher
I’ve had. He was very big on getting things done and never wasting time. In addition, he always encouraged us to work hard for what we wanted to do in our life.
Q: Do you have any superstitions in any of the sports you play?
A: Yes, when I’m playing softball or bowling, I always chew gum. So, if I strike out or have a bad game, I’ll always spit that gum out and get a new piece.
Q: You have one day where you can do anything your heart desires. Cost is not a factor. What would it be?
A: I would definitely fly to a tropical place to spend a day at the beach.
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
A: I think I’d like to go back to 1980’s or 90’s just to see how things were different than now.
Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?
A: No I don’t think so.
