Akari taps Annie Mitchem for upcoming Reinforced Conference 

Akari Chargers have completed their foreign player lineup for the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with the arrival of Annie Mitchem, a seasoned American hitter whose résumé spans several of the world’s toughest volleyball leagues.

The Chargers made the announcement Wednesday, officially introducing Mitchem as the team’s reinforcement.

“Akari Fam, welcome our newest Charger, Annie Mitchem,” the club wrote in a Facebook post.

Mitchem, 31, brings an impressive pedigree to the Akari fold.

 A University of Hawaii product who once starred as a middle blocker, she has since transitioned into the outside hitter role and carved out a professional career across volleyball powerhouses Italy, Turkey, and Brazil—winning titles along the way. Most recently, she suited up for Jakarta Livin Mandiri in Indonesia.

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American outside hitter Annie Mitchem officially signed with the Akari Chargers for the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. #PVL2025 #volleyball pic.twitter.com/llK4PNc85q

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) October 1, 2025

“An Outside Hitter with championship runs in Brazil, Italy, and Turkey! With her championship experience and serious firepower, she’s ready to charge with us this conference,” Akari added.

Her international seasoning will be vital for the Chargers, who are now under the guidance of new head coach Tina Salak. 

The former national team playmaker replaced Japanese mentor Taka Minowa earlier this year during the PVL On Tour.

Mitchem steps into the role last held by Oly Okaro, the Nigerian reinforcement who spearheaded Akari’s silver-medal run in the 2024 Reinforced Conference. With Okaro setting a high standard, expectations are just as lofty for Mitchem as Akari chases another finals berth.

The American is projected to power Akari’s wing attack alongside Ivy Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, and Faith Nisperos—forming one of the deepest rotations in the upcoming conference.

For the Chargers, the challenge is clear: build on last year’s breakthrough runner-up finish and prove that their rise among the PVL elite is no fluke. With Mitchem on board, they believe they’ve found the missing piece to make another finals charge.

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