Akari signs Annie Mitchem for Reinforced Conference

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Akari Power Chargers’ search for their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference import is now over, as it has tapped American outside hitter Annie Mitchem, as announced on Oct. 1, 2025.

Akari formally welcomed its new reinforcement in a social media post on its official Facebook page: “Akari Fam, welcome our newest Charger, Annie Mitchem!”

Mitchem will have big shoes to fill after replacing Oly Okaro, the import who steered the Power Chargers to a second-place finish during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Before agreeing to join the Philippine-based franchise, Mitchem last played in Indonesia, boosting the Jakarta Livin Mandiri club.

A former standout of the University of Hawaii and Irvine Valley College, Mitchem brings a wealth of international experience to the hungry Akari squad.

Mitchem began her professional volleyball career in 2017 with the Italian club Polisportiva Filottrano Pallavolo. After a season, she transferred to Savino del Bene and took the league by storm.

Her standout campaign with Savino del Bene helped boost her overseas import stock, leading to a stint in the Turkish league with Kuzeyboru.

From 2017 to 2024, Mitchem became a household name overseas, playing in Italy, Turkey, Brazil, and Indonesia.

“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.

Mitchem will join a formidable team spearheaded by Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo, Erika Raagas, Gretchel Soltones, Kamille Cal, and Faith Nisperos.

The Power Chargers will still be mentored by one of the most celebrated living legends in the country, Tina Salak, assisted by Eddieson Orcullo and Vincent Mangulabnan.