Paullete (Mitchell) Villereal was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was the youngest of eight children of Henry and Georgia Mitchell. She attended school in the Council Bluff graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1992. Paulette had an outstanding high school career. She was undefeated in the shot put during the outdoor season her entire career. She did not even participate in track & field in junior high, but threw 37′ on her third day of practice. She was the premiere thrower during her high school career. Here are some of her accomplishments. She was a four time State Shot Put Champion, and a Drake Relays Champion. Paulette holds the all-time Iowa best throw of 53′ 3.5″, Indoor State record of 48′ 2.5″ and the Drake Relays record of 50′ 4.75″. She won the Drake Relays Discus title in 1992 setting the record in that event as well. Paulette’s achievements were recognized by the following honors: Gerry Cooley Award for High School Girls at the Drake relays in 1992, Central Region Gatorade Track & Field Athlete Award in 1992, Iowa Female Athlete of the Year (twice), listed fifth on the USA All-Time Girls Shot Put List and Inducted into the IHSAU Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1998. Paulette continued her career at the University of Nebraska. She was a 10-time All-American and nine-time Big Eight Champion. She was a three time conference champion in the Shot Put as well as three Drake relays titles. She took up the hammer throw as a junior and won the Big Eight title in 1996. She broke the American record in the hammer with a throw of 199′ and place seventh nationally. She graduated in December of 1996 with a degree in Child Development. She participated in the Olympic trials in 1992 and 1996 placing 11th and 10th respectfully. Paulette is married and lives in Omaha.
