VYPE: What are your goals for yourself and your team?

Ella: I couldn’t be more excited for the rest of this season because of how great our team chemistry has become. My goal from the start was to be the best leader I could be and to give the underclassmen someone they felt they could look up to. It’s very important to me to make sure everyone feels included and is enjoying practicing. I’ve been grateful to be in a great group of seniors who all know the importance of building each other up and playing our hardest for each other rather than just ourselves. This has made so much of a difference in not only our chemistry as a team but also our abilities. My goal for my team is to keep up with the positive attitudes and encouragement and I know we’ll have a great season.

VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?

Ella: I’ve had a lot of fun just hanging out with friends this year. All my friends play soccer with me so we always hangout after practice and have fun. I haven’t done a lot this year but the bus rides home from games have definitely been a great time and are something I know I’m going to miss it when it’s over.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade or coach and why?

Ella: My favorite teacher I’ve had is my middle school choir teacher Mrs. Duerksen. Her class was always what I’d look forward to at school and she was a teacher that you could go to about anything. She taught me a few life lessons but the biggest influence she had on me was helping me find confidence in myself. That helped me to be a part of the All-State choir and a lot of other things outside of singing including soccer. I’m grateful I got to have her as a teacher.

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

Ella: It’s so hard to pick a favorite but the first one that comes to mind is when we had a game against Cordell and when we went out to start warming up, it started down pouring. My team didn’t go in, we just stayed and warmed up in the pouring rain until they canceled the game. I remember hardly being able to see the ball because of how much it was raining, and we all were cracking up laughing. It ended up being a blast and a great memory for all of us, I think.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Ella: The teammate that’s left the biggest impression on me is Angelica Rivera. No matter what obstacle is thrown at her she doesn’t let it drag her positive energy down at all. She has a very contagious personality, and it doesn’t get enough credit for the positive effect it has put on our team. She’s a very admirable teammate and person and I’m glad I was able to be a part of the same team with her.

VYPE: Who on your team has the best impression of your coach and who says the funniest things during games?

Ella: The teammate that has the best impression of my coach is probably Chloe Flanigan.  She is very positive and knows how to pick someone up when they need it. She pushes herself and everyone else to work hard every day. She has been a great leader for the team. The person who says the funniest stuff during games I’d have to say is Emilee Durland. I even told her I’d love to get her mic’d up for a game just to hear what all she says during it. Every once in a while, I hear her crack a joke or two and I wish I could hear more of it because they are pretty funny.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?

Ella: I’ve always wanted to go somewhere in Europe. If I had to choose, I’d probably say Italy. I feel like it’d be really cool to see and obviously for the food. I’d definitely take my mom with me because I know she’d love to see it too.

VYPE: If we gave you $500 dollars and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, how would you spend it?

Ella: As boring as it sounds, I’d probably use it to buy a couch honestly. I’m about to move out so I’m starting to learn how expensive a lot of things are. If you asked me this a couple months ago, I probably would’ve said something more interesting like getting a bulldog but sadly I’ve got to adult now.

VYPE: Here is your chance to say hello, goodbye or thank you to anyone you wish.

Ella: Thank you to my coaches for helping me grow and get to the point I’m at today and to my parents for being my biggest supporters through everything. Most of all to my amazing team for making my senior year the best one yet.