Athlete Spotlight: Ella McConnell #23

SPORTS: Softball, Pole Vault

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

My life story is that I started playing softball when I was five years old. I’ve had the highest of highs and lowest of lows in the sport, but I think that just knowing that I could have a possibility of playing at the next level keeps me motivated every single day. That is why I continue to strive for my best athletic ability every single day.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

My faith is a huge role and who I am today and also a huge role and why I’m where I’m at today. Without God and without his guidance throughout this whole journey of life, I would not be able to be where I’m at today.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

John 3:16

I know that is a very generic Bible verse that a lot of people use, but to me it means something a little bit deeper. This Bible verse is more than just a Bible verse saying that God loved the world so he took his only son to die on the cross, but to me, this means that I have a reason to wake up every single morning and go pursue my dreams because I have someone bigger than me that died for me and all my sins.

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

Well, I’m still a freshman in high school so we haven’t got a lot of rewards yet but just in my select ball career I am a nationally ranked catcher, and that is a big accomplishment of mine. I think for me accomplishments obviously do mean a lot, but I like to see results instead of accomplishments. I would rather see results that I’m looking better as an athlete and getting good feedback on that than getting a bunch of accomplishments, because for me growing and seeing results in my person, and in my play is the biggest accomplishment that I could ever have.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

I feel like my mental side of the game is what sets me apart from young age. I’ve always been what people call me “an old soul“ but that never really made sense to me until I got a little bit older and started realizing that I do think a little bit different than everyone. I also feel that my ability to pick people up and just have overall good leadership is what sets me apart from everyone. I think that my biggest asset is definitely just my personality because at the end of the day I wanna make sure that everyone is having a good time when they’re playing, but also staying locked in and I think I do a really good job at making sure that my team is all in good vibes and we know what we’re doing.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

I am always trying to improve everything about the game, but I think right now I’m mostly trying to improve my swing and get everything dialed in.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

A typical day or week looks like a 6am wake up. Grab some food and I’m out the door for school. At 2pm I have my first softball workout with my high school team and that is from 2 to 5. Then I usually get home pound a protein shake, and head to the facility where I work on hitting and catching. I repeat that just about every single day of the week.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

My plans for the future are to continue to strive to be the best version of myself every single day. My number one objective for the next season is for people to see a different side of Ella McConnell, not only that I’m a good ball player, but I want people to see the Jesus Christ in my heart while I’m playing.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

I think that my goal that I have set for myself is definitely achievable, but my biggest challenge is going to be to stay locked in on that goal and remember why I’m doing it.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

The biggest words of advice that I would say was just be where your feet are and never stop. So many people told me growing up that I would never be a catcher that I wasn’t meant for a catcher and that I should just stay in the outfield, but if you know me, you know that I don’t say no to a lot of stuff. So, I took that very personal and became a catcher and now I’m nationally ranked. So, I would just say to be where your feet are and never stop the grind.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

I would say I model Reese Atwood a lot. I like her swing and I definitely like her style of catching. But after going to the Arkansas camp, I got to hang around Brinley Bane and she is a total dog, so I definitely love how she plays too.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

What mental thought process do you have before you get in the box?

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Never give up on your dreams. Anything and everything is possible with the power of God. Everyone has the chance to become exactly who they want to become with just a small sliver of God’s word.