VYPE: What grade are you in this year and how long have you been running cross country?
Ellie: I am a sophomore and this is my 4th year running.
VYPE: Is the starting position at the beginning of a race strategic? Explain.
Ellie: I think there is a little bit of strategy involved. You have to pick a good spot on the line so you can be able to get out in front of the group with minimal effort and minimal distance run, so you don’t want to get on the end, but at the same time you don’t want to get right in the middle because then you get boxed in. I honestly think that mentally, the hardest part of a 5k is the second mile because you’re tired but not almost done, and the starting line. All I think about on the starting line is how I’m nervous to not do well, and the only way to do well is to hurt. Feeling pain is not something anyone is really excited to do, so it’s pretty tough mentally.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Ellie: I have been so blessed to have a team filled with amazing upperclassmen. As a freshman, they all took me under their wing. The first one to do this though was Ava miller. She was so nice to me and was super encouraging. She is currently a senior, so for the past 2 years she has given me rides to things and has helped me and given me advice with things related to running and not related to running. We both want to do similar things when we graduate so she has kind of helped mentor me. Also Charlee Lafee, she has also been so good to me. She has also given me rides to a lot of things and was my track buddy last year. She is a junior and she and Ava and I are really close, and they are two of my best friends. Also Jasmine Morales, who graduated last year, and then Sydney Miller and Fatima Caolie who are also seniors. They have been so good to me and had a huge impact on me and I am so sad that my time with them in high school is coming to an end. So, I really think they have all had huge impacts on me, but the one with the biggest impact on me is Ava miller.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?
Ellie: I’ve had a lot of amazing teachers at Duncan! My favorite one was probably mr. Loafman who taught my STEM class freshman year. His class was hard and fun and I loved it! I’ve also loved having all of my coaches as teachers.
VYPE: How do you define leadership? What do you do to example leadership with your team?
Ellie: To me the best way to lead is by example with love. Even if you aren’t necessarily in a leadership position, working hard and exemplifying kindness towards everyone goes a long way. Good leadership is also boosting others as you go. Good leaders rise with their peers, and it makes them happy to see their teammates succeed, even if it means their #1 spot is taken. On my team I try to work as hard as I can to achieve my goals, and then to encourage others to do the same. When others succeed, I do my best to recognize it and applaud their success no matter how small it may be. I feel that this makes everyone excited to do well, which motivates them to do their best, which ultimately helps our team as a whole!
VYPE: What is your all-time favorite meal?
Ellie: Literally any breakfast, I love all kinds of breakfast foods in any form. French toast is probably my all time favorite, or any kind of pastry.
VYPE: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete?
Ellie: I just like being associated with Duncan, It is a really great school with really great students, athletes and staff. It’s also super awesome that I have the privilege to be able to represent the place I’ve grown up in and compete under that name. I’ve also had family members graduate from Duncan who have run and I remember going to their track and cross country meets and basketball games when I was little, and being excited to do it when I was in high school. So, it’s just so cool that it’s my turn now!
VYPE: What clubs or groups are you involved in at school?
Ellie: I’m also in track, basketball, FCA, NHS and Student Council.
VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Ellie: I’d like to thank my parents for encouraging me to work hard and holding me accountable. Also for being there when I maybe don’t run my best to remind me that one bad race doesn’t ruin my career, and that I am still loved and my value as a person doesn’t go down when I don’t run as well as I want to. I really do owe a lot to them. Also to the rest of my family: brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, for showing up to all the races they can to cheer me on and support me. They are so great! I also owe a lot to the Lord. He is always there for me and he literally is the reason I am the person I am today. He has worked so many miracles in my life and I could literally do nothing without him. He has helped me run really good races and has helped me get past the bad. He has been right here with me every single step of the way. Lastly, my team and coaches. My team is so supportive of me and make this sport and the training fun! I literally would be nowhere without my coaches and all the work they’ve held me accountable for. They have always encouraged me and have helped me to be able to reach my maximum potential!
