Ella's soccer journey from an aspiring young player to a committed college athlete serves as a testament to her dedication, talent, and the supportive community fostered by Iowa Rush Soccer Club and VSA Rush Soccer Club.
From 2016 to 2020, Ella was dedicated to Iowa Rush North, where she meticulously developed her skills and solidied the groundwork for her future success on the eld. In 2019, her Iowa Rush North team achieved success by clinching the championship at the State Cup. Embracing a new chapter in 2020, she made the transition to Iowa Rush Central, seizing the opportunity to broaden her experience and elevate her game to new heights. The following year brought a unique opportunity as Ella played for Iowa Rush and served as a designated guest player for VSA throughout the season, showcasing her versatility and talent on multiple fronts.
In 2022, Ella successfully earned a spot on VSA Rush where her hard work and talent were recognized by invitations to competitive tournaments with Rush Select. The Rush Select program is an international program in which Rush Soccer forms "all-star teams" that are composed of the top Rush players from all across the world. The program starts from age U13 and is available through a player's career with Rush Soccer ending at U19. The players get to see new ideas, play with top talent, learn from new coaches, and develop as players in a way most across the country can not. Ella made two appearances at the Rush Hub National Tournament in St. Louis and participated in the President’s Day Tournament for Rush Select. The President’s Day Tournament is one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the United States, attracting teams from all over the country.
Ella's impact extended beyond the club level, as she left an indelible mark on Cedar Falls High School's soccer program. Holding the record for most career goals, Ella's prowess on the eld earned her numerous accolades. Each year, from freshman to junior, she was recognized with First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, First Team All-Metro, and Second Team All-State honors. Her leadership qualities were evident as she served as High School Captain during her junior and senior years, guiding her team to success both on and off the field.
Ella's hard work and dedication have paid off, as she committed to the University of Northern Iowa during her junior year. Excited to embark on her journey as a scholarship college athlete, Ella looks forward to competing at the Division I level for the Panthers, poised to make a signicant impact both athletically and academically.
Ella's commitment to soccer extends beyond the eld with Iowa Rush/VSA Rush, as she has dedicated countless hours to giving back to her community. Volunteering with the Iowa Rush North Kicks 4 Kids program over the last four years, Ella has made a positive impact on the lives of young aspiring soccer players and gave back to the community that fostered her growth and development.
Ella's player pathway embodies passion, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her coaches, teammates, and community. From her early days with Iowa Rush North to her commitment to play college soccer for the University of Northern Iowa, Ella's pathway is a story of determination, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. As she embarks on the next phase of her pathway, Ella stands ready to leave a lasting legacy and the Iowa Rush family looks forward to watching her continued success.
