Life at Ellis
Athletics
A Record of Health and Wellness
Girls who play sports are more physically and emotionally healthy and get better grades than girls who don't play. Our commitment to wellness, sportsmanship, and healthy competition is evident in our athletic program.
The goal of our athletic program is to teach, coach, and encourage each girl to compete to the best of her ability. Our coaches are champions of integrity and resilience, and they encourage girls to become exemplary student-athletes. We offer a variety of sports every season; by participating, girls discover hidden talents and physical activities they love. They experience the joy of teamwork, grace in defeat, and the thrill of winning. Our students also develop physical strength, mental toughness, time-management skills, and stress-reduction techniques that last a lifetime.
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Lower School
For Lower School students, playing is learning. Play is woven into the entire day to foster fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and fun. In Physical Education the focus is on the joy of movement, spatial awareness, running, dancing, imaginative play, and physical activity. Lower School students play outside daily when weather permits and the fun continues with After-school Adventures and activities such as Girls on the Run, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and tennis.
Learn more about After-school Athletics offerings for grades 3 and 4. -
Middle School
The Middle School program cultivates skill development, teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship. Eight different team sports are offered to girls in grades 5 through 8. Student-athletes have the chance to compete several times throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons in order to hone their skills and develop their games. -
Upper School
Ellis coaches and college counseling staff aim to provide students and families with a practical understanding of collegiate athletics and scholarships. We develop a pathway for students who are interested in competing on all divisional levels. We provide a framework for understanding the financial opportunity and academic and athletic commitment needed to qualify for Division I, II, and III participation. We also work closely with our College Counseling office to guide students toward the best fit as collegiate student-athletes.
Athletics News
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Senior to Continue Basketball Career in College
Natalie Graf, Class of 2020, will trade in her green and white for black and yellow when she joins The Pratt Institute’s Women’s Basketball Team in the fall. A team leader and sharp shooter for the Tigers, Natalie was a key factor in the team’s success and historic run in the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs this year. -
Ellis Student Named WPIAL 2A Basketball Player of the Year
Natalie Jasper, Class of 2021, has earned postseason honors and accolades in recognition of her excellence and athleticism on the basketball court this year. Natalie has been named the WPIAL 2A Girls Basketball Player of the Year and has also earned spots on the All-State Team and the WPIAL All-Section Team. In celebration of these recognitions, Head Varsity Basketball Coach Dan LaGamba shared his perspective on Natalie’s leadership, sportsmanship, and skill.
Our Teams
Middle School Athletics
Upper School Athletics
Facilities and Resources
A World-class Athletic Field
In 2014, Ellis celebrated the grand opening of our new state-of-the-art turf field. Our new 72,600 square foot regulation-sized field is lined for soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, and looks and feels like natural grass. The mix of turf and sand at Ellis was specifically chosen to minimize injury risk to young athletes. The field is a source of tremendous school pride, not just for our athletes, but for every member of our community. Though sports are not required, 70% of Ellis Middle and Upper School students play a team sport. This is much higher than the national average of 40% for girls (Women’s Sports Foundation).
Training and Equipment
Ellis athletes train under the supervision of certified athletic trainers from UPMC Sports Medicine. Our trainers assist with conditioning and injury management and oversee every game. They are nationally certified both on the state level and by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification. Our UPMC Sports Medicine team provides onsite medical care and rehabilitation programs for all Ellis athletic teams. They also offer on-campus concussion baseline testing by season and grade level. Uniform and safety equipment lists are detailed on the MyEllis intranet site. Every sports season begins with a “Meet the Coach session” where coaches provide detailed information about practice and games and set the tone for an exciting season.
Shayla Scott
Director of Athletics
