Life at Ellis
Athletics
A Record of Health and Wellness
The athletics program at Ellis is strategically designed to support student growth outside of the classroom while complementing Ellis’ academic program. A variety of sports are offered each season, and by participating, girls uncover hidden talents and discover physical activities they love. They experience the joy of teamwork, grace in defeat, and the thrill of winning. Athletes also develop physical strength, mental toughness, time-management skills, and stress-reduction techniques that last a lifetime.
Our coaches are champions of integrity and resilience, and they encourage girls to become exemplary student-athletes. They prepare their teams for the season by challenging them to make it through tough practices that set them up for success in intense competition. Throughout the season, coaches will often re-evaluate team and individual goals to support girls as they grow in their athletic abilities. What is most appealing about Ellis’ robust athletics program is the fact that, as an all-girls school, girls’ teams receive 100% of the resources allocated to athletics and a girls’ team can always be found on the main playing field or court during prime practice and competition times.
Each team and athlete is fully supported to feel successful and accomplished at the end of the season—regardless of their win/loss record. From this, Ellis girls develop into fiercely strong athletes who thrive on healthy competition and develop leadership skills that will impact their ability to use their voices and talents to solve complex problems, work with diverse groups of people, and bring about positive change in their communities.
Each team and athlete is fully supported to feel successful and accomplished at the end of the season—regardless of their win/loss record. From this, Ellis girls develop into fiercely strong athletes who thrive on healthy competition and develop leadership skills that will impact their ability to use their voices and talents to solve complex problems, work with diverse groups of people, and bring about positive change in their communities.
List of 3 items.
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Lower School (Grades 3 & 4 Only)
Fall- Field Hockey
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
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Middle School
Fall- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Lacrosse
- Tennis
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Upper School
Fall- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Lacrosse
- Softball
- Track & Field
Athletics News
List of 4 news stories.
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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. -
Junior Basketball Player Scores 1,000 Career Points
Natalie Jasper, Class of 2021, reached a major milestone on Monday, January 20 as she scored her 1,000th career point as a member of the Ellis Varsity Basketball Team. Natalie’s 1,000th point came in the form of a free throw and was just one of 21 points she scored in the Tigers’ win over Brentwood High School. To celebrate her accomplishment, Head Varsity Basketball Coach Dan LaGamba and Athletic Director Shayla Scott shared their thoughts on Natalie as a player and student-athlete. -
Soccer Players Earn Postseason Accolades
Two Ellis soccer players earned postseason honors in recognition of their excellence on the field this season. Juniors Miranda Lightner and Dalia Milch were awarded spots on the 2019 WPIAL All-Section team in honor of their hard work, commitment, leadership, and athleticism. In celebration of these accolades, Head Varsity Soccer Coach Tim Howard shared his perspective on this year’s All-Section athletes.
Our Teams
Middle School Athletics
Fall
Cross Country: Middle School Fall Crew: Middle School Field Hockey: A Team Field Hockey: B Team Soccer: Middle School - JV Soccer: Middle School - VarsityUpper 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
