Abby Ellis, who graduated from Girls Preparatory School in 2008, is now playing Division I women's lacrosse at the U.S. Naval Academy as a key member of the squad.
She has started all 17 games this spring as a defender for the second-year Navy program, which sits just one win away from its first-ever conference crown and NCAA Tournament berth.
Navy will be facing Colgate University on Sunday afternoon for the automatic bid into the NCAA's Field of 16.
BIO
A 2008 graduate of Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tenn. where she earned four letters in lacrosse ... earned second-team all-state recognition as a junior ... Academic All-American nominee in 2007... served as team captain and was voted team MVP as a senior ...helped team earn a spot in state semifinals in 2006 and the state quarters in '07 ... one of three Tennessee lacrosse players chosen to the Southeast Team 1 that participated in the National Showcase Tournament at Lehigh University ... also excelled as a defender and goalkeeper with the GPS soccer team, leading her team to a regional title in 2005 ... played with Express club squad that won a state championship in '05 ... earned Director's Award for orchestra .... member of Beta Club, Band on the Run, and Race for the Cure participant ... full name is Abigail Marie Ellis ... daughter of Tom and Janelle Ellis ... born July 7, 1990 in Orlando, Fla.
Q&A
Position: Defender High School: Girls Preparatory School Hometown: Ooltewah, Tenn.
Freshman Abby Ellis
On Ellis:
A rock-steady low defender, Ellis has earned 17 starts and played nearly every minute of every game this spring. Her efforts on the backline have been a major reason why the Mids entered the week boasting the sixth-ranked scoring defense in the country. Ellis is tied with senior teammate Kristen Laraway for the ground ball lead amongst Navy's defenders with 18, has corralled seven draws and has been credited with forcing eight turnovers.
Why did you choose to attend the Naval Academy?
I really was committed to finding somewhere that offered first-rate academics. I come from a private school background so the structure which the Academy offers was definitely also something that was appealing to me as well. There are just so many different opportunities here, if you are lucky enough to have the chance - it's hard not to take it.
How did you get started in lacrosse?
Growing up in Tennessee, there obviously weren't too many opportunities to play. The game wasn't very big at all, but when I was in eight grade my school decided to start a lacrosse program. They were the first school in Chattanooga to add lacrosse and I am definitely happy that they did.
What is your favorite aspect of being a part of the Navy women's lacrosse team?
All my teammates have just been so helpful. As a freshman, the time commitment and challenges of Academy life can really push you. Knowing that my teammates, especially the upperclassmen who have been through it already, are there to lend a hand is invaluable.