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Extra Inning Softball has partnered with College Bound Jocks, a “Marketing Company for Athletes” that, for over 15 years, has succeeded in its mission to help those looking to play at the college level how to “understand, plan and succeed in the college recruiting process.”
We are happy to use our editorial platform to promote these talented athletes as part of our CBJ Athlete of the Month program and today we spotlight Ella Stephenson, a talented outfielder from Algonac, Michigan who not only is a Michigan all-state softball player, she’s also an accomplished volleyball player, earning all-conference honors this year.
Here’s a video look at the current junior…
…. And here’s more on our December 2021 CBJ Athlete of the Month!
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Player Name: ELLA STEPHENSON
Grad Year: 2023
Position(s) Played: Outfield
High School: Algonac (Michigan)
Club Team: Turnin2 National 16U – Maloney
College: Committed to Michigan
What are your team’s top accomplishments?
My team (T2 Maloney) is ranked 11th nationally in the Alliance Fastpitch 16U team rankings. We won the Triple Crown Super 72 tournament at the beginning of this fall and last Summer we tied for first place in the Ohio Outlaws tournament due to it being rained out. I would like to add I love playing with this team—our team bond is special. I would not want to play with anyone else. I can’t wait for the summer!!
Also, I’d like to add this past year in high school ball, we had a great season going 29-11 for the first time in a long time. We started off the season 10-0. Algonac softball is going to keep improving for this year… I’m very excited.
What are your top individual accomplishments?
I was a 1st Team All-State Outfielder as a Sophomore with a .575 batting average, 19 home runs and an OPS of 1.924. I also earned 1st Team All-Conference and All Region for volleyball this year (Junior).
What’s been a favorite softball experience in your career?
I’ve played a lot of softball, but I’d say one of my favorite softball memories was playing in Chattanooga, Tennessee with my current team Turnin2 Maloney two summers ago. We played an Ohio team and just didn’t stop hitting the ball. And played some great defense. The energy was electric in the dugout and we were having so much fun that fans from other fields came over to watch us play… that’s how loud we were! We won by a good amount, but I’ll never forget that game, it was just a lot of fun playing with my teammates and beating a good team.
What would you say are your strengths in softball?
I’d say my strengths in softball are my ability to read the ball in the outfield. Hitting is my favorite part of the game. My mental side of the game is strong I’d say. I always try to be a good teammate and carry myself well on the field no matter how I’m playing.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen happen on a softball field?
There have been many wipeouts I’ve witnessed from my teammates, and it is so funny, just a great laugh from our dugout if it happens! (laughs)
What is one thing you have learned from your coaches that will always stay with you?
Be electric while playing, carry yourself well, have energy and give 100 percent effort. You are going to make mistakes in this game, but you will learn from it and go get the next one. Softball is a hard game, you can’t get a hit every time. It’s how you adjust in game, and most importantly. Have fun.
Let’s talk recruiting for a minute: how did the Michigan coaches first find you?
I think they knew of me from my past Summer season and had their eye on me during my Fall season. I had a good tournament in Columbus, Ohio, and then I contacted them via e-mail and they reached out to me after that.
What did the Michigan coaches say they liked about your game enough to offer you?
They said they really liked my athleticism, power, and defensive play in the outfield. They also mentioned I had a very high ceiling as a player.
When did they offer you a scholarship?
They offered me after my tournament down in Birmingham, Alabama.
When and how did you commit? What were the circumstances?
I committed Tuesday night before Thanksgiving via a Zoom call with my parents by my side.
What was it about the school/program that made you decide it was the place for you?
Yeah, I’d say after my visit I knew Michigan was the spot for me. I loved their staff and their welcoming atmosphere. Not only did I really like the team, but the school itself is fantastic and academics is really important to me. The campus felt just right for me.
Do you know yet what you will study in college? What you’d like to do for a career after school/softball is over?
I’m thinking about going into Michigan’s Kinesiology School and studying movement science. I would enter Michigan’s Pre-Physical Therapy program and after I get my undergraduate degree, I would go to grad school for about three more years and become a physical therapist.
What’s something about you off the field that not many know?
I love boating and being on the water.
What do you love most about softball?
I love the friendships made, the feeling after hitting a bomb or making that play, winning a close game… the list could go on. The game is just a lot of fun and I couldn’t be more excited to play at Michigan in a couple of years.
What’s the main gift you’d like to get for Christmas/the Holidays?
I’m not really sure I don’t have a certain gift I want, but I do love clothes! (laughs)
What is something unique about you?
I have two older brothers that also play college ball. Grant is 19 and he plays baseball at Xavier University. Luke is 21 and he plays at Elon University.
Who is your hero or heroes and why?
I guess I don’t really have a “hero.” But I’ve definitely looked up to my older brothers when I was younger. I wanted to be like them. Be a good athlete and good person like them.
What other activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of softball?
I play volleyball and basketball as well so if it’s in season I’ll play those high school sports. In the summertime I enjoy being out on the water and boating. I love spending my time with friends and family. Of course, softball is my favorite sport, but I love playing with my high school teammates and using my different athletic abilities and skills. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun.
What is your favorite quote?
“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” – Michael Jordan. That’s my favorite sports quote because that’s what I live by while playing sports. At the end of the day, it’s just a game. A game that’s for fun. Just play and enjoy it.
In one word, describe yourself on the field: determined.
And off the field: passionate.
Here are the links to our previous CBJ Athletes of the Month (click on the player names)!
- Nov. 2021: Keira Tolmie (Clarkston, Mich.)
- Oct. 2021: Taylor Davison (Richmond, Ill.)