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Impact Gold 16U-Jazz MIF/C Ella McDowell has elevated herself to #3 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 rankings.
McDowell has done it with a blend of speed, power and heart that has helped her to the upper echelons on high school softball and travel ball.
Here’s what Extra Inning Softball wrote about the Texan when the rankings came out in September:
T-3—Ella McDowell, MIF/C, Impact Gold 16U – Jazz
Ella is a force of nature on the field and plays the game with a high-level IQ and “a grit like no other,” according to her coach, Jazz Jackson Vesely. The sophomore is a good mix of speed, power and heart and her offensive numbers were strong against the best in her age group this summer: a .444 batting average, 10 home runs, 56 hits, 47 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. McDowell is from an athletic background and has benefited from her two parents who played and coach sports and coach sports. As a Freshman this year at Foster (Richmond, Texas) High, Ella started at shortstop and hit in the cleanup spot, producing huge offensive stats including a .541 batting average, a .605 on-base percentage, 61 RBIs, 17 home runs and a .978 fielding percentage. One opposing coach described Ella as “electric” in how she produces and gets her teammates motivated as well.
Impact Gold 1B/P Cameryn Harrison, #8 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, is blown away by McDowell’s athleticism and determination.
“Ella is a phenomenal athlete,” Harrison said, “most definitely one of the best I’ve ever played with. She is a super hard-working and determined player. She always gives her all for every ball hit in her vicinity. She is someone that I trust that any ball hit her way she will make a play on. As a pitcher, I love to have her behind my back. Ella is also someone that you would want up to bat in a pressure situation. She always finds a way to get it done. Ella brings a lot of personality and leadership to the team. She is a very fun person to be around, but also a great person to lead along with. Ella, just in general, is a very unique person. She is always smiling and having fun, but most of all she is one of the best players in the nation. Her determination to reach her goals is one of a kind.”
Impact Gold 2OF/P Ashytyn Reinhardt, #40 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, said McDowell has great defensive abilities to go along with her hitting skills.
“Ella is an incredible player and teammate,” Reinhardt said. “She has unbelievable range at shortstop and she makes ESPN-type plays look routine. I can always rely on her at the plate because she hits so consistently and is the most clutch hitter you’ll see. She is a natural leader, leading by both example and motivation. Her energy on the field is unmatched.”
Impact Gold P/UT Ella Trout, #27 in the 2025 Extra Elite 100, believes McDowell is one of a kind.
“Ella isn’t like any teammate I’ve ever had if I’m being honest,” Trout said. “She brings a crazy amount of energy to the team and is a true leader. I’ve never known anyone with a heart like hers. Ella loves the game more than anyone I’ve ever met and it definitely shows. Her work ethic is absolutely insane. Not to mention how talented she is … I’m very thankful that she’s on my side.”
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: ELLA McDOWELL
Hometown: Richmond, TX
High School: Foster (Texas)
Club Team: Impact Gold-Jazz 16U
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Positions: MIF/UT
Nickname: “E-Train”/”Ella-Vader”
Twitter: @emcdowell2024
Honors: #3 in 2024 Extra Elite 100
Travel Ball Fall Stats: Six home runs, 35 hits and a team-high 34 RBIs.
High School Highlights: Texas District 24-5A Most Valuable Player and Houston Chronicle All-Greater Houston Newcomer of the Year.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them?
I have played with primarily the same group of girls since I was 10, and a couple years back we made the organization move to Impact Gold. it’s been the best move for me ever since.
*** Scroll down to read more about Ella including what her father built to help her improve!