by Samantha Wolfe
In her senior year at Charter School of Wilmington, Ella Stack finds herself knocking out goals left and right on her path to achieving greatness. Ella is recognized not only for academic excellence but also for an extraordinary commitment to service and athletic talent. This inspiring student is a former HAC athlete and now a Youth Sports coach taking every opportunity life has to offer.
Ella is very proud of her role as the Secretary of the National Honor Society. She’s also a dedicated volunteer, investing time in various service projects that extend a helping hand to those in need. One notable initiative is the “Foster Well” toy drive, aimed at bringing joy to foster children through thoughtful gifts.
“She’s a very kind and wholesome person, a hard worker, a great leader, and an even better friend. She sets goals and won’t relax until they are achieved!”
– Ella’s friend and former teammate, Katie H.
In the academic realm, Ella is launching herself into the science of psychology. Having secured a commitment to Lehigh University for college in her junior year of high school, she aspires to learn more about the human mind in these next few years. With a passion for psychology, Ella envisions a future working with athletes, recognizing the powerful intersection between mental health and sports performance.
Ella’s sporting journey began at the age of six at the Hockessin Athletic Club learning fundamentals of field hockey under the guidance of coach Diane S. As Diane noticed how well she was excelling, she suggested that Ella move on to club teams to further her passion. For the last four years, Ella has been an integral part of H2O Field Hockey; she plays all positions, showcasing versatility and a deep understanding of the game. At Charter School of Wilmington, Ella is a Field Hockey Captain, earning accolades such as 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-State while holding pivotal positions on the field.
“Ella was just a little peanut – her big sister played field hockey, too, and Ella just wanted to keep up,” says Diane. “She was a diamond in the rough that has continued to be polished like many other students from this program and look where she is now! She is very helpful at practice, keeping me updated on the latest verbiage and always being willing to demonstrate.”
Beyond playing, Ella takes on the role of a coach, mentoring both 7-12 year-olds at Hockessin Athletic Club and 10-12 year-olds at H2O Field Hockey during the summer. This dual role as a player and mentor is a testament to her leadership and dedication to the growth of younger athletes. Her coaching journey, which began in the summer of 2022, underlines Ella’s commitment to fostering a love for sports in kids from a young age.
“Ella is a hard worker on and off the field. She works out all the time to stay in the best shape! She is a great leader and a great athlete!”
– Ella’s friend and former teammate, Tess G.
When her schedule allows, Ella has even taken on responsibilities in HAC’s childcare department, showcasing a dedication to creating positive and enriching environments for children both on and off the field.
Beyond her academic and athletic pursuits, Ella cherishes the simple joys of life. Whether it’s hanging out with friends or soaking up the sun at the beach, she understands the importance of a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. No matter how stressful school might be or how demanding her workouts and practices are, finding time for leisure and social connections is equally essential.
Ella Stack serves as a shining example of a well-rounded individual, seamlessly navigating the realms of academia, service, and sports as she prepares to embark on her next chapter at Lehigh University. We’ll be eagerly waiting to hear about more of her scholastic achievements and continued role in her college community, too.
