Ella McGregor

I scored my first soccer goal when I was six-years old, I learned how to safely stand on someone’s shoulders as a cheerleader at the age of seven, and I beat my personal-best race time running cross-country in the 11 grade. Quite simply, I love athletics; sports have unequivocally molded me into the person I am today. I thrive with strict practice regimens, am motivated by intense commitment levels, am energized with the camaraderie of a team, and am positively challenged by heightened demands for self-discipline. My love for sports, especially the excitement of competition, has largely contributed to my overall success, both on and off the field, for much of my life. However, I cannot claim complete credit for my determined spirit; I would be thoughtless if I did not credit my coaches who dedicated large portions of their own life to improve mine. My coaches taught me invaluable life lessons that I incorporate into my life at present. Mainly, they taught me to put the needs of the team before the needs of myself, to be tenacious in the face of adversity, and to have confidence in myself even if others have their doubts. I am forever grateful for these real-world lessons. I never would have imagined that scoring that one goal twelve years ago on a small field in a 3-on-3 game of six year-old kids could have such a dramatic and lasting impact. More meaningful, I never would have envisioned someone characterizing me the way my coaches did when they were asked to describe me, “Ella McGregor is a strong, confident, motivated, and caring young adult who inspires others with dedication and commitment.” I know my personal development path is far from complete, but because of sports, I am confident that my life is on the right path.