Name: Ellen Gill
High School: Oakdale
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
My most memorable race was at the 13th Patriot Invitational because at the time my confidence was really low. I was coming off of two bad races and an injury I thought I wasn't ready. I ended up winning my event and broke the meet record. After I crossed the finish line I saw my parents jumping up and down in excitement. A huge confidence boost and a little bit of faith for my senior season. Think about that all the time.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
At one meet I was going against really tough competition. Didn't have high hopes about my race coming into it. Ended up winning my events and also breaking the meet record. That race showed me I can keep it together and do great things.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
The training was difficult at some points. I picked up a love for lifting this past season and I would lift every day after practice. After a while, I became tired and couldn't get through practice without yawning. Switching around my routine made me worry about underperforming and being a step behind the competition. I wanted to help my team this season as a senior I felt the need to. I was trying to be a part of two relays every meet and with an injury I've had it just wasn't working. Running too little or much at practice really set me back at meets with giving my all in every race I'd compete in. I eventually had to drop a relay. Wasn't the greatest feeling.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
Trust the process. Trusting is so hard but trusting your training is so important as an athlete. Just because you won at one meet doesn't mean you'll win at the next, never underestimate your competition. At the end of the day one bad race isn't the end of the world enjoy the meets and enjoy what your doing because one day it'll all be over.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
Track and Field
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I will be continuing my running career in college at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). My dad told me when I started going on recruitment visits "right when you step on a campus you'll know right away if you want to go there". The second I walked into UNCW campus I knew I wanted to go there. The campus is beautiful, great for my major, warm running weather, and most importantly the team. A great group of people who made me feel a part of the team and not just a recruited athlete on a visit. The coach is very dedicated and believes I can do great things. I can't wait to start my journey there.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
This is so weird... I drink Ginger Ale before my races. Calms my stomach and clears my throat. Try it and you'll see.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I'd like to say thank you to my club coach, Coach Bill. He's been my coach for almost 10 years now and I can't thank him enough. He was very honest with me when I said I wanted to run the open 100 & 200 he told me I wouldn't make it in those events and I would be eaten alive. He was right.. He told me he saw me as a hurdler and that's when my hurdle career started. I've always been ok at the 100 hurdles but I really shinned in the 200 hurdles during club. He had me training for the 300/400 hurdles before I even knew it. Every time I win a race I think of him on my first day of practice asking "Are you here to win or dink around" and I said, "I want to win medals".
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out to you over the past 4 years?
Frederick County has a lot of talented athletes