Morris Herald-News Athlete of the Week: Ella McDonnell, Morris, wrestling, sophomore

McDonnell made Morris Community High School history as the first-ever female wrestler to place at state.

She took fourth-place against Loyola Academy’s Harlee Hiller, who led McDonnell 14-7 when the pin came with 30 seconds remaining.

MHN: What are your thoughts on your performance at state?

McDonnell: I thought my confidence was at a really good level. I had my own personal cheering section that came down to support me. My coach (Officer Evans) helped me a lot by calming me down and giving me advice ahead of time. My warm-up partners helped me stay calm and went over techniques that I needed to go over a little bit. Overall, I think I did really well for my first state meet.

MHN: How long have you been wrestling?

McDonnell: I think I was around 5 years old. I asked my dad if I could start wrestling. I saw practices and really liked it from the start. It’s been about 11 years now.

MHN: What is your biggest strength on the mat?

McDonnell: I would say working on the bottom or my base is my biggest strength.

MHN: What do you enjoy the most about wrestling?

McDonnell: I just really like the environment and how competitive it is. I think it really suits the competitive aspects of my personality.

MHN: What’s your favorite sports memory?

McDonnell: I would say playing games with the team and getting to know them better, making more friends on the team.

MHN: What is your favorite food?

McDonnell: A good roast, probably.

MHN: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

McDonnell: I would love to go to Australia. The forest and the animals would be a memorial experience.

MHN: If you could get advice from anyone, who would it be and why?

McDonnell: A lot of my coaches have good advice for me. My parents do too sometimes, but coaches understand what position you are in and are able to give advice based on performance.

MHN: What do you hope to accomplish in this sport over the next two years?

McDonnell: I would like to gain more confidence when wrestling boys in general because that’s what I did all season. But, when I came up against girls, my confidence grew for some reason. It felt like I was stronger and more coordinated.

To nominate someone in “Athlete of the Week,” contact the Morris Herald-News at news@morrisherald-news.com.