Ellie Grill | Sam Houston

Hometown/Current City: Hometown: Angleton, Texas             
Current City: Huntsville, Texas
Undergraduate Major: Elementary Education
Postgraduate Field of Study: Curriculum & Instruction
Current Job/Title: 4th Grade Teacher
 
What is/was your professional path after college?
I have just started my first year of teaching 4th grade math. I chose to stay in Huntsville, Texas and work where I completed my student teaching at. I am currently working on my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
 
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
I enjoy getting to build relationships with my students, as well as see them learn and grow throughout the year. It is so special to see a child have the “ah ha” moment when they are learning.
 
What did your time as a student-athlete mean to you?
My time as a student-athlete means the world to me. I am so grateful I got to live out my dreams of playing college softball for as long as I did while getting a great education. I believe it truly shaped me into who I am today and taught me so much. It was such a privilege to be a student-athlete and the opportunities that came along with it were something I am beyond thankful for.
 
What are you most proud of from your college experience?
I am most proud of the way I grew, both on and off the field, during my five years of college. I gained confidence, leadership skills, and resilience that will be with me for the rest of my life. I am also proud of the way I handled situations with grace and stayed true to who I am.
 
What is your most fond memory of college athletics?
I truly have too many to count. If I had to pick one, it would be Senior Day. Our teammates decorated the seniors’ lockers with sweet notes, we got to honor and celebrate each other, and I got to play on our home field one last time. I also had a pretty cool diving catch, which was just a bonus to that day!
 
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and have recently been doing some bay fishing with the help of my boyfriend.
 
What piece of advice would you have for current student-athletes?
I would advise current student-athletes to focus on being present, enjoying every moment (even 6AM lifts), and pouring into your program, teammates, and coaches. While the athletic achievements are great, the memories and relationships you make are what you will remember the most.