Westfield basketball player Ellie Kelleher steps into the spotlight
WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Westfield Shamrocks girls basketball team is off to their best start since 2018, and that鈥檚 due in large part to senior Ellie Kelleher.
Born and raised in Westfield, Kelleher got her start in the Westfield basketball system playing in travel leagues when she was eight years old. She鈥檚 always had a chip on her shoulder, and her upbringing plays a factor in that.
鈥淚 grew up with two older cousins and two older brothers, and we would play basketball in the driveway, so I grew up around a lot of sports,鈥� Kelleher said. 鈥淚n the early years, it was hard because, as a second grader, I would be playing against the third and fourth graders and that really developed me.鈥�
Ellie has been on varsity since her freshman year, and she said she always makes sure her play on the court backs that up. Last season, the guard took the reins as the go-to scorer for the Rocks, leading them to a 12-11 record.
The Westfield native said she cherishes being the main scoring option.
鈥淚t’s a great responsibility that comes with a lot of pressure, but I wouldn鈥檛 want it any other way,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing a scorer also opens up a lot of opportunities for other girls, and I love playing the role of a facilitator by getting other girls shots.鈥�
In the offseason, Kelleher committed to Indiana Wesleyan University to continue her athletic and academic career.
鈥淚 went on multiple visits to Indiana Wesleyan, and I realized that Indiana Wesleyan was exactly what I needed,鈥� the senior said. 鈥淚鈥檝e built a great relationship with Coach Whaley, and the program has built a great relationship with my family.鈥�
Ellie鈥檚 impact on the Shamrocks extends off the court as well. She finds ways to make her teammates better, and her head coach Kelsey Steele notices these contributions.
鈥淓llie brings leadership and accountability, but she鈥檚 also a fun spirit who tries to make everyone feel included,鈥� says Steele. 鈥淯ltimately, I would say she鈥檚 a great player, but she鈥檚 an even better person off the court.鈥�
Ellie Kelleher鈥檚 story is a testament to how far hard work and determination can get you. The final buzzer will eventually sound on her high school career, but Kelleher will have left an enduring mark as an inspiration to her teammates and a staple of Westfield basketball.
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