Driven by Science, United by Sport

A graduate of Mars Area High School, Ella was drawn to Duquesne by its city campus, supportive academic community and athletic program. Her love of science, particularly biology, made the School of Science and Engineering a natural fit.

"I am interested in how these little mechanisms in our cells keep us living day to day and we don't even have to do anything," she said.

Now, Ella is combining that curiosity with her commitment to collegiate athletics as a goalie on Duquesne's Women's Lacrosse team. Through supportive faculty, dedicated academic resources and a close-knit team, she is developing the skills and confidence to pursue her bigger goals both on and off the field.

Building Confidence Through Academic and Athletic Challenges

Ella's interest in biology began in high school, where she developed a passion for science and became fascinated by the complex processes that keep the human body functioning.

At Duquesne, she has found an academic environment that encourages her to explore those interests while challenging herself to grow. She appreciates the accessibility of her professors, who make time to explain difficult concepts and provide additional support during office hours.

"The faculty in the School of Science and Engineering have been wonderful to work with. Every professor I have had has done a great job at explaining the material, and when I had trouble understanding certain topics their office hours have been very helpful."

Outside the classroom, Ella has discovered that some of her greatest lessons come from balancing the demands of being a student and a Division I athlete.

She began playing lacrosse in second grade after her mother, who also played the sport, introduced her to a youth program. Thirteen years later, Ella continues to pursue her passion as a goalie for the Dukes.

Her experience at Duquesne has taught her that she is capable of more than she might initially realize. Managing a demanding academic schedule alongside practices, games and team commitments has strengthened her discipline, time management and perseverance.

"Being a part of both has shown me that I can do hard things," she said. "It has also shown me that hard work pays off, in my grades and in my sport."

Finding Community in the Classroom and on the Field

One of Ella's favorite parts of her Duquesne experience has been the relationships she has developed with classmates, professors and teammates.

Within the School of Science and Engineering, she has found a community of students who support one another through challenging coursework. Whether studying together or enjoying time outside the classroom, those connections have helped make the demands of college more manageable.

Her Women's Lacrosse teammates have provided another important source of encouragement and friendship.

"Being a part of the women's lacrosse team has been one of the best parts of my school experience," Ella said. "It has given me a sense of community and automatic best friends."

As a student-athlete, Ella is surrounded by teammates who share her commitment to hard work and academic achievement. Having others who understand the demands of balancing athletics and academics has made a meaningful difference, particularly during her transition into college.

She also credits Duquesne's student-athlete academic support staff with helping her find a routine during her freshman year. Tutoring resources, academic assistance and communication between athletic and academic departments have helped her stay on track when lacrosse commitments require her to miss class.

One memorable example of her team's collaboration came during a close game against La Salle on senior night last season. With the game still within reach heading into the fourth quarter, the team's captains rallied their teammates, helping the Dukes pull away with a win in honor of their seniors.

For Ella, moments like these demonstrate the importance of trusting one another, communicating and working toward a common goal.

Developing Discipline and Resilience

Balancing Biology coursework with the demands of collegiate lacrosse requires careful planning and commitment.

During the season, Ella's days typically begin with morning classes, followed by studying and completing assignments during breaks. Afternoons are dedicated to film sessions, practice and strength training. Afterward, she often heads to the dining hall with teammates before finishing any remaining schoolwork.

Game days bring a different routine, including team meals, warmups, competition and time with family members who travel to support the team.

To manage everything, Ella relies on a detailed planner. Every Sunday, she maps out her assignments, studying and commitments for the week so she can stay organized and avoid falling behind.

Time management and self-discipline are two of the most important skills she has developed through athletics. She has learned to focus on tasks, limit distractions and make the most of the time available.

Those skills extend beyond her academic and athletic responsibilities. Ella believes her experiences have also strengthened her communication skills and perseverance, preparing her to navigate challenges after graduation.

She encourages prospective students interested in combining a STEM major with college athletics to embrace the opportunity while recognizing the commitment it requires.

"If you're willing to put in the work, it is very rewarding," she said. "It is not by any means easy, but with the right schedule and drive it is doable and fun."

Turning a Passion for Biology into a Future in Healthcare

As Ella continues exploring her interests in Biology, she is already looking ahead to how she can apply her education in a professional setting.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in medical sales, where she hopes to bring together her interest in science and her ability to communicate and connect with others.

Her experiences at Duquesne are helping her develop a foundation for that next step. Through her coursework, relationships with faculty and responsibilities as a student-athlete, she is learning to approach challenges with curiosity, discipline and confidence.

Although her days are filled with classes, practices, games and studying, Ella makes the most of the opportunities available to her. She has discovered that growth often comes from stepping outside her comfort zone, learning from others and remaining committed to her bigger goals.

When reflecting on her time at Duquesne, Ella is most proud of maintaining strong grades while continuing to give her best effort as a student-athlete.