Varsity girls basketball player and Athlete of the Week Ellie Szczerba became a key player for her team this season. As the team’s starting center, Ellie’s dominance has boosted Latin’s scoring and defense and earned her an impressive average of 10 points per game.

Ellie’s basketball success started well before she became a starter on Latin’s varsity team. “I’ve been playing [basketball] since fourth grade at Sacred Heart,” Ellie said.

When Ellie transitioned from Sacred Heart to Latin in ninth grade, the decision to continue playing basketball was difficult. Ultimately, the strong team environment she had at Sacred Heart influenced her choice to play at Latin, as she hoped to find a similar experience with the Latin team.

As a junior, Ellie has experienced many great memories throughout her high school basketball journey and has found a love for Latin’s team environment. Interestingly, her favorite memory actually came during a game she lost this year.

“I feel like even though we lost the game against Regina, that was the game that the [team] put all of our blood and sweat into,” she said.

Even after a tough game, like the match against Regina, Ellie finds motivation from those who have supported her along the way.

“I obviously want to make my coaches and teammates proud, but above all, I want to make my parents proud,” she said. “My dad pushes me to be better, and when my dad is too [harsh], my mom is always there, offering me support.”

Ellie’s close relationship with her teammates has also played a major role in her love for the sport, and she hopes to carry it with her beyond high school. Looking ahead, she knows basketball will remain a part of her life—not just for the competition, but for the bonds it creates.

Ellie said, “I want to play club basketball in college because I want to have a connection in college like the one I have with my teammates.”