By Jay Hoberecht

Elli Garcia is a senior at Covington-Douglas High School and plays basketball and softball for the Lady Wildcats. She is the youngest of three sisters. She began playing basketball at a young age when her Mom put together a YMCA team. Most of that team has stayed together and is the Covington-Douglas team now. Garcia has played for several travel teams in Enid and Piedmont and thinks the experience has made her better and more confident.

Garcia is also involved with both slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball, FCCLA and student council.  She wants to be in diagnostic medicine working as a sonogram technician. She will attend college and then get her certification. She shared about how exciting it is to be a part of the new building project at Covington-Douglas schools. Principal and head football coach Brian Smith said that the school is being improved in several ways to make it more student-friendly and safe. Garcia shared student pride is at an all-time high. Plus, they get to have lunch choices in the cafeteria each day.

Covington girls head basketball coach, Ryan Donaldson, talked about Garcia being a four year starter and working hard staying after practice to work on her game. He called her a “good kid and student” who leads by example. Donaldson agreed with Garcia that playing summer ball has given her more experience, more confidence and made her a better leader. Coach Donaldson likes his team this year with all five starters back. He says his team plays hard and has a four guard look with a post that is Garcia. Garcia averages a double-double for the Lady Wildcats.

I asked Garcia what advice she might give a young player. She thought for several moments and spoke about understanding the game, working hard, playing well with others and gaining confidence. And she added, “play like it’s your last game.” Ellie Garcia is looking forward to her senior season and thinks the Lady Wildcats will be good since they have been playing together since junior high.

Ellie Garcia is a soft spoken young lady that has prepared herself to lead this season and make it the best season possible. You may want to keep your eye out for her. She will make a difference!