2026 Softball interview with Ellie Dawson from Ontario High School
Name: Ellie Dawson
School/town: Ontario, Ohio. Ontario Warriors
Positions played: Mainly 1b, but played outfield in high school and even caught a few games when needed.
Class 2028
Height and Weight: 5'8". 165
Jersey Number:
#99 for travel ball (Ohio Stingrays 09 - Thomas)
#5 for High School
Awards won or earned:
As a freshman last year I earned the following:
First Team All-MOAC
First Team All-Northwest District
And All-Ohio Honorable Mention
I also was part of USA Softball’s High Performance Program.
HUDL LINK:
No link for that, but I do have:
https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/ellie_dawson
Other sports played:
Tennis. I decided to switch from soccer to tennis right before my freshman season and have really enjoyed it. This fall, my sophomore year, my doubles partner and I made it to districts, which was a big achievement.
Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.
There is one game that definitely stands out. We had a super important league game late last year to stay in the championship race. My first at bat I hit a solo home run; my second at bat I was intentionally walked; and my third at bat with the score tied 1-1 I hit another solo home run. So we were up 2-1. But the craziest part was in the 7th inning, the other team had bases loaded with 1 out, and our team turned a double play to end the game. It was a wild game and helped us split the league championship.
Who or what got you started playing softball?
My parents had me play T-ball with my older brother when I was 3. That got me started.
How long have you played the game?
Including T-ball, I’ve been playing for around 13 years.
What is the toughest part of playing first base?
So far it’s come fairly naturally to me as a left-handed thrower, but I’d have to say trying to avoid the runner on the occasional throw that pulls me that way.
What were you able to achieve during the off-season to improve your game?
The off-season is one of the best times to improve, so I always try to be consistent with my lifting and hitting. This off-season I had a specific goal of increasing my 2-rep bench press from 105 to 125 from December to the start of spring ball. Last week I got to 120 pounds but will be continuing to work on this. I also went to quite a few college camps, which is a great way to improve. It’s not just about exposure but also learning from the players and coaches at the next level.
What are your goals for the season?
One of my goals for this season is to increase my power numbers over last year, when I had 10 home runs and 34 RBI in 72 at-bats. I’m not sure what the school record is for home runs, but it would be fun to break it. Also, defensively I might be playing CF this year, and I’d really like to make solid plays out there. And be ready to play a great summer travel season.
What goals are you setting for your team?
Last year we started out league play 3-3 and then went on a big win streak to come back and tie for league champs. This year our team has the goal to win the league outright. But there is really strong competition. I don’t want to jinx the team, but we have the pitching to make noise in the playoffs this year.
What has been your biggest achievement as a softball player?
Being selected for the USA High Performance Program has to be near the top. I got to go to Florida this past December and play with some of the best players in the country. The team I was on had commitments to Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Oklahoma St., and many others. It was awesome playing alongside them and seeing what it takes to be at the top. I performed very well, which was a major confidence booster.
Which is tougher, travel ball or high school ball? Explain
Competition-wise I’d have to say travel ball is tougher and more consistently strong. Game after game and strong players all through the lineup. But high school has cold weather games and games 5/6 days a week, which is tough.
Who has been the toughest pitcher you have faced in a game?
Definitely Makaree Chapman. She was a senior, and I was a freshman. A lefty with speed, control, and spin. I was so nervous that my first high school at-bat had to come against her. I battled to a full count and earned a walk. She also struck me out later. She is now pitching D1 as a college freshman.
What is your favorite part of practice?
I really enjoy it all, but hitting front toss is always the best.
Which part of practice is the hardest?
Being in Ohio, the winters are cold, so it’s all indoors. Every year there gets to be a time when we just want to be outside.
With Ohio having such cold and rainy weather in March, should the season start later?
No way! The first chance to get outside, we are ready. And the season ends so close to the start of travel ball season. I wouldn’t want to have to shorten the season.
Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?
Usually hanging out with our two mini golden doodles and going out for ice cream with friends.
What is a style or fad that your generation has that you do not get?
TikTok dances for sure. I do like 6/7 of the stuff though.
Who is your favorite athlete?
I watch a lot of football, and my favorite is Browns great Nick Chubb. But as far as softball goes, I loved watching Bri Ellis and got to hear her speak down in Florida.
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