Freshman Feature: Ellie Chapple
8/14/2017 2:57:00 PM | Soccer
HUNTSVILLE – Sam Houston State soccer kicks off the 2017-18 athletic calendar on Friday and this week, we'll finalize introducing you to the program's eight incoming freshman.
The unit looks to help the Bearkats make their return to the Southland Conference Tournament for the eighth time in nine years. The group includes three midfielders, three defenders and two forwards while six of the eight hail from Texas and the other two coming from Tulsa, Okla., and Phoenix, Ariz.
Our seventh freshman is No. 5, Ellie Chapple. She played at Bishop Kelley High School under Coach Troy Tokarchik. As a freshman, Chapple was selected as Newcomer of the Year. She was also a three-year captain and two-year team MVP as a sophomore and junior.
Why did you choose to further your soccer career at Sam Houston? “
It's a smaller sized team than most Division I schools, so I liked that I wouldn't feel left out (especially since I am a freshman and from out of state). I also fell in love with the campus and the town.”
How would you describe your strengths on the field?
“Although I am smaller than most out on the field, I make up for it with my smart decisions, tenacity and aggression. I also am very vocal and make runs up the field to help out with the attack.”
What are some of your hobbies outside of soccer?
"I sing (I did choir in middle and high school). I shop. I enjoy traveling with my family. I watch Netflix (a lot).”
Do you have any pregame superstitions?
“I don't have anything bizarre, but I just like to isolate myself and get real quiet. It helps me really focus on my game.”
What are your personal goals entering the season?
“I hope to get some playing time and improve my soccer game as a whole. I would like to become more confident as a soccer player.”
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
“I would like to visit Sicily, Italy. My great-great grandparents are from Sicily, so I would like to see if I had any distant relatives who were still around today.”
Who is your favorite soccer player and why?
“Christie Rampone. Although she is one of the oldest players in the league, she does not let that stop her. She's a strong, vocal, confident defender.”
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
“Hard-working, kind and passionate”
What does a perfect day look like to you?
“I would wake up, go work out and then eat breakfast at BBD's (my favorite place in Tulsa). Next, I would go to the pool with my brothers and lay out. For lunch, I would go to Yokozuna (I love sushi). Then, I would come back home and hang out with my family. For dinner, I would go to Oklahoma Joes (I also love barbecue). To end the day, I would go to the drive-in with friends.”
If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be and why?
“The Great Gatsby. The carefree scene of the 1920's seems really entertaining.”
If you weren't playing soccer, what sport would you be playing?
“Either lacrosse or CrossFit”
Who are your all-time favorite artists/bands?
“I listen to Drake, Beyoncé, the Weeknd, PND, Bryson Tiller, Frank Ocean and lots of other artists.”
Where is the most interesting place you've visited and why?
“When I was in the 5th grade, my family took a trip to Maui, Hawaii. It was so beautiful there. We went to black-sand beaches, a volcano park and we even parasailed. I also got to swim by a sea turtle.”
If you had a bucket list, what is one thing that would be on it?
“To see Beyoncé live.”
