AS SHE GREETS ONE PERSON AFTER ANOTHER, ELLA MCDOWELL’S CHARISMA IS AS CLEAR AS DAY.
Her status on the field, even more so.
Surprisingly, however, the No. 3 nationally-ranked player in the Class of 2024 didn’t start off her journey throwing a softball.
“Originally, I started out playing baseball,” she said. “But, when I was told I couldn’t play anymore, I naturally turned to softball. Over the years I’ve grown to love the game, from being with my teammates, winning and just having fun. Even though it’s a ‘failure-sport’, that little ounce of success that comes with it makes everything worthwhile.”
That “little ounce of success” translated into quite the reputation for Foster’s star shortstop.
It also earned her a spot on the USA U-18 Women’s National team, where she will be joined by Florida-commit Townsen Thomas (Episcopal), as well as her Impact Gold teammate Cameryn Harrison (Katy).
After USA competes in the 2024 WBSC Women’s World Cup in July, both McDowell and Harrison will be heading to Fayetteville to join the University of Arkansas softball program.
We (Arkansas softball) are going to be stacked next year,” said McDowell. “As soon as I went on my official visit, Arkansas just felt like home to me. Coach (Courtney) Deifel and her staff made me feel like myself.“
"Honestly, it was a surprise to so many people when I committed. In the past, Arkansas has been one of the lower teams in the SEC.However, they won the SEC Championship in 2022, so they’re definitely on the come-up. I really feel like I can be myself there, which is what I need.”
The soon-to-be Razorback intends to earn a degree in Sports Management, with which she will pursue a career in coaching.
It’s not difficult to see where she gets her ambition from. After all, her father is the head football coach at Grand Oaks High School in Conroe ISD.
“Obviously, so many people respect and love my Dad,” she said. “I want to have that same impact in softball. I’ve also been influenced by my Mom, since she’s a fighter and wants to win at everything she does. I want them to be proud of me, and I’ve gotten the best of both worlds in terms of the person I’m hoping to become.”
McDowell speaks a lot of her character and being “herself”.
Given her consistent introspection, one has to wonder what makes her tick.
“I like to think I have some swagger,” she laughed. “I don’t necessarily try to model myself after anyone, I just want to be me. I feel like I’m a friendly face. But, what separates me the most from others is that I would do anything for my teammates. I love them, whether they’re from Foster, Impact Gold or Arkansas. They are my family away from home, plain and simple.”
After going undefeated in district and three rounds deep in the postseason a year ago, how will McDowell and her teammates respond this Spring for Foster?
“We lost some great seniors over the off-season, so I’d say we’re at a little of a disadvantage to begin this year,” she said. “We’re going to need to be mentally tough and we’ve just got to fight, but I think if we can work together the way we normally do, then the sky is the limit.”
Rest assured, Foster should still remain a Class 5A power, but there’s no doubt that Ella McDowell will remain a super-human.