Q&A with Nicolet soccer player, Pace University commit Ella Callender
GLENDALE, Wis. — A Q&A with Ella Callender, who is a Nicolet High School soccer player and Pace University commit.
When did you start playing your sport?
Ella Callender: I started playing soccer when I was in k-5, so I was 5 years old.
Is there a time, a game, a moment when you knew you wanted to play this sport in college?
Callender: Growing up, the aspect of playing a sport in college wasn’t foreign to me. Many of my cousins, aunts, and uncles on my dad’s side of the family have played either soccer or basketball in college. Additionally, I played for the Bavarian United Soccer Club for seven years and all of my club coaches played soccer in college. The issue for me though was that I didn’t think I was good enough to play in college. Throughout middle school and my early years of high school I lacked the confidence in my ability to play in college. I really realized I wanted to play in college during my junior year of high school. I was friends with seniors who weren’t playing their sport in college. I saw how sad many of my friends were to have played their last game and that is when I knew that I didn’t want to stop playing.
Is there an athlete that inspires you to play your sport?
Callender: One of the athletes that I admire is Julie Ertz. I enjoy watching and learning from her style of play for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Is there a coach that made a significant impact on your path?
Callender: Every single coach that I have had has made an immense impact on my path. Two of the coaches that really stand out to me are Tom Zais and Brian Weisse of the Bavarian United Soccer Club. From my time playing for Zais, my soccer IQ grew immensely. Now, every time I make a mistake or have a question about what I should do, I have Zais’ voice in my head with ideas about what to do. Additionally, Brian Weisse also taught me about soccer, but his impact on my game was more of a mental impact than specifically soccer.
What is your favorite aspect of your sport?
Callender: My favorite aspect of my sport is the ability to be a stress reliever. I appreciate that anytime my life is stressful at all whether it be school or outside issues, I can come to soccer and that is my only focus. I also like the physical health aspect of it. Being active is a staple in my life.
What do you credit for your success?
Callender: While I do acknowledge that I have done so much work to get to where I am, there are a few people who have helped me get to where I am. Two of my largest supporters are my mom, Janet, and my dad, Aaron. My parents have consistently shown up for me throughout my 12 years of playing soccer. Throughout all these years they have maintained that soccer should be fun. While my parents have high expectations for me, they never put any pressure on me to continue playing. This has allowed me to continue to play because at the end of the day, soccer is fun for me. I am eternally grateful for the support they have given me.
Do you use visualization or meditation when preparing for big competitions?
Callender: Along with goal setting, I also visualize before every game. Based on what my goal is, I close my eyes and imagine different situations where I am fulfilling my goal. Another part of my preparation for games is mentally checking in. While I do get nervous, I say to myself before every game that I am playing a soccer game, not performing brain surgery. I say this to remove the pressure and stress from the situation
What is your favorite pre-competition meal?
Callender: Preparing for games for me starts the day before, especially with hydration. The day before/the morning of, I like to drink Liquid IV electrolyte packets in water to jump start my hydration. While hydration is always a staple, my pre competition meals have changed throughout the years. This season, I don’t have just one meal that I like to eat, but I do make sure I eat a pretty large meal a few hours before the game. Then, in the hour leading up to the game I am often munching on a protein bar.
What is your advice to younger athletes?
Callender: My advice to younger athletes is to understand that sports are supposed to be fun. You are always going to make mistakes, but it’s more important that when you make a mistake you focus on what your next play is. In terms of playing in college, my advice to younger athletes is to get in contact with college coaches as soon as you can. Lastly, work hard in whatever you do. Get in the weight room and show up consistently. If you put in the time, you will see results.
What is your advice to parents of athletes?
Callender: My advice to parents of athletes is to give your child your unwavering support. Show up for them and give them only words of positive encouragement. Your child likely puts enough pressure on themself to do well, they don’t need negativity or pressure from their parents.
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