Celebrating Ella's Journey: Beyond Sticks' Standout Athlete Signs with Kenyon College Field Hockey
Ella's journey with Beyond Sticks has been nothing short of transformative. As a dedicated member of our community, she has honed her skills, developed her character, and grown into an exceptional athlete and individual. Beyond Sticks has provided Ella with a platform to not only excel on the field but also make a positive impact off it, fostering personal growth, leadership, and a strong sense of community.
Founded on the belief that sports can shape individuals beyond technical skills, Beyond Sticks has empowered Ella to go beyond her limits and become a role model for aspiring athletes. Through our Play Beyond the Game mentality, Ella has embraced the values of character, teamwork, and personal growth, which have become ingrained in her approach to both sports and life. Her journey is a testament to the power of sports to instill confidence, resilience, and a lifelong passion for achievement.
Beyond Sticks, a pioneering program that has been transforming young athletes' lives through field hockey since 2011, proudly announces the remarkable achievement of Ella Adamec. Having been a part of Beyond Sticks since 2013, Ella's dedication, skill, and character have earned her a well-deserved signing with Kenyon College Field Hockey. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in Ella's journey, showcasing the impactful development fostered by Beyond Sticks' unique Play Beyond the Game mentality.
Founded by Coach Chrissy Summers in 2011, Beyond Sticks was built on the belief that sports can shape individuals beyond technical skills, cultivating qualities that extend far beyond the playing field. As Coach Chrissy explains, "While many sports organizations prioritize the technical and tactical aspects of the game, they often overlook the critical space within our minds. Beyond Sticks is committed to empowering student-athletes to assess their character, foster reliability as teammates, and nurture internal confidence."
Recently, Ella provided us with a heartfelt glimpse into her transformative journey with Beyond Sticks. Starting her venture in 2nd grade, she recounts the early inspiration she received from her mother, who played field hockey in high school. The engaging coaches and the fun-filled atmosphere at Beyond Sticks immediately sparked Ella's love for the sport. However, what set Beyond Sticks apart for Ella was the emphasis on character development, team dynamics, and the integration of life skills into practices, games, and team discussions.
Ella, who experienced the transformative impact of Beyond Sticks, eloquently combines her personal growth and the program's Play Beyond the Game mentality. Through Beyond Sticks, she acquired not only the skills of the game but also invaluable lessons on teamwork. Being coachable became second nature, embracing constructive criticism as a chance for personal development. Alongside this, she fostered respect and camaraderie with her teammates, offering unwavering support through both triumphs and tribulations, both on and off the field.
Starting with our elementary school camps, similar to our current partner camps with Holton Arms and St Stephens St Agnes, that introduce field hockey and foster leadership, Ella's unwavering dedication and participation spanned ten consecutive summers. From the early years to more recent Showcase Camps, Boot Camps, and High School camps, she experienced tremendous growth. Her commitment propelled her to excel, gain exposure to college coaches, and elevate her skills and game knowledge. Ella's remarkable achievements, including multiple "Camper of the Week" titles, highlight the exceptional value our camps offer. They not only develop technical and tactical skills but also cultivate field hockey IQ, shape character, and open doors to invaluable opportunities, including access to and advice from college coaches.
In Ella's own words, she beautifully captures the essence of Beyond Sticks' Play Beyond the Game mentality. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasizes, "How I treat my teammates, my opponents, the referees, and overall sportsmanship surpasses any satisfaction I get from a win. As an athlete, it's important to not only be a skilled player, but a respectful player too."
This deep understanding of sportsmanship exemplifies the core values instilled by Beyond Sticks. Ella's unwavering dedication to fostering a positive and respectful environment, both during games and in everyday life, stands as a testament to the program's emphasis on character development. Beyond Sticks prioritizes more than just technical prowess; it nurtures well-rounded individuals, promoting a culture of respect, integrity, and fair play.
Ella's journey is a testament to the power of Beyond Sticks' holistic approach. While her technical skills flourished with Beyond Sticks, Club and School teams, it was the focus on character, sportsmanship, and mental resilience that truly set her apart. Facing challenges, such as switching club teams during her senior year, Ella showcased her determination and adaptability—a direct result of the supportive environment cultivated by Beyond Sticks.
As Ella looks ahead to her college career at Kenyon College, her goals are clear: to embrace every moment, enjoy the game, and continue to grow as an athlete. Beyond Sticks' invaluable influence has prepared her not only to excel on the field but also to make a positive impact off it. Ella's success is a testament to the program's dedication to empowering young athletes through sport, shaping them into confident individuals and future leaders.
In celebrating Ella's remarkable achievement, Beyond Sticks acknowledges the collective effort of their dedicated coaches, mentors, and teammates who have contributed to her growth. As Ella herself beautifully stated, "All of the coaches at Beyond Sticks, including Coach Chrissy, Coach Taleah, Coach Claire, and Coach JoJo, have been tremendous role models for me. Their influence and support have significantly shaped my journey as a field hockey player." It is through their guidance, inspiration, and unwavering support that Ella has been able to reach such incredible heights.
Beyond Sticks continues to transform lives, one athlete at a time, empowering young athletes to become leaders while fostering confidence and equipping them with essential skills for high school, college, and beyond. The program cultivates a vibrant community that upholds core values centered around character, teamwork, and personal growth. As we celebrate Ella's achievement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her and the entire Beyond Sticks family.
By Coach Taleah Scott