Graduating Senior Q&As: McCarthy reflects on five years at MacEwan
Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – From the moment a student-athlete steps through the doors at MacEwan, their journey is a special one filled with memories of great plays, big wins, unforgettable times with teammates and a transformation into the person they are today.
In five years (or less), which feels like the blink of an eye, that journey is over.
As our graduating student-athletes move on from the program and prepare for the next chapter of life, we are asking them to reflect on their time as a Griffin.
From March 15-24, we will be featuring Q&As with our graduates by sport.
Here is the schedule:
Today – Women's Basketball
March 16 – Men's Soccer
March 17 – Women's Hockey
March 18 – Men's Basketball
March 19 – Women's Volleyball
March 22 – Men's Hockey
March 23 – Women's Soccer
March 24 – Cross Country
Ellie McCarthy drives around a defender during a 2019-20 game against Manitoba (Robert Antoniuk photo).
Ellie McCarthy
Post (2016-21)
Graduating with … Bachelor of Arts in English
Future plans ... Pursuing Education degree with career goal of becoming a teacher
What are some of your favourite memories from your time as a Griffin?
"It's hard to think of a specific memory, No. 1, because I have one of the worst memories ever. I guess a repeated memory is just travelling with the team because every time it was fun."
Anything stand out on the court as far as individual highlights – a big play or maybe even an embarrassing moment?
"Oh my god, there's too many of those. One moment I can think of that stands out is – we talk about it as a team a lot – me and Shannon (Majeau), we never usually play at the same time (because we play the same position). Our dream is always to play at the same time. One time we did get to play at the same time and I got the ball and I passed it to Shannon and she scored, which doesn't sound like that big of a deal, but it was just exciting. It kind of sounds like a weird memory, but it's one of the ones that stands out to me."
When you first entered program to where you are now, how have you grown as a player and a person?
"I think being a part of the team really helped me develop a sense of self, who I am. I think there were a lot of challenges, but I think having a voice on the team has helped figure out who I am and what I stand for."
You've really grown into a team leader as you've gone along. What would you say is your legacy to the team through that leadership?
"Maybe, just fun. Sometimes sports get a little too serious and my technique was making jokes and being funny – keeping everything light and enjoyable and I hope that fun environment continues."
Anything else you'd like to say about being a Griffin?
"It's been a really great experience and I'm really grateful for it."
