Catcher/Infielder Hails from Edmond, Okla.
Feb. 4, 2013
NORMAN, Okla. -- Freshman catcher/infielder Whitney Ellis is one of seven Sooner freshmen this season and all have the distinction of being natives of Oklahoma. Hailing from Yukon, Ellis was named all-state in 2011 and was her district's player of the year that season. She helped lead her team to the 6A state title in 2010 and won regional championships in 2009 and 2010.
She played travel ball with the Oklahoma Exclusive Gold out of Midwest City, Okla. The team was an 18 & Under Gold National Qualifier in 2010 and 2011.
Q: What has your experience been like so far?
WE: "It's been crazy. I started out doing more third base work, which I haven't done in a long time. I picked it up really well, but now I'm switching back to catching and that's kind of like my home and it's what I know to do. All in all it's been an amazing experience being able to play with these girls."
Q: What differences in the college game have you noticed compared to high school?
WE: "There's a lot more knowledge to the game. I learned so much more from the first weeks of individuals than I ever have in softball all together."
Q: Did you grow up a Sooners fan?
WE: "Yes, Boomer Sooner all the way, through the blood."
Q: When they offered was there any hesitation to accept?
WE: "No. Since I was six I told my dad I'm going to OU and I'm going to play softball. I did go through the recruiting process, which is a crazy mind game so you have to consider all aspects. You have to think about everything."
Q: What has it been like to play behind Jessica Shults so far at Oklahoma?
WE: "It's an honor; I wouldn't want to play behind anybody else. She's hard on me, but she's really been such a great role model and mentor. I really appreciate all she's done for me."
Q: What sort of expectations do you have for yourself this season?
WE: "I just want to improve my game and to get on the level of [Jessica] Shults. My whole aspiration is to be as good of a leader and to have the same knowledge of the game. She's the number one catcher in the country, there's no doubt. I want to follow in her footsteps."
Quick Hits with Whitney
Name: Whitney Ellis
Hometown: Yukon, Okla.
High School: Yukon High School
Height: 5'10
Major: Undeclared
Parents: Curt and Audrey Ellis
Siblings: Maddy L. Ellis
Pregame ritual: Have a full blown jam session to whatever genre I am feeling that day! (dancing included)
Favorite hangout: Study hall, of course!
Best place on Campus: Starbucks
Favorite Vacation spot: What's a vacation?
Favorite Movie: Tombstone
Favorite TV Show: Sons of Anarchy
Favorite Music: I listen to everything!
Best thing you ever ate: Orange Shrimp from Dot Wu's
Favorite Sports team: The Sevens (Kenyan Rugby Team)
Favorite Pro Athlete: George St. Pierre (UFC Fighter)
Favorite Class: Spanish
Most famous person I've met: Matt Grice (UFC Fighter)
Road Trip necessity: My iPod with adapter cord!!
Hidden Talent: I can watch at least a season (often more) worth of a show in one sitting.
