Ellie Manderfeld - North Park University
Sauk Rapids, Minn./Foley H.S.
Senior, Softball
Military Branch: Army National Guard (upon graduation in May)
Rank: Second Lieutenant Officer

How has your military training helped shape your athletics career?
It has been a struggle at times, but it has helped me achieve more than I ever thought I would have. I have learned more about different types leadership and discipline, which have been very useful being on a team and a captain.

What's the biggest benefit you take away from your training?
The biggest benefit I have taken away from my training is being confident. Being confident is such an important role in the military as it is in a lot of different things in life. Throughout all my experience I have learned to be more confident in what I am doing, especially in aspects that I am not the most comfortable in.

What ultimately drew you to compete at North Park and what do you enjoy most about your institution?
When I was looking into the school, I fell in love with the atmosphere of being in Chicago and how the team was set up. Being able to have such a great athletic complex in the city has also been one of the best benefits about playing here. What drew me in was how North Park presented itself and all the opportunities it has. The fact that we have the option and access to get the most out of what the city has to offer is amazing to me.