As part of the development programme at Exeter City, Ella Mae has been a fundamental part of the Team over the past two and half seasons.
Ella Mae was a member of the representative team that won the Premier League Under Sixteen Kicks Trophy in 2018, beating sides such as Liverpool and Newcastle United along the way, and her progress to Senior Level has been swift.
Playing at right full back, she played nineteen times in her first season as the Grecians won the South West Premier Division, scoring her first goal against Downend Flyers. With City making the move into the National League, the step up for the 2018 Development Centre graduates would provide a steep learning curve.
However, alongside the likes of Georgie Barbour Gresham, Daniella Tyson and Sophie Gillies, Ella Mae continued to thrive. As well as scoring twice, both goals coming in local derby contests against Buckland Athletic, Ella Mae would represent City Seventeen times in the curtailed season, resulting in the Award of Manager’s Player of the Year for her efforts.
Whilst this season saw an injury limit opportunity to expand upon her appearances for the Reds, Ella Mae did start the year with the first goal of the season for the team, a long-range effort in a comeback League victory over Poole Town.
Popular among teammates and management for her work ethos and calm, composed personality, Ella Mae now departs for an exciting opportunity at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, USA. Ella Mae is the second Grecian to head to the US to advance their studies and it emphasises the opportunities that representing Exeter City, alongside being part of the Club’s excellent partnership with Exeter College, can offer young female athletes.
Abbie Britton, who has worked alongside Ella Mae, acknowledges that she will be a big miss for the team. “Working with Ella Mae over the last 4 years has been nothing but a privilege, she’s a coaches dream, listens, takes everything on board and strives to be the best version of herself week in week out. Our number one penalty taker leaves the team with a huge problem at right back, they are very big boots to fill. I wish her all the very best.”
Everyone at Exeter City is extremely proud of Ella Mae’s achievements and wish her well for the next chapter in her career. We will be watching from afar and hoping that “One of Our Own” continues to develop and progress with the success her commitment is deserving of.