Athlete of the Week Mechanicsburg High School

Name: Elly Schipfer

School: Mechanicsburg High School

Grade: 12

Age: 17

Sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Softball

Claim to fame/honors: Winning the Champaign County Fair pizza eating contest two years in a row, working hard in the off-seasons to contribute to my teams and lettering in all three of my sports

Words you live by: Jeremiah 29:11

Toughest opponent: Myself

Biggest influence: My older sister, Sam. She's always been my role model.

Game-day rituals: Before every game, I'll put in my headphones and blare music while I shoot or stretch, then I'll pray either in the locker room or right after warm-ups.

What's on your bedroom walls: The goals that I've set for myself and written down, and work-outs that I track daily for my knee to keep strong

When I'm bored I like to … Read, watch Netflix and play the piano

Favorite movie: The Lion King

Person who would play you in a movie: Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite TV show: Friends

Favorite musical artist: Shawn Mendes

Favorite book: Anything by David Baldacci or James Patterson

Favorite home-cooked meal: Homemade mac and cheese

Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden

Whose mind would you like to read: Coaches that I see scouting games. I've always wondered what it is that they're looking for or what they think about the game in general.

Place where you'd love to travel: Paris, France

Talent you'd like to have: Doing all of the flips and tumbling in gymnastics

Favorite school subject: History

Favorite athlete: Shawn Johnson

Favorite team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Something in the world I'd like to change: I wish people weren't so quick to spread hate in the issues we face today. I'm a firm believer in the idea that kindness could solve a lot of problems.

Favorite sports moment: The first time I scored in a basketball game after coming back from my knee injury. I was so excited to get to come back to the sport I love, and that feeling made it all worth it.

Favorite junk food: Ice cream

Best thing about your favorite sport: The best thing about basketball is that the game has been something my family has shared ever since I could walk. From my parents coaching to my sisters and I all playing it over the years — it's always been a connection we get to share.

About the Author