Ellie Cooper continues to build a strong foundation as a rising underclassman for Cushing High School, bringing energy and determination to both fast pitch and slow pitch softball. A sophomore who can be found patrolling any spot in the outfield, Cooper approaches the game with a simple but powerful mindset rooted in constant improvement. Her drive comes from a desire to be better in everything she does, a mentality that shows up in her daily work ethic and commitment to her team.
Much of that mindset has been shaped by the people closest to her. Cooper credits her parents and grandparents as major influences, especially her grandfather, who coached her in softball for four years. The lessons she learned during that time continue to guide her development on and off the field. Another key figure in her journey has been Nicole Ramsey, a teacher and coach who played an important role during Cooper’s middle school years. Through both the classroom and athletics, Ramsey helped instill the importance of perseverance and consistent effort, lessons that still resonate today.
For Cooper, success is not defined by accolades but by the willingness to show up and give full effort every single day. That mindset paid off in one of her favorite career moments, when Cushing captured a district championship at home during the 2026 slow-pitch season. The energy of the crowd and the shared excitement with her teammates made it a moment she will not soon forget.
Competition also fuels Cooper, especially when facing longtime rival Perkins. The history between the two programs adds extra intensity, making those victories even more meaningful. Within her own team, she values teammates who push her to improve, including Makiah, whose consistent effort in practice raises the level of everyone around her. She also recognizes the often-overlooked contributions of teammates like Sage, who brings energy and encouragement that helps keep the team connected.
Away from the field, Cooper stays involved in FCA and Project 7, while maintaining the discipline needed to balance academics with athletics. Representing Cushing is something she takes pride in, and it continues to motivate her to grow as both a player and a member of her community.
