skip navigation

A Conversation with Fergus Falls Junior Ellie Colbeck

By Craig Olson, 11/30/20, 6:00PM CST

Share

Earlier this fall Fergus Falls High School junior Ellie Colbeck made a commitment to attend South Dakota State University following her senior year, where she will be a member of the Jackrabbits Women’s Basketball team.  Colbeck is coming off a season where she averaged 20.6 points per game, scoring 76 points in the 28 games she played.  She also had 117 rebounds, dished out 87 assists and came up with 74 steals.  She shot 47% (116/247) from the field, including 48.8% (79/162) from three-point range, while making 80.5% (107/133) of her free throw attempts.  She has scored 1,226 career points for the Otters.  We were able to interview Ellie following her decision and the content of that interview follows.

Craig Olson Sports (COS): What were the main factors in your decision to choose SDSU?
Ellie Colbeck (EC): I like that Brookings is close to home. I’m not a fan of large cities. I really like the four SDSU coaches I have gotten to know. The program is very successful but more importantly is the head coach’s approach to basketball. Coach AJ believes in the importance of a good balance between basketball, school, family, etc. So that was a huge factor, probably the biggest one. I also know they have a strong FCA organization on campus so I can continue to grow in my faith. 

COS: What were you told about the role they see you possibly playing for them and what areas do they want to see you work on over the next two years to prepare you for college basketball?
EC: They needed a 1/2 guard from the class of 2022. As far as what I need to work on over the next two years… every aspect of my game can be improved, but defense is where I think will be most important to get better. If you can’t guard you won’t play.

COS: Tell us about the recruiting process.  When were you first contacted, how many schools did you visit, how regularly were coaches talking with you and who helped you arrive at the final decision?
EC: My first contact from SDSU came after my freshman season. I was invited to their summer camp. I started hearing more from them almost immediately after my sophomore basketball season ended. Because of COVID there were a lot of restrictions, so the recruiting process was way different than normal. Coaches couldn’t come see me play over the summer months. Recruiting visits to campus weren’t allowed, NCAA rules kept extending the time frame for visits and it's actually still pushed back to January 1st. But they suggested doing a visit through the admissions office.  So I was able to go down to campus and walk around with a student ambassador and my parents and see the entire campus. I probably received 3-4 phone calls a week between SDSU and a few other colleges. My parents were a huge part of helping me decide, but overall it was my decision. They shared their thoughts but always made sure to tell me it was my choice.

COS: When did the thought of playing college basketball first come to you?
EC: I always had that thought in the back of my mind, but it didn’t really become real to me until right after last basketball season and into quarantine where it became something I really wanted and was going to work for.

COS: How much has playing AAU ball all over the country helped shape your game and prepare you for the next level of competition?
EC: AAU has played a huge part in making me better. The past four seasons I played for West Central United and Coach Julie Wrobel out of Alexandria. I think the most growth will happen this next spring when I play for the North Tartan team down in the cities. I will be playing against top competition, other D1 athletes so I can be ready for that kind of level when I get to SDSU. 

COS: Where do you think you have strengthened your game over the past 7 months?
EC: Overall I would say footwork. My dad is really smart with basketball knowledge and has helped me a lot just repping certain things that can be brought over into game situations.  Also a lot on shooting form, just making sure the ball is coming off my hand the right way and getting the correct rotation.

COS: As you look forward to your junior season with the Otters, how important was it to you to make your college decision at this time and have it done before the season starts?
EC: I wasn’t specifically trying to commit before my junior year. But SDSU was checking all my boxes and it was just the right fit for me. Also with all the uncertainty with basketball, hoping that our season does play out the way we want it too, it was nice to have that decision finalized.

COS: What are your expectations for the Otters this season?
EC: If there is postseason play, then I would say a trip to the state tournament would be a goal. We have some rebuilding to do, so just coming together as a team. To have a lot of fun is also a goal, and to be thankful that we even get a season.

COS: The season is going to look different with a reduced number of games and a reduced number of fans in the stands.  How are you and your teammates dealing with everything that is going on?
EC: Honestly just thankful. I think we are all pumped to get into the gym, and I know no matter the circumstance we will have fun and make the best of it because that's just who we are. 

COS: You just finished your tennis season.  As the number one singles player for the Otters you always drew the toughest player for the opposing team.  How do you think that challenge helps you as an athlete? 
EC: Tennis has helped me learn to keep a good mindset and not get into my head. Because if you get into your head in tennis you just fall apart. So I like how that has transferred over to basketball, I don’t let some missed shots get into my head.

COS: What parts of the fall season for the Otters surprised you or pleased you the most?
EC: We have some good young players who will only get better. Usually we’ll only get a couple wins team wise, but this year we really made a good name for ourselves and came out with probably double the wins from last year. We also beat a team that we haven’t beat in like 10 years so that was an accomplishment.

"“The college game will be much faster and physical but Ellie will have the skills to make the transition smoothly.  I know she will spend many extra hours in the gym and weight room to be prepared when the opportunity arrives.” 
-Brad Strand, Fergus Falls Girls Basketball Head Coach

“Ellie is a competitor and loves to win!  She is very driven to continue to improve her skills and ability to make plays for her team.  Ellie spends the extra time in the gym to get better both during the season and during the off-season. It has been great to watch Ellie become a leader for the Otters on the floor both by her words and her actions.”
-Brad Strand

“Ellie is just a gem.  She's a grinder and a workhorse.  We never have to worry if she is going to show up to play, whether it be practice or competition, because she has that grit and drive to compete and improve.  Ellie is a natural leader.  Her work ethic and pleasant demeanor on and off the court are both things that other players can and should look up to.  Ellie is also a very respectful and coachable young lady which makes her a treasure to have on our team.”
-Jamie Lill, Fergus Falls Girls Tennis Coach

Colbeck will be joining a SDSU team that won 23 games last season and is a perennial contender in the Summit League.  The Jackrabbits were ranked second in the Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll, behind South Dakota, receiving 11 of the 36 first place votes and 566 points, compared to 587 points for USD.

COS: Who are some of the players you have patterned your game after and who are some of the coaches or players who have influenced you the most?
EC: I don’t really know who I try to pattern my game after, I haven’t given that much thought. My first coaches were Mr. Ratz and my dad. Coach Ratz has helped me in the weight room. We have great coaches in Fergus Falls. Coaches in the Otter basketball program have included Coach Lemke, Coach Pearson, Coach Steer, and Coach Strand. I’ve also developed a close relationship with my AAU Coach, Julie Wrobel, and I look forward to working with two new coaches from North Tartan.

COS: Do you know what your major will be at SDSU?
EC: Thankfully I have some time to figure that out!

COS: What are the things that motivate you as an athlete?
EC: I don’t like to lose. So that’s always something that pushes me to be my best. But at the same time a loss won’t hang over my head for a long time.

COS: Are you a goal setter?
EC: I wouldn’t say I necessarily set specific goals. I just like to compete and thrive off of it.

COS: Tell us about yourself away from athletics.  What type of hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you aren’t practicing or playing?
EC: I’m very social and love being with my friends. I don’t like having down time so I love to be on the go. I enjoy thrifting with my friends.  In the summer I love to go to the lake and ski or wakeboard. I love to read, my favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

COS: Favorite pre-game meal?
EC: I never eat the same thing. But the most common thing would probably be a pb&j sandwich and an apple.

COS: Top 3 restaurants you like to go to, along with your favorite meal at each?
EC: Applebees, usually just honey bbq wings for half price apps. Hunan, fried rice and honey chicken. Dairy Queen, chicken tenders.

COS: What type of music do you enjoy?
EC: I’ll listen to anything but recently been enjoying Louis Armstrong and Paul Anka songs. So like the 60’s.

COS: As the youngest child in the family, how did having an older sister and brother who were involved in athletics help you in your development?
EC: I have always looked up to my siblings. My sister was a swimmer, so I gave that a try for a while. Swimming is not an easy sport, they work very hard. I was mostly influenced by my brother because he was into the same sports as I was. I would always go to his games and go to the gym with him. I would hang around all his basketball buddies and get to see their relationships through basketball. I think it helped me develop a love for the game. Elijah is also the reason I love the number 5. He was number 5 growing up when I would follow him around to his basketball events. So I came to love and rep that number too. Sadly when Elijah got to high school they didn’t have number 5 as an option so he wore 24 on varsity.  

COS: Can you share a favorite family trip with us?
EC: A couple of summers ago my mom's side of the family, probably 30 of us, rented a big condo in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. That was my favorite vacation ever. We spent about a week on the beach, just laying in the sun and chilling out. That’s my kind of vacation, I’m not so much about hiking or nature stuff. 

COS: What would be your top vacation destination?
EC: I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.

COS: Don’t know if high school kids have one, but if you do, what are the top 3 things on your bucket list?
EC: I don't really have a bucket list but I would love to travel more. But I don't have a lot of time.