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RPN x Ella Frey Interview: Part III (Philadelphia, PA)



CAMP HILL, PA -- As a lot of you know, the RPN can pop up anywhere and create a star.

Whether it's attending an event, coming across the timeline or even striking up conversation waiting for an order at a restaurant, it's a habit to discover talent at any given time.

The same could be said for Ella Frey.

Before Frey turned into the Explorer's next big recruit, she was a two-sport star at Cedar Cliff High School.

During the Colts' unforgettable 2 year run - best in program history - between 2021-2023, their girls basketball program went a total 59-3 record capturing a list of individual awards, Mid-Penn Championships, a District 3 title and an appearance in the 6A state championship game. Although, Frey was a part of the program and cracked the rotation inside of her sophomore campaign, the magic she pulled in that playoff run opened the eyes of many. Even if it was not her main sport.

Since that chapter, Frey has held a primary focus on the pitch and has made the best of it. Became one of the premier talents in the state, joined the prestigious PA Classics soccer club, experienced the recruiting process and signed to college a year ahead of graduation.

We couldn't be more proud of Frey and how she has maturely handled business. Tyreese Smith and the RPN wish her the best of luck heading into university. 

For the very last time, the RPN caught up with Ella Frey in an interview on the navigation of her career, time at Cedar Cliff and the decision to choose La Salle.

Ella Frey Interview
Tyreese Smith: "Chat, we finally nagged her enough to make a return. Ella, welcome back to the greatest factory on earth. How's it do?"

Ella Frey: "Hi Tyreese, since we last talked a lot has happened. I committed to La Salle University in Philly as I just recently signed with them this past fall to play soccer. I finished out my senior season with Cedar Cliff in October, and started with Classics immediately. That's also soon coming to an end, and I will be starting a collegiate league with Keystone to prepare for preseason with La Salle. Lots of fun events ending senior year, and trying to soak up every last bit before I leave for school in July."


Tyreese Smith: "A lot to be thankful for at this point in life. You’ve sacrificed a lot of time, sleepless nights and travel to become the best version of yourself these last four years. What has been the driving force leading to your success?"

Ella Frey: "Yes, I feel like the driving force leading up to my success would simply be that I continually strive to improve myself overall in school, soccer and personally. Each day, whether it's during workouts, mental training, practice, or my studies, I try to take it all in and focus on myself and how I can improve. My dad always told me, 'There's always someone working harder than you.' I've always kept this in the back of my mind. For me to stay one step ahead of my opponents, it required me to push myself to my limits. Especially when getting back from my injuries. I've also had back injuries, so yeah, there's that."

"I have sacrificed a lot to get to where I am." She continued. "I feel that all high level athletes need to make sacrifices of some sort in order to achieve success. For example, I have been traveling a lot since elementary school with my sports, so that meant missing a lot of weekends with friends and family. In addition to missing school. Not only have I made sacrifices to participate in soccer at the high level, but my parents have put a lot of time, money, and miles into my future with soccer. I am extremely thankful for my parents and family for all the support they have shown me over the years and couldn’t have done it without them."


Tyreese Smith: "Going back into time, you committed to La Salle University last Spring. Heading out to North Philly to continue your student-athlete career in the A-10. What factors led to your decision to head to Philadelphia?"

Ella Frey: "Yes, I am ecstatic to be heading North Philly this summer to start training and preparing for the fall season. The A-10 is a super competitive conference with a lot of talented players and teams, and I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to compete in it. I was drawn to the city of Philadelphia originally. Then, when I stepped onto campus, I loved the welcoming family feeling. In addition, the players and coaches were so personable that I felt like I belonged immediately."


Tyreese Smith: "How was your senior year?"

Ella Frey: "Starting off, I am extremely grateful for my time at Classics. From the training sessions to my teammates and Coach Todd, it all helped me get to where I am today. School ball has also given me amazing people to be surrounded by and a big support crew that was always there for me. I had tons of fun my senior year and had stress taken off of me because I went into the year already committed."


Tyreese Smith: "How would you describe your time at Cedar Cliff High School?"

Ella Frey: "My time at Cedar Cliff was impactful. I am super thankful to be able to create my own school schedule so I can fit my classes in, as well as, workouts throughout the day. Cedar Cliff offers a lot of college classes in the school, and I took advantage of that. I will be graduating with 24 college credits to take into my years at La Salle. As far as sports at CC, I played basketball my first two years, until I fully focused on soccer. I played soccer all four years and led the team as a captain for two of those years. I am appreciative of school sports because they gave me some of my best friends, and great relationships to cherish forever."


Tyreese Smith: "What are the most important lessons you have learned to this point in life?"

Ella Frey: "Some of the most important lessons I have learned over the years are never give up. When you are experiencing setbacks, you can't give up because you will never move forward. Everything takes time and you just have to be patient and consistent. You need to adapt to change whether it is school, relationships, family, sports, work, etc. Learning to adapt to change over the past couple of years with different teachers, coaches teams and teammates, will help me with the adjustment of playing soccer at La Salle next year. Perseverance is key to success."

 
Tyreese Smith: "What's the preparation projected to look like for you in these next couple of months?"

Ella Frey: "For the next couple of months, I plan to train and play with Keystone’s collegiate summer league team. On top of that, I will be weight lifting, training on my own, and focusing on building my endurance. I know that college soccer will be a big change in speed, skill and strength, so I am going to work hard to get myself in the best shape I can."


Tyreese Smith: "How do you visualize yourself in five years?"

Ella Frey: "In five years, I see myself graduating from La Salle with an MBA and starting a job in the real world, possibly in the Philadelphia area. I will be going into the business program and receiving my MBA in their 5 year program and hopefully using that to start my career."


Tyreese Smith: "Thank you Ella for joining me in this outro. Very fortunate that you were able to join me these last two years and help spread my body of work to others. One final question before we end this off for the time being. Do you have any last words of encouragement or motivation for people?"

Ella Frey: "Thank you for having me again. I appreciate your confidence and outlook in me as a person and a player. One last piece of advice I have is to never doubt yourself and always push through the bad days. This builds resilience and confidence, which makes you a better, well rounded person. Remember your 'why' and enjoy it."


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Location: Camp Hill, PA 17011, USA

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