The Volleyball Interview: Ellie Ruprich (2020)
Standing 6-foot-3, it’s easy to see what Ellie Ruprich would be a natural fit to be a standout player in volleyball. However, Ruprich has shown in recent years that she is much more than just long arms and legs. A…
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Continue ReadingStanding 6-foot-3, it’s easy to see what Ellie Ruprich would be a natural fit to be a standout player in volleyball.
However, Ruprich has shown in recent years that she is much more than just long arms and legs. A three-sport star for Birmingham Groves in volleyball, basketball and lacrosse, Rupich has been able to develop into a tremendous all-around athlete. Currently part of Legacy 17-Elite, her skills have landed her a future at the University of South Carolina for volleyball.
In this edition of the The Volleyball Interview, the middle blocker talks about how playing multiple sports has helped her become a better volleyball player, her favorite opposing gym to play in and what she hopes her future holds at South Carolina.
Ellie Ruprich (Photo courtesy of Kim Bucchi Photography)What do you consider your strengths as a player?
One of my strengths as a player includes my ability to be coachable and try new techniques and ways to be successful. I’ve learned so much from my coaches over the years that have changed the way I play. Another strength I consider myself to have is a great understanding of the game and ability to react in different situations well.
What do you consider your weaknesses?
I would consider my weakness to be not being loud 100% of the time I’m playing. Getting excited in between plays helps teams gain momentum to help your team, so if I continue to be loud after each and every play and not just the exciting ones, it would have a more positive impact for our team.
What has been your favorite opposing gym to play in?
Definitely Seaholm. Not only is it our rival school, it’s also right down the road from Groves so it often draws in a good crowd to come support both teams. The stakes are usually high, so it’s always a really fun environment to play in.
Who is your favorite player to compete against?
It’s always fun to play against former teammates and/or current club teammates during the high school season. One of my favorite players to compete against during high school is probably Lauren King, who plays for West Bloomfield. We’ve played in the same division for all of high school and now on the same club team and it’s been really fun watching her play and playing against her. When our high school teams meet, it’s often a battle between her and I, so it’s entertaining to say the least.
What was your favorite part of the recruiting process? Least favorite?
My favorite part of the recruiting process was getting to experience so many different types of college campuses and getting to know some awesome coaches. It was such a compliment to receive interest from so many amazing schools and to be considered for their programs. Also, it was interesting to research different college lifestyles and even degree interests. It got me excited for my future and where volleyball could take me in life.
My least favorite part of the recruiting process was the time consumption from making calls every day, sending emails, needing to schedule visits all over the place and the constant pressure I had hanging over my head to make such an important decision.
Who is your favorite volleyball player?
One of my favorite volleyball players to watch this past season was Dana Rettke. Playing for Wisconsin in the Big Ten and starting very early in her career is a huge accomplishment for her and she definitely holds her own. She’s a great player and so enjoyable to watch throughout the college season. It would be crazy to develop into a player somewhat of her caliber.
How would you compare high school volleyball to club volleyball?
It’s always fun being able to represent your school and to play locally so friends and family are able to come support you and your high school team. Having the opportunity to make an impact through leadership roles is for sure more special on high school teams rather than high-level club teams because of the often age gaps between grades. Although, there are some pretty good high school teams around, not many compare to the level club volleyball is played at. Our club team consists of some of the best players in the state all coming together to play top teams in the nation. With the competition and level of volleyball being played at the Open level, it can’t really compare to high school volleyball. However, it’s still a blast to play with friends from school and to be an impact player for your school.
How important is it for you to be a multi-sport athlete?
Being a multi-sport athlete is very important to me. Although balancing three varsity sports, club volleyball and school can be a huge challenge, it’s so worth it in the end. I honestly give most of my credit for having such athletic success to playing multiple sports ever since I was super young. Being tall and lanky as a kid, it was super important for me to grow into my body fast in order to be coordinated for the future. I love competing and sports in general so I honestly couldn’t imagine not needing to run off to a lacrosse practice after volleyball. I love being active and playing any sports I can, but I’m also so fortunate that most coaches are really understanding and supportive of my multiple sports.
How has playing other sports helped you in volleyball?
Whether I’m running down the lacrosse field or jumping for a rebound in basketball, most movements directly correlate with movements I make in volleyball. Anytime I’m strengthening my muscles or improving my endurance to run and keep my energy up for long periods, it helps me not be winded for long 3-day volleyball tournaments. Although some people are against playing multiple sports, I think that it helps so much in strengthening and using different parts of your body to prevent injuries or strains.
Aside from shoes, what piece of equipment could you not play in a match without?
I probably couldn’t play a match without my knee pads. Although in club I’m not doing a ton of defensive rotations involving diving on the floor, you’d be surprised how many bruises I have all over my knees and legs. I can’t imagine the bruises I would have without an extra layer of protection. Not to mention I also play all around in high school, so I for sure need them during that season.
Any game day superstitions?
My so-called “game day superstition” would probably be that I need to eat a good breakfast in order to feel my best and play my best. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if I hadn’t but a good granola bar in the morning really gets me going and ready to play well.
Go-to game day food?
My go pre-game food would probably be a huge bowl of fruit or a Gatorade/granola bar.
What goals have you set for yourself or your team for your senior season at Groves?
For my senior season at Groves I hope to become even more of a leader and be someone my team can look to for advice and help at any time. I hope for our team to make a strong connection from the beginning and hopefully have a winning season.
Why did you feel South Carolina was the best fit for you?
Right when I stepped on campus at South Carolina it felt like home. I could see myself fitting in with the team and coaches there more than any other place I visited. The amount of support that the university gave to the student athletes in order to succeed seemed unmatched and was an environment I wanted to be around. Not to mention the academic side, the university had several very intriguing majors I could see myself wanting to be involved with. I’ve always been such a home body all of my life, but now that I’m going down south, I know I’m going to make a new home with my new family in a few short months.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of sports?
Outside of playing sports, I enjoy being with friends and family, listening to music and being outdoors.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
My favorite social media platform is Instagram because it’s interesting to keep up with people who you don’t normally interact with every day and see what they’re up to. It’s also super easy to use and you can be creative in different ways. Also, surfing the explore page always has funny things to make you laugh and distract you from anything and everything.
What do you hope to do when your volleyball career is over?
When my volleyball career comes to an end I hope to have a great degree in which I can use to get a job in something sports medicine or educational related. I hope to help improve the improve the lives of other people as a career and maybe even incorporate a coaching aspect into my life as well. I would love to keep the game of volleyball in my life for as long as I can.