2022 | Michigan | GIRLS

Mid-Michigan Alliance | Valkyrie | GIRLS

Ella Paul came to our team very late in the season. The Mid-Michigan Alliance Girls High School Hockey Team was beginning its inaugural year, and not a lot of people knew about our new high school co-op. Ella was very excited at the prospect of representing her school (Linden High School), however other teams had treated her poorly and she was not keen on starting all over again as a senior. She was assured by coaches and parents that she could be an integral part of the new team. After talking with Ella and having her come out to the summer skates, the coaching staff immediately saw something in Ella that the team needed. Ella immediately clicked with the new team. She came out and skated every chance she had, sometimes driving an hour to rinks further from her home just to skate with her new team and its players.
Ella Paul is an exceptional person. Her commitment to her team and the players goes above and beyond what is necessary. Ella promotes teamwork among her peers, and has a strength of character not usually seen in a person of her age. Ella helps each and every one of teammates on an individual basis, not just with hockey, but with whatever that person needs. Ella puts her own day-to-day problems on hold to talk with her teammates and connect on a personal level.
When Ella first came to the Mid-Michigan Alliance we did not expect her to be the person she was. Ella has a desire to learn and is very receptive to feedback, which sometimes comes in the form of constructive criticism. Ella then will use that feedback and constructive criticism to improve her performance in practice as well as games.
It is because of these qualities that Ella Paul was named the first ever Team Captain of the Mid-Michigan Alliance. Being named Team Captain has not slowed her down at all. Besides being a student and an exceptional athlete, she has also taken the time to give back to the community. Ella has been part of her team’s fundraisers, helping raise money, not only for her team, but also local community foundations that help improve the quality of life and provide essential services to people in need.
Ella Paul is an exceptional person and student athlete. She has an integrity of character, which will include honesty, fairness, and decency, unseen in a person her age. Mid-Michigan Alliance coaches are proud to nominate her for the 2022 Hobey Baker High School Character Award.