About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The ELLA Foundation Softball Clinic began in 2023, born out of a deeply personal journey. At the time, I was facing one of the hardest moments in my collegiate softball career. Everything I thought I needed like success, validation, achievement all felt out of reach. I was exhausted from chasing what the world told me I should want. So I made a decision: I stopped relying on my own understanding and started listening to God's word.
Through that surrender, doors opened. I overcame obstacles I never thought I could. I met people who would change my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. One of those people was Manny Travieso and his family, a connection that I truly believe was part of God’s plan. Through them, I found opportunity, support, and inspiration. They believed in me when I had stopped believing in myself. Because of their work and God’s guidance, I’ve achieved dreams I never thought were attainable.
I’ve had doors slammed in my face. I’ve been told I wasn’t good enough. But through it all, one thing never changed: my faith that God would prevail in everything I do.
I created this clinic to give back to my hometown, to the same fields where I played, cried, worked, and grew. I wanted to show young girls that someone from their community, someone just like them did it. That it’s not impossible. The dream is real and so is the work it takes to get there!
Our Story
The ELLA Foundation Softball Clinic began in 2023, rooted in a deep desire to give back to the community that raised me. After facing one of the most challenging moments in my collegiate softball career, I found myself needing something more than what the sport or the world could offer. In that season of hardship, I chose to stop chasing what was temporary and started listening to something greater. Through that shift, doors opened, healing began, and purpose took root.
With the support of people placed in my life at the right time, I discovered opportunities I never imagined were possible. Their belief in me helped me see new potential within myself and reminded me that giving back isn’t just important. It’s necessary. I’ve been told “you’re not good enough” more times than I can count. But through it all, one thing stayed true: I never stopped believing that there was something bigger ahead.
That belief is what led me back home. To the same fields where I once played, cried, and chased my dreams. I started this clinic to show young girls that someone just like them did it. That greatness can grow right here, where we come from.
In Year One, my heart was focused on mentorship. I remembered all the questions I had growing up; about recruiting, college ball, mental health, training, and confidence. I wanted to be a resource, a guide, and a friend. We didn’t just run drills, we built trust. We had real conversations, sat in circles, and created a space where every girl felt seen and heard. For many of them, it was the first time someone told them: “You belong on this field.” That year laid a foundation built on connection, care, and the belief that community is powerful when it shows up with open hearts.
In Year Two, our focus shifted to confidence and identity. I had just come off a season-ending injury and was wrestling with who I was without the game. I didn't want to hide that part of my journey, as it is a real reality for many athletes. I wanted to show the girls I am human too and most importantly I wanted the girls to know they are more than their stats, positions, or performances. We talked openly about self-worth, pressure, mental health, and how to hold onto your identity when everything else changes. It was raw, real, and it reminded us all that we are already enough, simply because of who we are!
Now, in Year Three, we’re stepping into purpose. We’re leaning into the strength and power we hold as Latina athletes and as young women navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for us. This year is about representation, inclusivity, and leading with compassion. We’ll talk about what it means to show up boldly, to use your voice, and to put love ABOVE ALL.
We want every girl who joins us this year to leave with more than just skills. They’ll leave with confidence in their voice, community, and a deeper belief in their worth. This camp is about putting love first, showing up for one another, and honoring the strength that comes from where we come from and who we are.
At ELLA, we believe in purpose over pressure. We believe in lifting each other up. And we believe in reminding every girl that she is already everything and more than she needs to be.
This is our story and it’s only just getting started!
