Oregon State Q&A with Ellie Garcia

Ellie Garcia is an upcoming senior on the Oregon State softball team and is a product of Chino, California. She started the 2024 season on a tear, striking out 14 in her first 14.2 innings of work and also fanned five in an upset of then-eighth-ranked Stanford in April at Kelly Field.

Garcia participated in a Q&A with OSUBeavers.com and here's what she said:

Do you remember the first time you stepped on the Oregon State campus and what it meant to you?

EG: The first time I stepped on the Oregon State campus, it immediately felt like home. It meant everything to be to represent such a historic and hardworking University.

When did you know you wanted to be a student-athlete at the college level? What drew you to it?

EG: I knew I wanted to be a student-athlete at the college level since I was a little girl. Ever since I can remember, the plan was for me to play division one athletics and get my college education. My parents were the driving force of drawing me to sports at a very young age and for that I am extremely grateful.

What's one thing you wish more people knew about your sport and what it takes to be competitive?

EG: One thing I wish more people knew about softball is how deserving women are to be playing on a big stage. I would love to see improvements in professional leagues with better pay because we put in so much hard work to not have these opportunities. It takes a different mindset to be competitive and a great amount of hard work and dedication from a young age.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be and why?

EG: If I could change one rule with my sport, it would be to allow for more video review.

What does it mean to you to wear the Orange and Black?

EG: It means everything to me to wear the Orange and Black. To me, I am living my dream and wearing the Orange and Black is a result of a lifetime of hard work and dedication.

If you could pick any other sport to play, what would it be and why?

EG: If I could pick any other sport to play, it would be volleyball. I played in junior high and high school, I really enjoyed it but ultimately had to choose softball.

What drives you to succeed?

EG: My parents and brothers drive me to succeed every day. Knowing the sacrifices my family has put in to help me get to Oregon State makes me want to work hard every day. I also want to set myself and my future family up for success.

What makes you want to be successful off the field? What drives your success in the classroom?

EG: To be successful off the field, setting up my future drives me. I want to eventually be an English teacher so I know striving for high grades is important. My parents also always emphasized the importance of academics to me.

If you could have dinner with three athletes, dead or alive, who would they be?

EG: Simon Biles, Travis Kelce and Kobe Bryant

Who did you look up to growing up? What made you look up to them?

EG: I looked up to both my mom and dad growing up. My dad played Division I football at Eastern Michigan University and I always wanted to play Division I (athletics) just like him. My mom was a great softball player and stayed at home to raise my brothers and I which I have always admired.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

EG: In 20 years, I hope to have a successful career as an English teacher with a family. I also see myself coaching softball to help the next generation.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? And who gave it to you?

EG: The best piece of advice I have ever been given is "Hard work always pays off." My dad gave me this advice and I believe in these words strongly.

What kind of mark do you want to leave from your time in Corvallis?

EG: From my time in Corvallis, I would love to leave an everlasting mark on the Oregon State University softball program, not only athletically, but I would love to be known for being a good person and a good teammate.

Name your top three things to do in Oregon when you're not playing or studying.

EG: Hiking, eating at new restaurants, exploring the Oregon coast.

What are your favorite topping(s) on a hot dog?

EG: chili and cheese

How about ice cream. What do you have to put on it?

EG: Mint ice cream

Your preferred pre-competition meal?

EG: Chicken, rice and veggies

What's in your pre-game playlist?

EG: A mix of old and new rap

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