Presley Ellis, the first forward recruit of the Fall 2024 class at Liberty, has thrived on attack for the Cambridge Rivulettes,.
Forward recruit Ellis a four-sport athlete who will have a two-way impact for Lady Flames
1/26/2024 9:29:00 PM | Women's D1 Hockey
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Presley Ellis is a champion chess player, track runner, and golfer as well as being an exceptional hockey player for her Cambridge Junior Hockey team.
Liberty University ACHA Division I women's hockey Head Coach Chris Lowes believes he has found a diamond in the rough in his recruiting search for the incoming Fall 2024 class in Presley Ellis, a four-sport student-athlete from St. George, Ontario, who is a dynamic forward for the Cambridge Rivulettes Junior Hockey team.
In addition to finishing last season as the Stoney Creek Junior Sabres' second-leading scorer for both the regular season and playoffs, Ellis has also earned the Iron Eagle Award for Women's Golf at St. John's College, was her track and field conference champion in the 800-meter run, and is a four-time Brant County Chess Champion.
Ellis signs her letter of intent to continue her career at Liberty.
She was sold on joining the Lady Flames in their quest to continue their dynasty in the ACHA DI ranks the moment she experienced the university firsthand.
"I knew from stepping on campus that Liberty was where I wanted to be," Ellis said. "The huge sense of community and culture was something that you don't see at other universities. Plus, being able to grow in my faith is a great blessing."
As well as developing in her spiritual walk and in her career preparation as she pursues her B.A. in English and minor in psychology, Ellis hopes to make a lasting impact on the hockey team's success.
"I look forward to being a part of this phenomenal team," she said. "The amazing coaching staff led by Head Coach Chris Lowes who has made the (Lady) Flames a complete powerhouse, winning five championships in a row. ... That's incredible! I'm so excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity."
Lowes speaks just as highly of Ellis, who has been on the team's recruiting radar for a while.
"Presley is an athletic, smooth skating forward that we have had our eyes on for a couple years," he said. "When Presley came to visit this Fall, we knew right away that she was a great fit on and off the ice with our team. We are fortunate to have Presley joining us next year, and I am excited to watch her grow in all areas: hockey, faith, academics, and personally."
Ellis said she can be an effective two-way player who is adept at contributing in multiple facets of the game.
"If I had to describe myself as a player, I would consider myself as a defensive forward with great speed and hockey sense," she said. "I'm a strong forechecker that isn't afraid to be aggressive and physical on the ice."
Lowes agrees and is hopeful that Ellis can adjust quickly to the collegiate game.
"Presley has all the tools to be a high-level and productive forward for us," he said. "With a large graduating forward class, I expect Presley to come in and not only compete for minutes, but continue the success she has had in Junior hockey. It has been great watching her continue to grow this year as a player. She is showing a nice touch around the net and a growing offensive game."
