Mariah Ellis
Freshman 
Outfield
Los Angeles, Calif.







How has your experience at Longwood been so far?
I have had a good experience so far. Of course, it took me a week or so to adjust to the time change, getting used to the college life, time management, but overall it's been really good.

What made you commit to Longwood?
When I first stepped on campus, I immediately felt like I was comfortable and everyone was so nice and helpful. I felt like I could spend four years here.

How did you first hear about Longwood, especially being from the Los Angeles area?
I went to a softball camp back home and I met the assistant coach at the time [Jen Steele], and she told me about the school and told me to contact her after the camp.

When did you first meet head coach Kathy Riley and what was your first impression of her?
I met her in the spring of my sophomore year. My first impression of her was that she wants to get the job done and she wants everything done the right way. That's what I like about her the most is her structure and how she enforces you to do it her way. The proper way.

What appealed to you from an academic standpoint?
The small class sizes appealed to me from an academic standpoint. You can get to know your professor and your professors can get to know you.  I know with larger class sizes you tend to get lost in the class sometimes.

What are you most looking forward to this year from a softball standpoint?
I'm excited to see how I develop as a player, and see how much I can grow and how much better I can get. I want to see my development from when I first started high school to now and at the end of the spring. I'm excited to see how much I've changed and improved.

What's your favorite local restaurant in your hometown?
I would say this place called Taco Reyes. It's a hole-in-the-wall Mexican place down the street from my house.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I have spare time, I like to watch movies.

What is your favorite movie?
My favorite series would have to be Star Wars, but I like watching science fiction, comedies, and action movies. I like just about anything except for maybe romantic comedies.

If money wasn't a factor and you could hand pick, where would you choose to go on your next vacation?
I don't think I can choose just one place. I'd say I would want to go see the entire world. To see all the different cultures, how people live, and experience everything that they experience. I would just have a more cultural awareness per say, and value what we have here.

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