IT’S EASY FOR VENEZIA
COLUMBIANA, OH — In an inspiring interview with Anthony Hartwig on the latest Player Profile interview, senior Ellie Venezia opened up about her journey through high school sports, her academic ambitions, and the emotional weight of her final year as a Clipper.
Venezia has been a pivotal player for the Columbiana girls basketball team, which is currently experiencing a remarkable season. Reflecting on her senior year, she candidly shared how the absence of her best friend and teammate, Avery Marshall, who tore her ACL, has deeply impacted her. “It’s definitely something I wasn’t prepared for,” Venezia admitted, highlighting the emotional challenges she faced.
Despite these hurdles, Venezia has demonstrated resilience and leadership. She has transitioned into a post player role, a significant change she embraced to support her team. “It’s definitely been different, but I think I’ve been getting used to it,” Venezia said, praising her teammate Anna Clemmer for stepping up in Marshall’s absence. The Columbiana Clippers’ balanced offense is a testament to their teamwork and unselfish play. “It’s great because you do never know who’s going to be the leading scorer. It’s an equal opportunity for everybody,” Venezia remarked, underscoring the camaraderie that defines the team.
Venezia’s journey began long before her high school years. She fondly recalled attending games in middle school and looking up to players like Kayla Miscloski and Alexis Cross. Now a role model herself, she strives to set a positive example for younger players, including her freshman sister Layla. In the classroom, Venezia has also excelled. Currently holding a 3.8 GPA, she balances challenging courses, including calculus and college credit plus classes, while managing her athletic commitments. Looking ahead, Venezia has a bright future in the medical field. She’s weighing her options between the University of Pittsburgh and Ohio State University, planning to pursue a pre-med track. “Hopefully that doesn’t change when I get to college, but if it does, it does,” she said with determination.
As Venezia prepares for graduation, she reflects on her high school accomplishments with pride. From turning the soccer team’s fortunes around to maintaining academic excellence, she has left an indelible mark on Columbiana. Venezia thanked her family, friends, and coaches for their unwavering support. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without them,” she emphasized. As Ellie Venezia’s high school journey draws to a close, her story of dedication, resilience, and leadership continues to inspire those around her. Columbiana is proud to call her one of their own, and her future promises even greater achievements.
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