Frederica Academy Soccer Player Ellie Runyan Named ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Scholar Athlete of the Year
Ellie Runyan, a senior soccer player for Frederica Academy in St. Simons, Georgia, has been named the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Scholar Athlete of the Year, presented by Summit Sports Medicine.
Runyan is not afraid to work hard, whether it is leading the Frederica girls soccer team to the Final Four or scoring a 34 on the ACT. She is headed to Auburn University, where she will try out for the club soccer team.
In addition to being a star soccer player, Runyan is also a four-year starter and All-Region cross country runner. Runyan is also the two-time No. 1 runner in the state and has been named Altamah Runner of the Year twice. But, even with all the success in cross country, soccer has remained her constant love.
“Her favorite was not the sport,but the camaraderie of her team,” said her mother, Kelley Runyan. “She has been blessed to play since the age of 5 with great teammates.”
As an eighth-grader, Runyan had the chance to play with the varsity team and learned how much value she really had as a soccer player. Her confidence soared year after year through the successes of soccer. She has now made it her mission to pass these traits on to younger athletes.
“I attribute that to the kindness of the older girls on the team,” said Mrs. Runyan. “Ellie got to follow and learn from an amazing group of Frederica women soccer players. Ellie has tried hard to pass that same gift on to the younger girls on the Frederica team.”
Due to Runyan’s small stature, many are surprised to learn that she plays defense for Frederica Academy.
“Coaches quickly saw that she is a tiny bulldog,” said Mrs. Runyan. “She never backs away from a tackle. She is also fast and is tireless, so she ultimately found her home as a midfielder.”
Runyan takes academics just as seriously as she takes athletics. She was able to find immense success in both, but that does not mean it was pressure-free or easy.
“Ellie has always put a lot of pressure on herself academically,” said Mrs. Runyan. “What I loved this year was watching her mature to where she has found a balance between academics and (being) social.”
It did not take Runyan long to decide on Auburn University for her collegiate career. Mrs. Runyan said that her daughter’s decision was largely affected by the fact that “the students are happy.”
“In the last six months, I have found the greatest joy watching it all come together for her,” said Mrs. Runyan. “My favorite quality in Ellie is her kindness, but more importantly she is humble.”
Congratulations to Ellie Runyan, the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Scholar Athlete of the Year, presented by Summit Sports Medicine.
Written by: Kennedie Weems
