Ella’s journey in sports started early—before she realized it was the beginning of something much bigger. At just four or five years old, she was tumbling through gymnastics routines and practicing her pliés in dance class. Eventually, she left dance behind and focused on competitive gymnastics until 7th grade. That same year, pivoted to track and field—a decision heavily influenced by her dad, who was always one of her biggest supporters. Track became her fallback, but it quickly grew into something much more meaningful.
When Ella left gymnastics, she needed a new sport, but felt it was too late to catch up in volleyball or basketball—sports that most of her friends were already deeply involved in. Track offered Thomas a fresh start. She still remembers her parents watching her sprint down the beach when she was little, already sensing that running could be her thing. Ella’s dad, who always said track was his favorite sport, was her number one fan. From driving her to summer meets in Seattle and Portland to offering advice rooted in his own experiences, his belief in her never wavered. Ella also stated that she owes so much to her high school coach, Kelly Walk, who shaped her as an athlete and a person.
Like many young athletes, Ella faced my share of challenges. Mental blocks and anxiety before big meets were standard, but she learned how to channel that nervous energy into performance fuel. Competing taught her resilience, confidence, and how to face adversity head-on.
While Ella didn’t personally face many gender-specific obstacles in track, she’s witnessed how including biological men in women’s events has impacted others in the sport. More personally, she experienced inappropriate behavior from a college coach—comments about her and her teammates’ bodies and social media that made them uncomfortable. These are challenges their male counterparts often don’t face, and it highlights the work still needed in protecting and supporting female athletes.
Being an athlete gave Ella confidence that permeates every area of her life. It taught her that hard things are worth doing and that challenges are meant to be met, not avoided. That mindset has been constructive as I transition from athlete to intern and into the sports business world.
After her sophomore year, Thomas decided to leave her D1 track program and transfer to her hometown college, the University of Oregon. Soon after she arrived, she was offered the opportunity to be an athletic intern, specifically with the UO women’s track and field team. This position allows her to stay involved with the sport that has shaped her into who she is today.
What has surprised Thomas the most in her transition is how transferable her athletic skills are— Thomas stated “especially my work ethic, comfort under pressure, and ability to say “yes’ to opportunity. I now work in an environment where I understand the mindset of athletes and staff alike. That gives me a unique perspective and allows me to show up in a way that’s both professional and empathetic.”
“In my current role, I have the privilege of working with women’s track and field, which holds a special place in my heart. Giving tours, sharing my story, and building connections helps foster a strong community around women’s athletics. Still, there’s so much room to grow. Increased media coverage and advertising for women’s sports would elevate visibility and the respect and opportunities these athletes deserve” – “Being in the sports industry now, I’m even more passionate about it than I was as an athlete. I’m surrounded by driven, hardworking people who constantly push me to grow. It’s a rewarding space, and I feel incredibly grateful for where I am today.”
When I asked Ella what advice she could give young female athletes, she said, “Work hard, and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different—and yours is powerful, just as it is.”
Ava Mize 