Ella McAllister, a sophomore defensive specialist/libero, has made headlines for her bold decision to transfer and its rewarding outcome. On December 8, 2024, she entered the transfer portal while at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Just over a year later, she is preparing to compete with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Volleyball team against fourth-ranked Pittsburgh in the NCAA Tournament.
Transitioning to UMBC
Initially drawn to Nashville by her brother, who played football at Vanderbilt, McAllister faced unexpected challenges when her recruiting coach left before coaching her. After two seasons, she felt her growth stunted and contemplated a change. “It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” McAllister shared. Despite building a life in Nashville, she craved new opportunities to develop her skills.
After entering the portal, she faced the whirlwind of finals alongside processing her emotional journey. Navigating calls from coaches and balancing her academic responsibilities created a challenging experience. “I remember feeling like I had three options: stay and always wonder ‘what if,’ walk away from volleyball completely, or take the scary risk and go into the portal mid-year,” she reflected.
The Right Fit at UMBC
Shortly after entering the portal, Jaime Kosiorek, UMBC’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, contacted McAllister. She found the recruitment process refreshing and supportive, leading her to commit to the Retrievers 11 days later. A pivotal reason for her decision was the connection she felt with Coach Kasey Crider, whom she regards as one of the best coaches she has ever encountered.
On January 25, she moved to the UMBC campus. Her new teammates welcomed her warmly, providing support during her transition. McAllister faced additional hurdles as she battled health issues that hindered her ability to practice and integrate fully with her new team.
Building Resilience
Despite health challenges and insecurities, McAllister’s resolve never wavered. Her teammates, particularly Hannah Howard, provided unwavering support. “We understood that what she was going through was enough,” Howard said, highlighting the program’s culture of inclusiveness and empathy.
Once her health stabilized over the spring, McAllister returned for pre-season training in late July. She quickly established herself as a vocal leader, inspiring her teammates with her relentless work ethic and boundless energy. “I take pride in being vocal and helping us stay connected,” McAllister stated.
Overcoming Challenges
The Retrievers started their season poorly, facing a 1-8 record. McAllister’s leadership became essential during this period of struggle. “I wanted everyone to keep trusting the work and trusting each other,” she emphasized. Her positive attitude motivated the team, fostering resilience and determination.
On October 3, after a close loss to Binghamton, McAllister encouraged her teammates to regroup and refocus. Soon after, they snapped their losing streak and embarked on an impressive run, claiming eight wins in nine matches. “It felt like we were building toward something great,” she explained.
Achieving Greatness
As they progressed, the Retrievers claimed their regular-season title, earning a spot to host the America East Tournament. With McAllister’s leadership, they rallied from a deficit to defeat Binghamton and secured their championship victory against UAlbany, earning a priceless sense of achievement.
“It was surreal… this is exactly what we were building toward,” McAllister expressed after the championship win. She attributed her journey’s success not only to her own tenacity but also to the support of her family, coaches, and teammates.
Looking Ahead
As the Retrievers gear up for the NCAA Tournament, McAllister reflects on how the “scary risk” she took less than a year ago has propelled her to new heights. She hopes her story will inspire others. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself,” she advises aspiring athletes. With her determination and leadership, McAllister is ready to make an impact on the national stage.
