For many athletes, the drive to compete is fueled by the scoreboard. But for one Christian Heritage Academy (CHA) senior, the journey from a fifth-grade gym to a college commitment day has been defined by a different kind of scoreboard—one that measures character, community, and faith.
Versatile defensive specialist and outside hitter Ellie Torgerson has officially committed to continue her volleyball career at Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, bringing an end to a stellar high school chapter while opening a door to the high-intensity world of collegiate athletics.
A four-year letter winner at CHA and team captain her junior and senior years, Torgerson ended her high school career with an exclamation point, leading the team offensively with 3.54 kills per set (244 total), a 0.28 hitting percent, and 0.74 aces per set (51 total)—all on top of excellent defense. As captain, Torgerson led the Lady Lions to a narrow loss in the regional finals and a conference championship with an undefeated conference record.
Senior Ellie Torgerson is pictured with her parents and Bethel athletics alumni Joe and Kim (Toter) Torgerson, as well as her sisters, Siri and Clara.
After family, friends, and coaches celebrated her accomplishments, Torgerson reflected on her journey as she awaits what's on the horizon as a Royal.
What is your earliest or favorite memory of playing volleyball, and when did you realize you wanted to play at the college level?
My earliest memory of playing volleyball was when I was in 5th grade and was asked to play with the 6th grade team. I remember loving to go back to serve and to pass in the back row. This season was my first real experience playing volleyball and I loved everything that came with the game. I then continued to play a short season in 6th grade, then did the travel season from 8th grade and all throughout high school. I always look forward to playing and have never gotten sick of it. My love for the game helped me realize that I don’t want to stop playing after high school and want to continue to play further at the college level.
What position/s do you play?
I am a defensive specialist/libero as well as an outside hitter.
What part of your game have you worked hardest to improve over the last four years to get to this point?
A big part of volleyball is your mentality and mindset. I am very competitive and during my freshman year especially, my whole mindset was to win at any cost. This caused me to constantly get in my head when I would make mistakes and get really frustrated with my teammates when we were losing. However, throughout the years, I have really worked to shift my mindset in wanting to honor and glorify God with the gift he has given me and try my hardest no matter the outcome of the game. This has helped my mentality when making mistakes as well as keeping a clear head space even when losing. This has also helped me and my relationship with my teammates. I have learned to keep encouraging others and help them when they may be struggling because in the end, this is all a game to glorify God and to enjoy the gift he has given us.
Why did you choose Bethel?
I chose Bethel because of its welcoming, lively, and Christ-centered community. In all of Bethel’s events and programs, it intentionally strengthens the student’s community, faith, and relationships. I also chose Bethel because I believe it is the best school to push me in academics as well as in athletics, while also strengthening my relationship with the Lord.
Do you know what you plan to study there?
I plan to study nursing and get my BSN degree.
What are you most looking forward to about the transition from high school to collegiate athletics?
I am looking forward to the higher levels of intensity that come with the game at the college level. I am also looking forward to being with a group of girls who are all inspired to work hard and put in the extra work to get better as a team. I am also excited to be able to spend more time with my teammates and create closer relationships seeing that I will be living with them on campus.
Who are the coaches, family members, or mentors who have had the biggest impact on your journey to signing with Bethel?
My mom and my dad have helped encourage me so much throughout this whole journey. They have supported me and have been alongside me through the entire process of picking a college. I am also incredibly thankful for Coach Gretchen Hunt for this opportunity to play and for all her help in assisting me during the recruiting process. Lastly, I want to thank Coach Do Kim for being a great coach during my high school season. He helped encourage me and gave me incredible leadership opportunities on the team that have helped me learn so much and improve.
How has playing for a program like CHA shaped your character off the court?
Playing at CHA has heHilped me learn to play in a God honoring way. Playing with a group of Christian girls gave such a fun and encouraging environment which helped me see a different perspective, rather than wanting to win all the time. Seeing that CHA has a smaller team, this helped me develop deeper friendships with the girls and helped us all become close despite the age gap. This also gave us an opportunity to be able to get together and do Bible studies before games. This helped our team chemistry as well as the ability to develop close friendships on and off the court.
Do you have advice for younger student athletes?
My advice to younger student athletes is to remember who you are really playing for and to keep a positive mindset. The main goal of a sport isn’t to win, but it’s to glorify and honor God with the gifts that he has given us. I also would advise younger student athletes to prioritize their bodies and make sure they are getting enough sleep, because this will help them improve in their performance physically and mentally.
How do you hope your teammates and coaches at CHA remember you after you graduate?
I hope that they remember me as someone who was a positive force on the court who also was encouraging to all my teammates. I want them to remember me as a good leader to the younger players and someone who was able to take initiative. I also hope to be remembered as someone who was able to play with high intensity and was able to work hard but also bring fun to the game.
What other interests do you have outside of sports?
I love to listen to and play music. I also love to hang out with friends and family and do outdoor activities. I also love to do crafts and to paint.
What’s a Bible verse that’s meant a lot to you?
Philippians 4:13
Congratulations, Ellie, as you finish out your senior year and soar into everything God has in store for you!
