On Friday, in a game against Metuchen, senior Ella McLane did the unthinkable. McLane broke the Westfield field hockey single-season goals record, which had stood for 28 years, by scoring her 19th goal of the season.
“It’s a very cool award but definitely a reflection of my teammates and coaches,” McLane said. “I always get put in great spots on the field and it is a very cool honor.”
Recording only four goals during her junior season, McLane was determined to leave Westfield with her name in the record books. After recording 11 goals in three games this season, McLane pushed forward and secured this historic record.
However, McLane isn’t your typical athlete as this wasn’t the only stunning achievement she has had during her athletic career.
On Oct. 19, McLane received the Ron Bansky and Associates Allstate Westfield Athlete of the Week award for her field hockey excellence. The award is only given to Westfield’s most talented, role-model athletes. She was recognized for her brilliant offensive mindset and ability to motivate her team.
On top of her success in field hockey, McLane won the North Jersey, Group 4 sectional championship during the 2020-21 lacrosse season. McLane, who scored a crucial goal in the game, said the game was her favorite high-school sports moment.
“My favorite moment in all my four years has been winning the sectional championship sophomore year for lacrosse,” said McLane. “That was such a special season, and being an underdog in that game made it even more special.”
Despite this success, McLane remains completely humble and credits the teams she leads for her outstanding athletic career at Westfield.
“Individual success comes from team success so as long as the team is doing well, I don’t think any of us care what award or accolades we receive,” said McLane.
It’s obvious McLane is a team player recording 46 career goals and 13 assists in lacrosse, and 23 career goals and 8 assists in field hockey. Her high game-IQ mixed with her talented skills makes her a dangerous threat on both playing fields.
McLane plays varsity lacrosse and varsity field hockey for the Blue Devils and was named co-captain for both teams. While also being a star and a leader for both teams, she has developed various strengths that have made her an even better athlete.
“Playing multiple sports allows me to learn how to work with different people in different environments,” said McLane. “I learn how to adapt to new settings and styles of play.”
These multi-sport skills clearly transition to her game as she currently has five hat tricks for her senior field hockey season and scored at least one goal in each game during her junior lacrosse season.
Her mind-blowing athletic ability isn’t random, however. McLane’s father and brothers also had outstanding Westfield athletic careers, and McLane looks to them as role models.
“My dad grew up in Westfield playing sports at WHS with his older brother, so it is pretty special to follow in his footsteps,” said McLane. “Especially following in both of my older brothers’ footsteps is super cool. Having my entire family and extended family go through Westfield definitely makes playing for Westfield more special.”
McLane shows true passion for the sports she plays and is adored by her teammates for being a kind, lion-hearted leader. She also uses this leadership to coach for the 3D Lacrosse Garden State program where she teaches girls important skills and game strategies.
While McLane does not plan on committing to play at the collegiate level, she potentially plans to play club sports in college while majoring in business or economics.
While McLane’s senior season stardom hasn’t come to a close yet, it’s safe to say McLane has potential to gain Westfield Hall of Fame status.
