Lafayette’s Haley Ellefson is a three-sport all-star

Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, May 29, 2018

MAYO, Fla. — To be invited to a FACA (Florida Athletic Coaches Association) all-star game is no easy feat. FACA all-star games showcase the best seniors in the state, and many former all-stars have gone on to play collegiately, some professionally.

That’s what makes Haley Ellefson’s recent accomplishment so impressive.

Ellefson, who earned a spot in the softball all-star game, became the first three-sport all-star in FACA history. She also competed in volleyball and basketball.

“I feel very accomplished. I know it makes my family happy, my team happy and the community happy,” Ellefson said.

She’s also proud to represent a town that is passionate about sports and a school rich in athletic tradition.

“I can go down to Lakeland and say I’m from Mayo. It’s your name, but it’s also where your town is.”

Ellefson, a Florida SouthWestern State college softball signee, was an easy choice. She hit .441 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs in just 20 games (she missed the start of the season because of the basketball playoffs). In the circle, Ellefson struck out 74 hitters in 56 1-3 innings pitched while sporting a 2.49 ERA.

It was a no-brainer that she was an all-star for softball, and volleyball, where she was a standout outside hitter for the powerhouse Hornets.

Basketball, though, was a little surprising. Ellefson only began playing competitively as a junior. But even with little experience, she quickly emerged as a top player, combining incredible athletic ability with a competitive spirit.

“It’s a once in a lifetime thing to have a young lady that is capable of doing it,” LHS softball coach Tommy Chambers said. “It just shows how dedicated she is to be able to do it in three sports. For her to rise and shine above the girls that have been playing basketball their whole lives, it’s a plus that she’s that type of athlete.”

She’s the type of athlete that was driven to win at a young age. When she was playing kickball and dodgeball in elementary school, Ellefson always wanted to be the first pick. And she didn’t shy away from competing against the boys.

“I was always competitive and there was no holding back against the boys,” she said. “I love winning.”

In an age where many athletes choose to specialize in one sport, Ellefson has gone the opposite direction. Softball has always been her best sport, but that hasn’t kept her from competing in other sports.

“Basketball helps with your core” Ellefson said. “Volleyball with your reactions on your feet. I’ve always had college coaches tell me they love multi-sport athletes. Those little things and little skills you can do in other sports help with softball.”