Gearing up for soccer season, Ellie Bower of the McPherson Bullpups is looking forward to many challenges over the course of the season. The game against Bishop Miege is a favorite of Bower. “They are a talented team that we have battled for years.” Other competition Bower is looking forward to is the home tournament. Bower said the early competition helps the team develop for the rest of the season.

In hopes of a state return this year, Bower spent time in the off season perfecting her game. “I played with Kansas Rush Wichita to help me develop a different skill set than what I am used to. We ended up winning nationals this past summer and had success in the fall.”

Only a junior this year, Bower wants to step up as an upperclassman this year and help her team through the highs and the lows the season may bring. Bower and her team have set the team goal of returning to state again this year and find success in the post season.

Early in the season last year, Bower was recovering from a concussion. Even with this struggle, Bower managed to still receive the honors of First-Team All-League and Second-Team All-State. Overcoming this obstacle last year and returning to the field to help her team in the quarterfinals is something Bower can truly be proud of.

Bower just finished up basketball season with the Bullpups, helping her team place 3rd at the state tournament. Bower is also is involved in KAY Club and student counsel at the high school. Bower still has another year to compete as a Bullpup, but her future plans include attending college and pursuing a degree in biology.