Ella Malloy’25 at College of the Holy Cross. Photo: Holy Cross Athletics
Ella’s time at Northwood during the 2024-2025 school year was nothing short of incredible. She made the most of her time on campus, building strong relationships with teammates, classmates, and faculty. Her positive attitude and commitment to improving each day made her a respected member of the Northwood community. Ella played defense on the Girls Prep team and came to school committed to play NCAA D1 hockey at the College of Holy Cross. Since graduating, she has moved on to play for Holy Cross in the Hockey East division. I recently had the chance to catch up with Ella and talk about her time at Northwood, her transition to college hockey, and what she has learned along the way. Here is what she had to say, as told to Rylie Griffiths ’26.
“My favorite moment at Holy Cross so far was scoring my first college goal. My parents were both there. It was the end of September, our first weekend playing, and it was my first game. You couldn’t have written a better first game. Beyond that, I love my team and have become really close with everyone, from my class to the upperclassmen. Our team is doing really well this year. We’ve broken several program records, reached 10 wins, and are nationally ranked for the first time. It’s a really exciting time, and I feel grateful to be part of writing a new chapter at Holy Cross.
“The biggest adjustment I’ve noticed from high school to college is definitely the hockey. Not necessarily the pace, but trying to find your role on a new team with teammates that could be four or five years older than you. At Northwood, I had an established role and knew that what I contributed to the team was consistent. In college, it’s not that way when you walk in the door. It can be really difficult to find your role as we play fewer games, so you have to perform your best when you’re given the opportunity.
“I feel like my time at Northwood really showed me the type of person and player I wanted to become. We were lucky to have such a talented group, with girls going on to so many different places. Everyone brought something unique, and I tried to learn from that. Seeing what I admired in others and how I could bring those qualities into my own life as a player and as a person. That also applied to the teachers and staff. Gilly, for example, always had so much energy. It was hard to be in a bad mood around him, and that stuck with me. In college, there are long days with classes, practices, lifts, and games, but I’ve tried to bring that same positive energy every day. Northwood taught me the importance of being someone people want to be around.
“What I miss most about Northwood is the people. The people truly make the place. The campus is beautiful, and walking by the lake every day was something I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but when I look back, it’s the memories with people that stand out the most—the fun we had as a team, in class, and in the dorms. I still check in with a lot of people from Northwood because they’re always on my mind.
“My favorite Northwood memory was winning the Challenge Cup in Washington. That was an incredible feeling. Winning the Northwood tournament was also really special. I loved those moments because our team worked hard and truly earned it. There’s nothing better than holding a trophy over your head with your teammates.
“My future plans right now are to major in biology or neuroscience at Holy Cross. I recently got into a biology research lab for next year, which will help me build my résumé and work toward my goal of attending medical school after I finish my undergraduate degree. I also want to keep playing hockey for as long as possible. Going pro would be incredible, and while I know there’s still a lot of work ahead, it’s something I’d love to pursue.”
