Ella Scally jumps to new heights with multitude of new accolades

Running and jumping at the Division-I level is one thing. Doing it exceptionally well and earning a place in the Miami University record books is another.

Ella Scally, a junior sprints and jumps athlete on Miami’s track and field team, is off the charts.

Scally established a new program record with her 6.27 meter long jump at the Gem City Invitational on Feb. 8. She beat her previous personal record by .02 meters and out jumped Lashonda Davis’ mark of 6.20 in 2006.

The indoor track and field All-Mid American Conference (MAC) First Team athlete also made a name for herself last year, competing at the 2024 NCAA East First Round.

Despite Scally’s accolades, a large part of her track and field career comes from what is unseen.

She began her athletic career at age 11 when she became interested in jumping from gymnastics.

“The only sport I did before track was gymnastics,” Scally said. “I was familiar with the runway from vaulting, and I knew I wanted to jump in some way.”

Scally set records at Fishers High School in the 400 meter sprint, long jump and for most points scored in a season. When she committed to Miami, she said she remembered the inspiration she felt from head coach Russ Peterson.

“I met coach Peterson, and he reminded me a lot of my high school coach,” Scally said. “I knew we'd get along well.”

The two have developed a strong chemistry since her first year. This bond goes a long way with success and growth, and Peterson shared that he can be “very matter-of-fact with her.”

According to her teammates, Scally is also a leader in the locker room. If what they say is true about laughter being the best medicine, then Scally is a team medic.

“She laughs more than she talks,” said Elle Miller, a senior long and high jump teammate. “She’s super positive, and everybody loves to be around her.”

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Miller has one year of experience over Scally, but in her time here, she has seen how Scally has grown as an athlete with the time she puts into her event.

“Everyone has a limit to what they can do without practice,” Miller said. “Someone who is 6-foot-2-inches will naturally be able to jump high, but by putting in the time and work, you will see a progression further than someone who hasn’t put in that time.”

The team practices for two hours every weekday, with lifts three times a week and spontaneous weekend meets that include traveling out of state. The team is together at all times during the weekends, so the time commitment from the team is imperative to personal progress and growth.

This doesn’t stop Scally from chasing her goals.

“She's driven,” Miller said. “You can see that drive in her eyes at practice. She’s always seeking advice from coaches about how to be better. It’s awesome to see that as a teammate because I want someone that wants as much as I do, and it’s very admirable.”

Peterson also shared a common view on Scally’s work ethic. After three years coaching her, first as an assistant head coach and now as the director of cross country and track and field, he recognized her impressive progression but acknowledged that she isn’t done yet.

“It's been positive and progressive to coach her,” Peterson said. “There's a lot of learning and a lot of doing, but ultimately, this story is not even half told yet.”

Scally's fun-loving personality makes it easy for others to enjoy her as a teammate, but it’s also a great pair with her attitude.

The season still isn’t over, as the RedHawks now begin outdoor competition on March 21. Miami has two more months in the spring season, giving Scally enough time to strive for more personal records.

The future is bright for Scally as she nears the end of her junior year with Miami. Her accomplishments and character traits have impacted the track and field program in a way that brings more attention to the sport.

Scally’s takeaway from the season so far is a testament to her personal growth, success and hard work.

“You're never going to be perfect at it,” Scally said. “You're never going to get the technique right. There's so much to learn and there's always room for improvement. And still, be proud of what you've accomplished.”

Scally is an example of the “wind beneath the wings” for the RedHawks. Long jump can be scary and intimidating at first glance, but for her, that’s what pushes her to keep going. All it takes is a leap of faith.

younggm7@miamioh.edu