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Hilltopper Chat with Maliya Ellis '19
Jack Dove '19 sat down with Maliya Ellis '19 to discuss her Hopkins athletic experience...
What’s your name and grade?
What is your game-day meal?
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Maliya Ellis, Grade 11.
What teams do you play for at Hopkins?
I run cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.
What races do you run for the indoor track team?
I usually run the 1600m, and sometimes I run for relay teams.
When did you first start running? Why were you drawn to the sport?
I started running when I came to Hopkins in 7th grade on the cross country team. I didn’t have much experience in other sports, and I thought it would be a good chance to get in shape. I ended up really liking it.
What does it mean to play for Hopkins?
It’s nice to be able to represent your school, even if you are not the top runner, and bring home some glory for your team while keeping that Hopkins spirit.
Do you have a favorite moment from this season so far?
Probably last year during Cross Country season, when the girls team won the FAA championship. The results were really close, and when they made the announcement, we were all really happy.
Do you have any team or individual goals for the rest of this season?
For outdoor track I’m hoping to make top 3 in my race at New England’s.
What is something that most of Hopkins doesn’t know about you?
When I was in 7th grade, I was also on the swim team and played softball, but I quickly realized that those were not my talents, so I switched to running.
Do you have a professional athlete that you look up to? Why?
There’s a runner called Shalane Flanagan who recently won the NYC Marathon. She was the first American woman to do so in 40 years.
Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
I don’t expect to be a professional athlete, nor do I want to, but hopefully I’m still running recreationally because I enjoy it.
What is your game-day meal?
Usually before a race, I try not to eat anything too heavy. I have a good breakfast of oatmeal and a banana, and then before the race something light, like a sandwich.
Which one word best describes you?
Maybe “Trying.” I’m trying to do my best in all the various things I do. Sometimes you don’t always have amazing success, but sometimes, you do.
Hopkins is a private middle school and high school for grades 7-12. Located on a campus overlooking New Haven, CT, the School takes pride in its intellectually curious students as well as its dedicated faculty and staff.
Hopkins School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.