Meet the Freshmen: Ellie Cavanaugh

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State women's soccer team has a solidified starter at goalkeeper with Lindsey Hendon, but freshman Ellie Cavanaugh is right behind her pushing her throughout the season and learning a lot along the way.

An Urbandale, Iowa, native, Ellie Cavanaugh was a multi-sport star at Waukee High School before coming to Iowa State. The freshman goalkeeper saw action in the home exhibition against Northern Illinois and competes every day to help herself improve and also push the starter, Hendon, to be her best.

Why did you choose Iowa State?
My brother and sister and both of my parents went here. I love the campus and I love the coaches.

What other sports did you play in high school and what did you learn from them?
I think that playing other sports has helped me with soccer. I played basketball all four years and that taught me a lot about teamwork and communication because that is a vital part of the game. I also threw the shot put and that was different because it's an individual sport. It taught me to be self-motivated and do things on my own.

What are you looking forward to the most this freshman year on the field or off the field?
On the field, how different the atmosphere is and how competitive the soccer practices are. I've already learned so much. Off the field, I'm looking forward to meeting new people.

What's your favorite soccer memory?
My favorite soccer memory was probably with our Rush team when we went to the semifinals at regionals last year.

What is going to be your toughest adjustment on the field and off of the field?
Soccer wise, how much faster and quicker they play. Shots are a lot harder than in high school. Off the field, the toughest adjustment will be the amount of classwork and balancing studying with soccer practice.

What have you learned so far from playing under Lindsey Hendon?
I have learned a lot watching Hendon play. She gives a lot of advice and helps me fix the things I do wrong. Also, when I am frustrated at practice because I'm not doing my best, she is always encouraging me and that is really nice to have.

Ellie Cavanaugh hasn't seen any minutes as a Cyclone yet, but her time will come. If she ever needs to step in for Hendon for any reason, she will certainly impress.

Cyclones.com will be introducing the rest of the freshmen newcomers throughout the season.