Extra Effort: Outfield catches aside, Ellie Schaffer a top student-athlete at Metamora

METAMOTRA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Things happen fast for Ellie Schaffer because she’s a busy student-athlete.

The Metamora junior is a starting outfielder on the softball team and a straight A student taking college-level history, English and math classes.

“Your time is so short. You’re trying to balance games, performing well in games and in classes. You have to make a lot of sacrifices,” Schaffer said. “You don’t get a lot of time for yourself. But it’s all worth it.”

Softball coach Deric Linder has Schaffer in a couple of his advanced classes.

“I have her in dual-credit U.S. history, she’s a top student there. I have her in ‘Fundamentals of Law’ and she’s a top student there,” Linder said. “What I love about her is she’s always willing to give her opinion.”

Schaffer is making the most of her time in softball and away from the diamond. As a Key Club member, she’s also one of the top student volunteers at Metamora.

Schaffer helped decorate a local retirement community for Christmas and made gift bags for its residents and she cut fabric to help make stuffed animals given to area cancer patients. She wants to be known as more than just an outstanding softball player.

“It makes me feel like I help the community off the softball field. I put so much time in the softball field but I also put a lot of time in in the community as well. I feel like I’m making a huge difference,” Schaffer said. “People aren’t always going to call you out for the difference you make but you know you’re making a difference for yourself.”

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