The Raleigh Sports Club honored Ravenscroft varsity soccer standout Ellie Roberts ’22 as their Student-Athlete of the Week at their weekly luncheon on Wednesday, March 23.

Roberts, a captain of the 4-0 team, is a four-year starter for the Ravens. She has played at the center-midfield position and was recognized as a 2021 All-TISAC performer. The Raleigh Sports Club selected Roberts for this recognition based on her excellent academic record, her community service and success on the soccer pitch. 

“Ellie is the glue that binds our team,” Robert Smith, who is in his first year as head coach for the team, said. “I know we would not have the record we have and the amount of goals scored if it were not for Ellie’s tireless work ethic on the field. She never seeks recognition and just does what she needs to do to make the entire team better.”

Wake County coaches and athletic directors nominate their high school student-athletes for this recognition. In nominating Ellie for this honor, Assistant Athletic Director Jim Gibbons said, the Athletics Department sees her as “an excellent representative of Ravenscroft and the girls soccer program. She has achieved at a high level on and off the field. She is a two-year member of the Student-Athlete Leadership Training program and is a humble, confident leader for our soccer program and the hallways.”

“She is a true leader by example, and I am happy that she is co-captaining this group of young girls, so that they can witness what it takes to be a Raven in every sense of the word,” Smith added. “She doesn’t know it yet, but she is creating the tone and model for our future captains as well as the type of team leadership and work ethic we are cultivating for years to come.”

“I am beyond appreciative for the chance to be recognized at the Raleigh Sports Club and for the support that Ravenscroft has provided me during my academic and athletic growth,” Ellie said. “The meeting and award ceremony was super-fun, and I enjoyed getting to talk to all the people there who love sports just as much as I do.”

Raleigh Sports Club is in its 57th year of providing weekly luncheons featuring speakers representing all parts of the college and professional athletic scene. The keynote speaker at Wednesday’s luncheon was Mike Minter, former Carolina Panther and current head football coach at Campbell University.