Student Spotlight: Ella DeNicola
Class of 2025
Degree:
Hometown:
Richmond, Va.
Where are you from and what brought you to Marymount?
I grew up in South Carolina before my family moved to Richmond, Va. when I was a teenager. I was a swimmer in high school and wanted to go somewhere that I could continue to compete. I also knew that I wanted to work in sports communications, so I wanted to find a school that would set me up for success. So when I visited D.C. and came to Marymount, it checked all the boxes for me. And it is super close to my favorite baseball team, the Washington Nationals, so that was an added bonus!
What has your overall experience been like over the past four years at Marymount?
My experience has just been so much fun. I have definitely seen myself grow a lot over the past four years. In my freshman year, I was a lot more introverted and you really wouldn’t see me outside my dorm too much. Then in my sophomore year, I told myself that I was going to push myself and become who I’ve always wanted to become. After I took that step, I just had so much fun getting involved in new things and meeting new people. I love the community at Marymount—everyone has always been on my side and cheered me on, from my professors to my peers. I’ve had so much fun the last four years and I’ve loved every second of it!
What have you been involved in at Marymount?
One of the biggest things that I’ve gotten involved with is Athletics Communications. In my sophomore year, I sent an email to the Athletics department introducing myself and asking how I could get involved as a student. That set me up for my next three years. I started out working with the baseball team as the play-by-play announcer for all of the livestreams and home games. Then in my junior year, I took over the Made by Marymount athletics podcast, interviewing coaches, players and administrators in the Athletics department and giving them a space to tell their stories. This last year, I’ve stepped away from the commentary side of sports and have focused on the production side of things, working to improve the game day experience for the audience and players. I’ve wanted to work in athletics communications for as long as I can remember, so getting the chance to do that for three years, really exploring the different roles within the field and getting to apply all the skills I am learning in my classes, has been such a dream come true for me.
How can incoming freshmen make the most of their college experience?
A lot of people tell you, ‘don’t take on more than you can handle or put too much on your plate,’ but my advice is the opposite. I would say don’t be afraid to take on a lot and do a lot. If you fail, you fail in a safe environment, and if you succeed, it will be so rewarding! Don’t be afraid to say yes to things, even if they seem frightening or challenging. I’ve had so many doors open for me just because I chose to say yes to an opportunity. Those opportunities have changed my life and now I have so many fun memories that I will carry with me forever. So don’t be afraid to say yes! It could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
