Elder: A High Profile Three-Sport Athlete at BHS

Soccer Star Gets Scholarship to Lafayette By KEN HAMWEY, Bulletin Sports Writer Calleigh Elder has excelled in three sports at Bellingham High, relying on a relentless work ethic that’s linked to dedication, desire and a high compete level. A two-time National Honor Society student, she’s an effective leader who’s been selected to a variety of Tri Valley League all-star teams. A captain in basketball and track and a league all-star in soccer, basketball and track, she didn’t have to wait long to get a scholarship to a Division 1 college. Last May, when she was a junior, Lafayette College offered her a full athletic scholarship to play soccer. The 5-foot-4 Elder got a phone call from Michael Statham, Lafayette’s varsity soccer coach for the last 17 years. Statham told Elder that she’ll be welcomed in Easton, Pa., the home of the Leopards, who play in the Patriot League. The welcome included a full scholarship. “I was so excited to get that news,’’ Elder said. “I love the campus and like the school’s academic programs. It’s not super far but it’s close enough to home. I want to be a physical therapist so I’ll major in neuroscience and go from there.’’ The scholarship obviously is a great reward for Elder, who plays as a midfielder and outside back. “It was a testament to all my hard work,’’ she said. “There’s no doubt that the transition from high school Division 4 soccer to a Division 1 college ball will be challenging. But, it’ll work out.’’ The 18-year-old Elder credits her club soccer experience for her good fortune. “Evan Burokas was my club coach and his instruction was a big plus in my developmental years,’’ Elder emphasized. “That’s where I learned the fundamentals. That’s where I built up my endurance, developed my skills and learned to be a read-and-react defender.’’ A five-year varsity soccer player at BHS, Elder recalls her top thrill and her best game. “Being a TVL all-star three times (twice as an honorable-mention) was thrilling,’’ she said. “And, getting a goal in our second-round playoff game last fall against Sutton was memorable. We trailed, 2-0, but that goal kept us going, even though we lost, 4-1.’’ Elder will be competing in her fourth year of track in the spring, running in the 100 and 200-meter events and the 4x100-meter relay. She also throws the javelin. Her personal bests include a 12.9-second clocking in the 100 and 110 feet in the javelin. “I enjoy track,’’ she said. “I like it because there’s both an individual and team flavor to it. There’s also a close-knit atmosphere where both your teammates and opponents applaud a good result. Plus, track helps me with my speed and endurance, which I’ll rely on in soccer.’’ A polished point guard, Elder is now wrapping up her fourth varsity season of basketball. At the Bulletin deadline, the Blackhawks were on the verge of clinching a playoff berth. They had a 10-10 record and a power ranking of 14. Elder was averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. “One of my goals at the start of the season was to qualify for the playoffs,’’ Elder offered. “The TVL is a strong league, and every game has been a test that strengthens us. We’re in a position where we can win some playoff matchups.’’ Elder displayed her ability in the Blackhawks opening game this season against Norton, winning 62-53. She scored 17 points, had 4 assists and 6 rebounds. “That’s been the best game of my career,’’ she emphasized. “And, it was the first time we’ve beaten Norton in my four years. I felt like I directed the offense well, kept the tempo fast and the energy high.’’ A captain who leads by example and by being communicative, her coach, Bob Pingeton, calls Elder “an amazing individual who I’m so proud of and privileged to have known and coached.’’ Pingeton emphasized that “As a two-year captain, she not only leads by being vocal, but also by the way she conducts herself on and off the court. On the court, she doesn’t just work hard, but competes at every practice and game while at the same time making her teammates better. She’s our QB, and we want the ball in her hand as much as possible.” A native of Bellingham, Elder enjoys her role in the backcourt. “A point guard sets the pace and controls tempo,’’ she noted. “I’m a pass-first point guard, always looking to find an open teammate. I’ll shoot if I’m open, otherwise I’ll regroup and try to make a good pass or drive to the basket.’’ Elder’s highest scoring contest was a 25-point effort against Dighton-Rehoboth in the consolation game of the Barry Hutchinson Memorial Tournament in her junior year. “We won, and I was honored to be chosen as an all-star in that tourney,’’ she said. Elder likes having Anabella Barrasso as a co-captain and admires the way freshman Liz Glynn has played. “Anabella is a good captain, always supportive and positive,’’ Elder said. “She’s also a very good three-point shooter. Liz has competed nicely. She’s focused and shooting well.’’ Elder admires the way Pingeton’s turned the program around. “He changed the culture and brought excitement to the game,’’ she emphasized. “He knows the sport, is a great motivator and he’s built trust among the players.’’ How well the Blackhawks fare in the playoffs remains to be seen. But, one fact remains indelible. If a game’s outcome is in doubt or if BHS is clinging to a slim lead, Elder will be the go-to player. Her consistency at the free-throw line (70 percent) and her calm and cool manner in controlling the tempo are major plusses. Her future at the college level should be bright because Calleigh Elder’s desire, dedication and compete level are off the charts.