For Coach Ella Masar, it all started with an undeniable love for the game of soccer. A love that was discovered at a very young age in Urbana, Illinois and ignited a passion for greatness within her for the years to come. From an incredible collegiate career at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to a decorated 10-year professional career in the States and overseas, Coach Masar continued to foster her legacy throughout her journey in the game. She didn't just stop there. After stepping away from the pitch, Coach Masar was determined to give back to the game and help the next generation of athletes. Sure enough, she has done just that. In 2022, Coach Masar embarked on her career in coaching and joined the Kansas City Current as an assistant coach. Currently in her second year coaching in the NWSL and first season with the Chicago Red Stars as an assistant coach, Coach Masar continues to be inspired by the opportunity to help athletes along their journeys in soccer; and is excited to make an impact throughout this new chapter in her career.
Let’s dive into your journey early on! You had an incredible high school career and then were a walk-on at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—where you played all four years and also had a great career. How was that transition from high school to college like for you?
I mean, I played Park District. I think I went up a couple of times to Chicago because Chicago here has a great scene for high school and club soccer. But, you went from being the best in your area to being the best in the country; and then you add in international. It was a massive jump for the quality, but again, you can't teach being an athlete. I had a good work ethic, and it was something that I thought I could do. My family had a great belief in me (as well), so for me it was just: “Ok, these guys are better, but I'm going to get you. I'm gonna catch you.” That was just kind of always my philosophy (*laughs*). My parents had their own demons to fight, but I can't say anything bad about what they instilled in us as children; which was that you gotta work for everything you get. You know, it's in your hands. If you have an opportunity, take it.
What were some key takeaways or lessons that you learned during your time as a student-athlete that you carried with you as you embarked on your professional career?
I wish I would have done more, to be brutally honest. To get an undergrad and a bachelor’s, especially when you go overseas and understand it more, it's a huge thing. To be a pro athlete in any spectrum you have to have luck. You can be the greatest athlete in the world, but if you don't have luck—if you get a big injury (for instance)—, anything can happen. I'm so thankful I got my bachelor’s degree and I know I wouldn't have college without soccer, so I think it was just appreciating that. Appreciating that you don't have to pay debt. It's kind of a balance, but it's also knowing that I would never be or have the journey I did without my college experience. Having the structure of going to classes, having the structure of learning, and meeting some of the most incredible people in my life still to this day was just such a unique U.S. experience, but one that I think we need; because again, you need to have luck to be a great pro—no matter how good you are.
Throughout your 10-year career, you played in the States—in Chicago, Houston—, but you also played overseas in Paris, Sweden, and Germany. Could you take us through that journey there of playing overseas and also coming back to the States during your professional career?
I never thought I would come from a small cornfield to underneath the Eiffel Tower—that probably sums it up (*laughs*). To play at PSG, to play for the national team, to have a Champions League, when I played it was like: “Ok, can I learn the language in two years?” I can speak four languages now because I knew, after my career, this was a way to stay in the game. You can speak Spanish. You can speak German. You can speak Swedish. You can communicate with sixty-percent of the world. So that's what I did, and my best lessons were going into a country that speaks no English, going out of my comfort zone, going into the locker room, and learning new cultures—that's what I take back with me now. I have five of my best friends…one's Icelandic, one's Danish, one's Norwegian, one's English, and my wife is German. That sums up my life of the culture that I've brought, and for me it's who I am. I don't know a life without that.
Take us back to that rookie year, what were some challenges that you faced early on in your journey and how did you work to navigate through those?