Ellie Blackford

Hanna Tsitavets

/ Women's Tennis

Photo by: Rey Del Rio/MSU Athletic Communications

Ellie Blackford, Oriana Parkins-Godwin, and Issey Purser with British flag

Photo by: Matthew Mitchell/MSU Athletic Communications

Photo by: Dylan Heinen

Issey Purser & Ellie Blackford Action Shot

Photo by: Dylan Heinen

Ellie Blackford smiles during doubles match

Photo by: Dylan Heinen

Ellie Blackford and senior Liisa Vehvilainen

Photo by: Hannah Garver

Photo by: Matthew Mitchell/MSU Athletic Communications

Photo by: Matthew Mitchell/MSU Athletic Communications

Class:
Sophomore
High School:
New Hall School
Hometown:
Chelmsford, Essex

2024-25 (FRESHMAN)
Earned ITA Scholar-Athlete accolades ... Went 10-13 in overall singles play … Won in her debut spring dual match against Gonzaga’s Safien Boulonois in straight sets 6-0, 6-1 on Jan. 17 ... Posted a four-match win streak in matches that finished, starting vs. Eastern Michigan (2/2) through Ball State (2/23) … Consistently took to No. 2 singles, occasionally playing at No. 3 and No. 1 in doubleheader vs. Youngstown State and Ball State on Feb. 23 … Slated a 10-12 doubles record throughout the season, mostly playing at No. 1 doubles with Liisa Vehvilainen, posting a pair of three-match win streaks.

BEFORE MSU
Is a two-time Junior Wimbledon player in 2022 and 2023 … 18-and-under national doubles champion in 2023.

PERSONAL
Is a native of Chelmsford, England ... Is the youngest daughter of Gary and Jenny ... Has one brother, Callum, who is eight years her senior ... Answers to the nickname Els ... Plans to major in political science and expects to earn her degree from MSU in the spring of 2028 ... In her free time, she enjoys online shopping and ordering Uber eats.