Upper Arlington — Wellington senior and Vassar College commit Elodie Ware stood at center court in front of a packed home crowd, receiving recognition for becoming just the third girl in school history to reach 1,000 career points. It was a milestone she will never forget.
“The amount of support and love I felt in that moment was amazing,” Ware reflected. “Throughout my basketball career, I would’ve never guessed something like this was possible, so accomplishing it with all my family and friends around me showed how far I can go with their support.”
Ware has spent nearly her entire academic journey at Wellington School in Upper Arlington. She first picked up basketball through the school’s youth program, but it wasn’t until eighth grade that her passion for the sport truly began to grow.
“My athletic director introduced me to an AAU team that I started playing with that spring,” she recalled. “That got me into AAU and introduced me to my trainer who I would not be where I am without and who made me start thinking about basketball a little more seriously.”
Ware’s true calling for the sport emerged during her sophomore year when she transitioned from playing in the post to becoming a point guard—an adjustment that shaped her into the athlete she is today.
“I was forced to handle a lot more and take on being the point guard, but this is truly when I fell in love with basketball,” she said. “It was a hard year, but with all of the coaches around me, both in school and out, I came out so much better on the other side.”
Before this season, Ware committed to Vassar College in New York to continue her basketball career. Then, in January, she reached the 1,000-point career mark, eventually leading the Lady Jaguars to the third seed in the Division VII Central District state playoffs.
Ware expressed deep gratitude for the school and its role in shaping her as an athlete. “The Wellington basketball program and its culture are a big reason I am where I am,” she said. “Our coaching staff is some of the most supportive people I’ve ever been around. I love this team more than anything and owe everything I’ve accomplished to the culture and family the coaching staff has created.”
Having grown up as a product of the Wellington basketball system, Ware now gets the opportunity to mentor the same youth players she once was. The connection she shares with current eighth grader Madeline Weaver stands out to her. “Having her tell me she’s playing because of me is probably one of the most rewarding things ever,” Ware said. “I love the fact that my love for the game can be passed down and influence younger people at my school.”
With their next playoff matchup against Madison Christian looming on Tuesday, Ware is filled with gratitude for everything Wellington has helped her accomplish, regardless of the outcome. “My teammates are the reason I enjoy playing so much,” she reflected. “My Wellington team has helped each other through many losses and many wins, but through all the ups and downs, we keep playing for each other. I am so grateful to this sport and all the amazing people it has brought me.”
Elodie Ware’s journey at Wellington School has been shaped by growth, camaraderie, and finding a love for basketball. As she heads to Vassar College, she leaves behind a legacy of hard work, gratitude, and a lasting impact on those she has impacted along the way.
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