Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It was another day of celebration for Warsaw Community High School athletics, as two more athletes signed their letters of intent to continue their careers at the next level.
Twins Ellie and A.J. Hepler welcomed friends, family and coaches to witness both a culmination of years of hard work, as well as the beginning of their next chapters.
Ellie will be continuing her volleyball career at Indiana University next fall. She was a four-year starter for Warsaw where she played under her mom and head coach Chandra.
“It’s been the experience of a lifetime. Just being able to grow up with her as a mentor has been amazing,” Ellie said.
The libero is looking forward to taking her next step.
“The second that I stepped campus, I felt like I was at home. They valued me as a person more than a player, which is really important to me,” she said. “They’re also trying to foster a winning environment which I thought was a really big deal as well.”
She plans on studying sports marketing and management and hopes to use that degree to get into the athletic field as potentially an athletic director.
When asked what she was most excited about, Ellie cited the opportunity to travel around the country to see different campuses.
“I’m really excited to travel. I love Warsaw but I also love to explore and see new places.”
A.J. will be staying much closer to home and will continue playing baseball at Grace College. The senior catcher looked impressive behind the plate in limited opportunities last season and figures to break out this spring as Warsaw’s primary backstop.
“I know Ellie said she felt at home when she was on IU’s campus, well I am at home when I’m on Grace’s campus,” A.J. said to a big laugh from those in attendance. “I love the people there, love the coaches. They have a great environment. They’re focused on God and that’s where I want to be.”
He has not declared a major just yet but wants to be a pilot some day.
“I love flying. The first time I flew I really enjoyed it and wanted to pursue it,” the future Lancer said. “I’ve always wanted to have a career that I want to wake up and do every day, and flying is one of those things.”
When asked what he thought about what it’s going to be like being away from his twin sister, A.J. said he didn’t think their relationship would change much at all.
“I think we’ll still talk about the same amount we do now. We’ll be calling, we’ll be texting. It’ll be great.”
