Crossing Enemy Lines

By Parker Bradley, OSU Athletics Communications

Ellie Geoffroy has stepped into a key defensive role for Oklahoma State this season after transferring from Bedlam-rival Oklahoma.

Geoffroy's defensive efforts have helped propel the Cowgirls to an 11-2-0 and a spot atop the Big 12 Conference standings with a 4-0-0 mark.

A sophomore center back, Geoffroy leads a back line for a team that has posted eight shutouts and allowed only seven goals in 13 games.

At OU, where Geoffroy spent her first collegiate season, she played in 19 games and was a part-time starter who amassed over 1,000 minutes. With the Cowgirls, she has started every game and is second on the team among field players in minutes played with 971.

Along with being a leader on the defense, Geoffroy has contributed three goals for the Cowgirls, including one to help carry OSU to an upset of No. 19 UCF.

After a coaching change in Norman, Geoffroy made the decision to transfer to OSU. It's been a smooth transition; she's geographically closer to her hometown of Andover, Kansas, and Stillwater also feels a little more comfortable.

"It resembles home in a lot of aspects, one being the community," Geoffroy said. "Everyone is just so together, and the togetherness is awesome to see. Everyone is looking out for you. It's been really easy to adapt. People have been making it easy."

She's wasted no time making connections on the pitch as well.

"I think Ellie had a big impact on our team," said OSU midfielder Chloe Wright. "She came in with a really positive mindset. She was just really open and wanted to be friends with everybody… On the field, we lost a lot of our starting center backs last year, and I think Ellie coming on and being able to step into that starting role as our center back and do as well as she's doing right now, I think it shows a lot."

Geoffroy has also made a few personal changes for the new season. She has spent more time focusing on her mental game, and she says clearing her mind and making sure she's focused is a massive addition to her pregame routine. She's also made a few other notable changes such as sporting a new hairstyle on the field, a tight low bun.

Athletic success is in Geoffroy's genes; both of her parents played collegiate athletics at the University of Richmond. Her mother played field hockey and lacrosse, while her father played football.

"Growing up in that household, it's very competitive," Geoffroy said. "You want to do better than what they did. You just have that competitive look and mindset of it."

Her family's influence has stuck with her. One of Ellie's favorite quotes comes from her father, Ray Geoffroy, who told her, "Fear no one and respect everyone," a motto he played by and passed along to Ellie, who now does the same.

As conference play heats up, Geoffroy looks to continue her success and help the Cowgirls pursuit of a Big 12 title and a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Ellie Geoffroy

Chloe Wright

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