Athlete of the Week: Ellie Leneis, Windermere Little League

After helping Windermere Little League’s 8-10U softball team win the State Championship in 2024, pitcher Ellie Leneis has returned two years later with another productive year. The now-12-year-old has been playing softball since she was 6 and, once again, has made WLL’s 10-12U All Star team. 

This past spring season, Leneis has played 14 games. She has pitched 39 innings with 91 strikeouts. She also has recorded a .519 batting average. 

Her All-Star’s team was marked with success by defeating Dr. Phillips Little League softball team in the District 14 Little League Softball All Star Tournament Tuesday, June 9, and claiming the district title. The team now advances to sectionals, and Leneis will continue to work hard and push herself everyday as the team continues its voyage for a state title.

“Ellie is a natural competitor,” Leneis’ coach Andre Visser said. “She loves to compete, pitching with purpose and confidence, and swings the bat with power. No matter the situation, she’s always ready to rise to the challenge.”

What do you enjoy most about softball?  

I enjoy working hard and having fun with my teammates.

When did you start softball, and why did you join? 

I started softball at 4 years old with T-ball. Then, I started real softball at 6 years old. I started to play — partially because my dad wanted me to — and when I started, I realized how fun it was. 

What is your best memory in softball? 

One of my best memories in softball is when my Little League All-Star team won state 8-10U championships in 2024. 

What has softball taught you? 

Softball has taught me to work hard, work together and be competitive.

What advice would you give someone who just joined softball?  

Work hard and never give up — even though it is hard.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?  

Work on speed, mechanics and strength. Those things will get you through the game and have fun.

What is your pre-game ritual?

Warm up in your mind. During warms-ups, think of what you are doing and what you can do better in the game.

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? 

I would pick swimming, because I used to swim, and I thought it was fun. 

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to my sister, Anna. She works so, so hard for her swimming, and she is one of the best swimmers. 

What is something new you’d like to learn?

I would like to learn to surf. If we do not play in the Little League World Series this summer, I am going to surf camp in Los Angeles with my cousins.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?  

I would live in Los Angeles, California. 

What is your favorite birthday or holiday memory?

Going to my grandparents’ beach house with my best friend, Catherine.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Marine biologist. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

I would choose a cheetah because they are fast. 

Why did you pick your jersey number?

My dad attended high school with Kobe Bryant, so my number 24 (is for him). My birthday is also May 24!