Elli was an integral member of the Wales Women’s team. I was lucky to have met Elli when she was 15-years-old, she was representing Wales Schools in the UK School Games.
She was a quiet individual but was still the life and soul of the party. When she was in Neath College she was selected for the Welsh Colleges Girls Sevens team and she played in the British Colleges Championship, where she was part of the team in 2013 and 2014 which won gold.
Elli would come off the pitch each time and ask how she could improve her game further, she always strived for perfection and had her heart set on playing for Wales.
She was an exciting player to watch as she always played with a smile on her face and seemed to be coasting next to players when they were running as fast as they could and when she was given the ball, you would then see her burst of power and speed and no one was able to stop her.
As well as coaching her for Welsh Colleges, I also had the privilege of playing alongside her when she gained her first international cap. I was extremely proud of her as I’d seen her come through the system and blossom as a player.
Elli was the baby of our World Cup squad in 2014 and as people are aware, the World Cup is normally a roller coaster ride as its extremely emotional and challenging. Elli took it in her stride and if anything, helped the senior players out more than she knew.
Her smile and personality could brighten up a room and her infectious giggle would soon spread amongst us. Elli would always greet you with a cwtch and to be honest, they were the best ones, as she always meant it and was happy to see you.
She was a lovely human being who never had a bad word to say and always spoke highly of her family. This young lady will be missed by everyone but I’m honoured to have known Elli and to have had her be a part of my life, even if it was for a short while. My thoughts go out to her family and her partner Scott who she spoke so highly off.
