Ellie Hoyt sets the ball at a 2017 Minnesota State University-Moorhead match, where she tallied the most assists. Hoyt transferred to Bethel for her sophomore year of college, where she found an identity and sense of belonging. “I hope kids have that realization of how special Bethel actually is. Professors care about you here” She said. “I think there’s a bunch of different areas about Bethel that are unique and rare, and hopefully more and more people start to realize that.” | Submitted photo

Bethel senior assists her community

Ellie Hoyt uses lessons learned from adversity and volleyball to help children in her hometown play sports.

By Sarah Bakeman|Reporter

Ellie Hoyt knew her GPA fell below the requirement, and so did the interviewers who sat across from her. But for Hoyt, joining Rotary International wasn’t just another charade for college applications.

Before Hoyt knew the definition of ‘foreclosure,’ her home was gone and the word attained the meaning of instability.

“I loved proving people wrong, it [volleyball] taught me to take charge, even if you’re the youngest in the room, the uneducated one, the one who’s new.” –Ellie Hoyt, Bethel senior

Where her family stayed didn’t matter. An apartment. A townhouse. A camper. As long as there was enough space between packed-up boxes to do push-ups or time for volleyball practice, Hoyt felt blessed. Each Rogers High School match provided the satisfaction of shocking people who underestimated a seventh grader playing varsity.

“I loved proving people wrong,” Hoyt said. “It taught me to take charge, even if you’re the youngest in the room, the uneducated one, the one who’s new.”

As a sophomore, Hoyt was new to Osseo Senior High. Her friends no longer boasted name brands and allowances; they depended on couch hopping and multiple minimum wage jobs for survival. Hoyt observed troubled students who beamed during gym-class basketball, fail to show up at tryouts.

She realized something needed to be done. That’s when Hoyt thought of her scholarship program, the Crossover, which provides resources necessary for disadvantaged children to participate in sports. The program didn’t flourish until a Hail Mary interview with Rotary International where ambition outshined academics. The Rotary connected her with CROSS Services, where the Crossover received funding.

Ellie Hoyt reads a verse from her Bible on her Youtube channel “Seriously,” which she started in July. Hoyt, a senior at Bethel, hoped to create an authentic and positive presence with social media, especially when so many use it for the wrong reasons. “I think, in the sense of social media, you can use it for good,” Hoyt said. “I think that’s what I’ve really tried to do with my platform.” | Submitted photo

“They took a chance on me,” Hoyt said. “God was like ‘Even though the world says you’re not going to be able to get this job, get this opportunity, I’ll make this happen for you.’”

After Bethel University, Hoyt plans to continue giving hope, but now through scripture. As she walks away, the words ‘redeemed’ and ‘anointed’ can be seen permanently tattooed into the back of her arms.

Ellie Hoyt explains her Seriously YouTube channel. | Video by C.J. Washington