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Hase’s Soccer Journey: From Family Influence to Duke’s Starting Lineup
9/23/2024 9:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.C.-- The Duke women's soccer team has welcomed several new additions to their roster this season, each making valuable contributions to their successful 2024 campaign. A standout among them is Ella Hase, a fifth-year transfer from Northwestern.
The skilled forward has brought vital energy and depth to the squad, playing a key role in the Blue Devils' strong performance so far.
However, the forward role wasn't originally a part of her plan.
Hase's journey in soccer began at the age of three, driven by family ties and a natural gravitation toward the sport. Like many parents, Hase recalled how her mother had thrown her and her siblings into sports growing up, but ultimately it was soccer that stuck for her and became a lasting passion for the family.
Growing up, Hase didn't immediately settle into the position she plays today. Her early years at a Chicago-based club saw her playing center midfield, a role far removed from her current position as a forward at Duke.
"I played at a club called Chicago Inner. It wasn't a super renowned club, we weren't involved in ECL or anything like that. I was having fun with my friends but was a center mid, which is so crazy because I would never consider myself a midfielder now," laughed Hase when reflecting on her early days of soccer. "I played center mid my whole life up until college and then I ended up going to an ID camp at Northwestern that my mom signed me up for, that I didn't even want to go to, actually, which is funny. I ended up getting scouted there and then, a week later, I was on a visit there."
Playing in the Big Ten Conference had always been in the back of Hase's mind, especially with her older sister, Kylie, committing and playing for Purdue University.
"When she committed to go to Purdue, I was like, 'Oh, my God, I need to go to a school in the Big Ten.' Growing up, I just wanted to go to a big conference and meet up to her expectations," said Hase. "So, I don't think I would have gone to Northwestern if she didn't go to Purdue. She was influential in terms of going to Northwestern."
When Hasse officially joined the Wildcats, she was trained as a left-back, a natural fit given her left-footed abilities.
For her first two years, she played as an outside back, marking a significant shift from her lifelong role as an attacking player to a more defensive position. However, in her final two years, Hasse was moved back into an attacking role, a return to her roots and more in line with her original aspirations within her soccer career.
Overall, Hase's stats reflect a standout collegiate soccer career with the Northwestern Wildcats. Across 71 matches, including 67 starts, she tallied 14 goals and 10 assists, accumulating 38 points. All her goals and assists came her final two seasons. Her knack for stepping up in crucial moments is evident, as she recorded six game-winning goals, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Hase's next big move came after her senior season.
With one more year of eligibility, she entered the transfer portal and in a whirlwind of events, she received a call from Duke just days after her last game at Northwestern.
"Growing up, we went to a tournament here in Raleigh for my club and we toured Duke. I would never have imagined I would have ended up here, which is kind of crazy. It happened fast. About a week after my last game at Northwestern, I entered the portal. I just needed a new experience, I needed a new program," Hase reflected. "Duke reached out, and I was shocked, to say the least. I got on a Zoom call with them, and a couple of days later I was there, and then two days later, I was committed. I just had a gut feeling, talking to the coaches and being here, that this would be the right decision."
Her transition to Duke has been both exciting and challenging. But she's found her footing in both friendships and the team dynamic.
The Blue Devils impressive depth is something that stands out to her and now playing as a wing back on the left side for Duke, Hase's experience as both a defender and attacker has made her a versatile asset to the lineup.
She has started six of the seven matches this season, including six straight. Hase scored her first goal as a Blue Devil at Nebraska, which was the game-winner. On the road at Clemson in the ACC opener, Hase connected on her second goal to help Duke register a 3-1 victory. Hase added an assist against East Tennessee State and a career-high two assists versus Missouri. Her seven points on the year ranks tied for fourth on the Blue Devil squad.
"She's been amazing," said Duke women's soccer head coach Robbie Church. "From the start of preseason practice, you would have never known if you were at our practice that Ella had only been with us for two or three days at that time. She looked like she had been in our system of play for the past four years. She's added a new dimension that we have not had for a while. Her speed is outstanding, she's a good dribbler, draws the defenders in and pushes by and has really good services. Ella has been a great addition and one of the reasons that up to this point, we've scored a lot of goals."
Her dual ability to contribute offensively, while maintaining strong defensive qualities has given her a unique edge on the field.
"It's helping me and I talked to (Coach) Robbie (Church) about that a little bit," said Hase. "He said I think this position will be great for you because you can do your thing offensively, but then you can also do your thing defensively, too. So, it kind of gives me the freedom to be all over the place alongside and work with my outside back and my attacking mode."
Looking ahead, Hase is leaving her professional career options open, but for now, she's focused on staying in the moment rather than feeling pressured by future decisions.
While her plans beyond this season remain uncertain, her impact on the field at Duke is unmistakable. With her experience, skillset, and leadership, she's set to continue to help the Blue Devils achieve new milestones.
Hase and the Blue Devils will next host SMU on Friday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m., inside Koskinen Stadium live on ACC Network Extra.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
The skilled forward has brought vital energy and depth to the squad, playing a key role in the Blue Devils' strong performance so far.
However, the forward role wasn't originally a part of her plan.
Hase's journey in soccer began at the age of three, driven by family ties and a natural gravitation toward the sport. Like many parents, Hase recalled how her mother had thrown her and her siblings into sports growing up, but ultimately it was soccer that stuck for her and became a lasting passion for the family.
Growing up, Hase didn't immediately settle into the position she plays today. Her early years at a Chicago-based club saw her playing center midfield, a role far removed from her current position as a forward at Duke.
"I played at a club called Chicago Inner. It wasn't a super renowned club, we weren't involved in ECL or anything like that. I was having fun with my friends but was a center mid, which is so crazy because I would never consider myself a midfielder now," laughed Hase when reflecting on her early days of soccer. "I played center mid my whole life up until college and then I ended up going to an ID camp at Northwestern that my mom signed me up for, that I didn't even want to go to, actually, which is funny. I ended up getting scouted there and then, a week later, I was on a visit there."
Playing in the Big Ten Conference had always been in the back of Hase's mind, especially with her older sister, Kylie, committing and playing for Purdue University.
"When she committed to go to Purdue, I was like, 'Oh, my God, I need to go to a school in the Big Ten.' Growing up, I just wanted to go to a big conference and meet up to her expectations," said Hase. "So, I don't think I would have gone to Northwestern if she didn't go to Purdue. She was influential in terms of going to Northwestern."
When Hasse officially joined the Wildcats, she was trained as a left-back, a natural fit given her left-footed abilities.
For her first two years, she played as an outside back, marking a significant shift from her lifelong role as an attacking player to a more defensive position. However, in her final two years, Hasse was moved back into an attacking role, a return to her roots and more in line with her original aspirations within her soccer career.
Overall, Hase's stats reflect a standout collegiate soccer career with the Northwestern Wildcats. Across 71 matches, including 67 starts, she tallied 14 goals and 10 assists, accumulating 38 points. All her goals and assists came her final two seasons. Her knack for stepping up in crucial moments is evident, as she recorded six game-winning goals, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Hase's next big move came after her senior season.
With one more year of eligibility, she entered the transfer portal and in a whirlwind of events, she received a call from Duke just days after her last game at Northwestern.
"Growing up, we went to a tournament here in Raleigh for my club and we toured Duke. I would never have imagined I would have ended up here, which is kind of crazy. It happened fast. About a week after my last game at Northwestern, I entered the portal. I just needed a new experience, I needed a new program," Hase reflected. "Duke reached out, and I was shocked, to say the least. I got on a Zoom call with them, and a couple of days later I was there, and then two days later, I was committed. I just had a gut feeling, talking to the coaches and being here, that this would be the right decision."
Her transition to Duke has been both exciting and challenging. But she's found her footing in both friendships and the team dynamic.
The Blue Devils impressive depth is something that stands out to her and now playing as a wing back on the left side for Duke, Hase's experience as both a defender and attacker has made her a versatile asset to the lineup.
She has started six of the seven matches this season, including six straight. Hase scored her first goal as a Blue Devil at Nebraska, which was the game-winner. On the road at Clemson in the ACC opener, Hase connected on her second goal to help Duke register a 3-1 victory. Hase added an assist against East Tennessee State and a career-high two assists versus Missouri. Her seven points on the year ranks tied for fourth on the Blue Devil squad.
"She's been amazing," said Duke women's soccer head coach Robbie Church. "From the start of preseason practice, you would have never known if you were at our practice that Ella had only been with us for two or three days at that time. She looked like she had been in our system of play for the past four years. She's added a new dimension that we have not had for a while. Her speed is outstanding, she's a good dribbler, draws the defenders in and pushes by and has really good services. Ella has been a great addition and one of the reasons that up to this point, we've scored a lot of goals."
Her dual ability to contribute offensively, while maintaining strong defensive qualities has given her a unique edge on the field.
"It's helping me and I talked to (Coach) Robbie (Church) about that a little bit," said Hase. "He said I think this position will be great for you because you can do your thing offensively, but then you can also do your thing defensively, too. So, it kind of gives me the freedom to be all over the place alongside and work with my outside back and my attacking mode."
Looking ahead, Hase is leaving her professional career options open, but for now, she's focused on staying in the moment rather than feeling pressured by future decisions.
While her plans beyond this season remain uncertain, her impact on the field at Duke is unmistakable. With her experience, skillset, and leadership, she's set to continue to help the Blue Devils achieve new milestones.
Hase and the Blue Devils will next host SMU on Friday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m., inside Koskinen Stadium live on ACC Network Extra.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
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