Bowie, MD

Ellington was born and raised in Bowie, MD. He was introduced to the beautiful game through his parents and by playing with the amazing Bowie Boys & Girls Club. Early on, his coaches recognized his talent, love for the game, and his dynamic ability on the pitch. Ellington also played baseball, basketball, and was an honor roll student through elementary and middle school.

North Carolina & More

In 2018, Ellington and his family moved to Cary, NC. The transition was tough, but Ellington’s love for soccer and baseball was his saving grace. He continued to excel in school, and was immediately connected with a new soccer club - Carolina Velocity. The top-notch coaching and support from CV cemented his love for the game. Ellington and his family recognized that he was a special talent that could continue to play the game at a high level. The journey continued and elevated after Ellington tried out for the NC Olympic Development Program (ODP).

State & Regional Recognition

In 2020 and 2021, Ellington had the opportunity to try out and be assessed through the North Carolina Olympic Development Program. After being selected to the state-wide pool, Ellington was one of 2 ballers to be selected to represent North Carolina in the ODP Regional Pool in Murfreesboro, TN, and was also invited to the interregional camp in Tampa, FL. During the camp in Tennessee, Ellington’s position shifted from a Center Defensive Midfielder to a Center Back. Coaches and scouts were impressed with his athletic ability, and his ability to control the ball out of the backfield. While in Tennessee, Ellington was recruited to attend Shattuck St. Mary’s boarding school and play on their MLS Next team. A move to Minnesota was not in the plans, but it did encourage Ellington and family to look into MLS Next teams in North Carolina.

Upon returning to NC after ODP regional play, Ellington was determined to join an MLS Next team. Ellington joined and excelled at Wake FC MLS Nex. Ellington progressed as one of the most dominant Center Backs in MLS Next between 2021-2023. Ellington was selected to be team captain for the 2022-2023 season, and was selected to participate in 3 MLS Next All-Star games against the top MLS Next players in the country. During his junior year in high school, Ellington verbally committed to continue his soccer career at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. At the end of his junior year, Ellington decided to transition in his final year of youth soccer to train and play with the North Carolina Football Club (NCFC) U19 Academy team. Entering a new club in the final year of his youth soccer experience, before heading to college exemplifies his mental toughness and desire to be challenged by new coaches, a new club, and highly skilled, technical players.

This exciting chapter is being written every day. Ellington is excited to start at UNCW in the Fall of 2024, and only hopes to continue advancing his soccer & academic endeavors! Stay tuned for more.