Since her youth, Northampton’s Ella Steirer always took a heightened approach to play sports.

Simply put, it was about passion.

“Sports have been a big part of my life,” she said. “I played a lot of sports when I was younger.

“It has taken a lot of my time. Sports definitely have been a big part of who I am today. You have to be passionate about the sports you play.”

Steirer wasted little time applying her thoughts into actions.

Over the last four years, Steirer was a pivotal player in the Konkrete Kids’ field hockey and lacrosse programs, setting milestones in both.

With stellar seasons in both sports this past year, Steirer is the Northampton Press Female Athlete of the Year. In field hockey, Steirer scored 11 goals and had six assists and had 17 goals and 20 assists for her career. She had 37 goals this past season in lacrosse to move to 154 tallies for her career, ranking second on the all-time scoring list.

In high school, Steirer quickly made a transition and adapted her approach. She became a team leader in both sports.

Carrie Saul served as head coach for the Kids’ field hockey and lacrosse teams, and she recognized Steirer’s leadership qualities.

“Ella led by example and served as a captain for two years for both the field hockey and lacrosse teams,” said Saul. “I know I could count on Ella to rally the team in big games.”

Steirer started playing field hockey in second grade, and it became an instant connection.

“Once I started playing, I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I got involved in the youth program and club teams, and I knew it was a good match for me.

“It really fostered my love for the sport.”

Steirer noted a postseason district win against Nazareth this past season was likely her most memorable moment of her career. The third time playing them this season was the charm, 2-1 victory after a 2-0 loss in an East Penn Conference quarterfinal game.

In the district game, Steirer scored the first goal.

“We had such a big roster of seniors, and we knew we had to score,” recalled Steirer. “I scored the first goal, and it was a big confidence booster for me and the team. Our team camaraderie was off the charts this year.

“We finally got a big win against Nazareth, and it was an amazing game.”

Saul watched Steirer evolve with her field hockey career, citing her indoor game with club teams Marojoka and Excalibur to improve her stick work and decision-making skills.

“Ella started playing field hockey in our youth program,” said Saul. “As a player and leader, she continued to show growth and maturity.

“As a junior, she was elected captain with three seniors. She embraced her role as a leader on the field as well as in the classroom as an academic scholar. She consistently challenged her teammates to strive for excellence.”

Steirer cited her drive for sports to the constant support of her parents, Scott and Jennifer, as well as older sister Sophie, a 2023 graduate who played softball and basketball.

“My parents have been extremely supportive,” said Steirer. “They would take me to every practice.

“My mom was a gymnast and my dad played baseball. They have always been very passionate about sports. They helped me on and off the field.

“My sister definitely was a big influence in my career. She was always super supportive of my athletic career and accomplishments. She attended almost all of my games to cheer me on.”

Steirer became involved in lacrosse due to another family connection.

“My cousins got me into the game,” stressed Steirer. “When I would go to their games, I would watch how the game developed. I really began to fall in love with the game, and I knew how to play.”

Steirer began playing in the school’s youth program and soon established herself. After scoring four goals and getting acclimated to the game her freshman year, Steirer responded with 55 goals her sophomore year and bumped it to 57 her junior season.

“It was a matter of staying focused,” she stated. “I had to get used to running with the stick and building my endurance. There was a lot of hand and eye coordination with the ball.”

Reaching the 100-goal plateau appeared to be a longshot in her freshman year, but Steirer never lost sight of it.

“In my freshman year, I never really considered it,” she said. “But I got a big confidence boost my sophomore year. It was then that I said to myself that I could do it. Scoring was important, and I wanted to step up. I reached it at the end of my junior year, and it was exciting.

“I got my 150th goal on our senior night, and it just was a memorable senior year.”

Her adjustments helped her further develop as a leader, a role she relishes.

“I do like being a leader,” she beamed. “With my experience, I felt like I could help younger players. I know I appreciated the help when I was younger.

“I always tried to work with the younger players. I wanted them to have someone that they would look up to.”

Steirer has cherished the special bond she had with her coach.

“Coach Saul has definitely been a big influence as she has coached me in two sports,” gushed Steirer. “She has been a big help on and off the field, and always been super supportive. She definitely helped guide me in the right direction, and to be a leader on the teams.”

Her unbound passion for sports and life has led her to pursue a career in business. Steirer will continue her lacrosse career at Moravian University and work toward a degree in business management.

“I want to be passionate about my work as well,” said Steirer. “I am interested in working with advertising, and I feel it will be a good fit for me.”

Steirer is anxious to begin her new chapter. However, there always will be plenty of memories from her storied high school career. Steirer also ranked in the top 10 percent of her class.

“I am definitely excited to compete,” she boasted. “Looking back, I am happy with what I accomplished, but it is bittersweet.

“I just want to be the best college teammate I can be. I would look into coaching field hockey or lacrosse after college.”

Whatever Steirer will do, she will do it with passion.