NEW HAVEN, Conn. – This summer, the Bulldogs are taking a break from the books and are embarking on experiences away from the Yale campus. Check in with some members of the Yale softball team and see how they are spending their summer break.

This week, hear from rising sophomore Ella Gandolfo to see what she is up to!

Hi everyone, my name is Ella Gandolfo, and I am a sophomore outfielder on the Yale softball team. During the school year, I live on Science Hill in Benjamin Franklin College, which is perfect for being a neuroscience major on the pre-med track. This summer, I'm back home in Wilmington, Delaware! I'm using my summer break to take Organic Chemistry I and II at Villanova University. Classes are Monday through Friday with a lab. There are 15 students, so we've gotten really close and work together to keep up with the 30-week course load that's condensed into just 8 weeks. It's a lot of work, but having this class done will definitely pay off in the long run to stay on track with my pre-med requirements, and allow for more time during the softball season. 

When I'm not in the lab or studying organic chemistry, my dad has been my softball buddy—just like before I went to college. We throw, hit, go to the field for fly balls, and watch lots of softball together. My old travel team hosts weekend practices for graduated members of the program, which is a great opportunity to reconnect with former teammates and coaches, as well as other college players, while staying in a high-level practice environment during the summer. I've also been back at my old gym to lift and work on speed and agility, as well as seeing my hitting coach (you can only hit with your dad so much!). Summer has been a great time to get back to softball basics while also building on growth areas from the previous season. 

I try to head down to the beach when I'm not busy to enjoy some time by the water. My dog loves going to the beach in the mornings (though not quite as much as going to Yale softball games!) and runs around playing ball or chasing seagulls. I'm looking forward to being in New Haven in early August for all of YSB's summer camps. When I was going through the recruiting process, the Yale prospect camp was the first time I got to be on campus and learn what the program was all about. I'm excited to be on the other side of things this year and to see some teammates and my coaches for a couple of weekends. Once August rolls around, move-in for sophomore year will be here in no time. I can't wait to be back with the Dogs and continue to grow and learn in year 2! 

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