Prior to attending Samford University, Ella was an AP Scholar with Honors and a recipient of the Stars & Stripes Award through American Heritage Girls, where she also served as a Girl Leader. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, and for two years, she contributed to varsity volleyball management at Greater Atlanta Christian School. In addition, Ella served as an academic aid and designed social media graphics for the athletic teams. At Samford, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with the goal of working in cardiology or the ICU after graduation.