Ella Shevchuk Made for Big Moments

 

It appears that Ella Shevchuk can’t stop running. 

Fresh off an outstanding indoor track season, the sophomore also logged plenty of miles as a member of the Foxes state-qualifying basketball team. Now she’s seamlessly transitioning to outdoor racing, where she may compete in at least five individual events and all three relays.

But before the outdoor season even began, Ella and teammates freshman Claire LoIudice, sophomore Bridget Hemingray, and freshman Sydney Kimmons delivered one of the most exciting races of coach Tom Moul’s past indoor seasons. The quartet climbed the podium at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association (PTFCA) championships after an awe-dropping race in the 4x800 relay.

They entered the championships as the 19th seed but powered their way to a sixth-place finish, thanks to unbelievable and gutsy surges from Bridget and Ella, the final two runners. Their performance moved them into first place in their preliminary heat. 

It wasn’t gold, but coach Tom Moul says it was an “epic” performance and ranks it among the program’s most memorable moments during his tenure with the program. 

“It was one of the best races I’ve ever seen out of a Fox Chapel team,” he says. 

He should know. This is his 19th and final year leading all three seasons of racing. In June, he will be retiring after nearly 30 years teaching and coaching thousands young athletes.  

Ella Caught Coaches’ Attention Early

Ella first caught her coaches’ attention last year as a freshman.  

“What drew my attention from the beginning is how she gets very nervous before races, but she channels that nervous energy into the race,” says coach Moul. “Some athletes are not able to do that, and as a result, their nerves are their undoing – the ‘choke’ effect you might say. She also has the ability to turn it up two or three notches when the real pressure is on. That's a very unique characteristic.  

“During cross country, (coach) Justin (Patterson) and I often referred to her as a secret weapon of sorts. We knew, or thought, that when the championship season arrived, she would be at her best and in our top five. Of course she was, and that team was able to finish as runners-up at the 2025 WPIAL championships.”

The coaches are hoping for even more out of Ella in the coming months, and she is highly motivated and expecting more out of herself, too. 

No Stranger to Pressure

Ella believes her second year of track has made her a better athlete in many ways. She says, “I think I got a lot stronger mentally and physically.” 

Ella and her coaches plan to keep her busy in multiple events during the outdoor track season.

“I will be doing the 4x100 outdoors, because that's one of my favorites, and then the open 800,” she says. “Last year, in outdoor, we were fourth in the 4x800 at WPIALs, so that qualified us for states. Also, the 4x100 relay got sixth place at WPIALs and set a new school record.”

Coach Moul sees Ella as one of the team’s most dependable closers.

“It’s amazing what she’s done considering she’s only a sophomore,” he says.

Looking Ahead

While Ella has already contributed to four great Fox Chapel Area teams – cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and basketball – her best work may be yet to come. 

Hopefully, her early performances are an indication of what’s ahead for her. There will be even more pressure-filled moments, but she seems to be ready for them.

“I always say, ‘Anyone who gets in Ella’s way better watch out,’” says coach Moul.