Big League Influence – Senior outfielder has MLB connection in corner

Tyler Cropley photo courtesy of Getty Images/Major League Baseball/Kansas City Royals

Ellie Cropley is all about family.

Whether it's her extended family in the Sioux City area, her Bishop Heelan High School alumni group, or the team and campus she is a part of at Morningside University, she isn't afraid to lean on any of them at any time. 

Ellie's immediate family got her on the diamond from a young age, while her brother, Tyler, showed her avenues she could aspire to. 

"I remember watching him play for Heelan," she reflected. "During those times, while I was also going through school there, I met a good friend in Lexie Stolen."

Her relationship with Stolen eventually added to her desire to play softball.

"Lexie talked to me about playing in high school," Cropley remembered. "She finally convinced me, and I've never felt better about a decision. I'd tried it a little in middle school. Ever since Lexie talked to me though, I gave it all I've had and enjoyed each opportunity of being on the field and with my teammates at every level."

Stolen and her family's guidance, including older brother Tyler who is now a local celebrity as a member of the Kansas City Royals, has had an impressive investment rate. Going into 2022, she ranked among the Mustangs' top 10 in slugging percentage (.595) and doubles (41).

Every once in a while, though, she reaches out to Tyler for advice.

"He checks in me from time to time and watches our games online when he can," Cropley noted. "When I'm struggling, he is especially about helping me work through the mental side of the game."

"He has been probably the biggest reason I'm where I'm at," she added. "Watching him work so hard day in and day out pushes me to do what I'm doing."

Stolen's friendship continues to drive her, too. It was one of many reasons she decided to take the short trip from Heelan to Morningside for collegiate competition.

"Tyler went away for college baseball, but I wanted to be close to home," Cropley admitted. "When I saw Lexie was at Morningside and with the relationship I had with (head) Coach (Jessica Jones-) Sitzmann, it was an easy decision."

Her Morningside experience, which she admits isn't just a campus, but home, has led to her being an influencer among a young Mside outfield this season. She plans to return for a fifth year in 2023 to continue to guide the likes of sophomore Makenna Sidzyik (Omaha, Neb.) and junior Vanessa Bohuslavsky (David City, Neb.).

"I enjoy answering their questions and helping them succeed," Ellie said. "I was in the same spot when I got here. (Former outfielder) Carson (Cameron) was there for me. She knew how to handle her role, making me feel comfortable and be ready for the next play."

"I've got that same family off the field," she added. "We all are friends and encourage each other in classes and campus life."

Cropley's major of agricultural education has needed some of that encouragement. After all, coming from a city background to teaching future students about agriculture would be a challenge for some.

"I knew I wanted to teach," she stated. "I just didn't know in what capacity. I like agriculture, and it was a good fit."

Immersing herself in another family --- a common Cropley theme.