What motivates you?
The fame and fortune...just kidding! It’s just me pushing myself to be the best that I can be. I love the challenge of competing against the best and rising to it.
Who are your heroes?
If we start with soccer specifically, there are a few players that I looked up to when I was first coming into semi-pro soccer back in Australia. People like Peita-Claire Fothergill (nee Hepperlin), Sarah Dugan (nee Taylor) and a few other names that you guys won't not know. They were a part of a generation of stalwarts in women’s football in my hometown and Australia who were great players that did it tough and created a pathway making it easier for us younger girls to dream big and succeed. They took me under their wing, I looked up to them and they taught me a lot.
When I look off the field, it's cliché but definitely my Mom and Dad. I wouldn’t be the person I am today or where I am today without them. They’ve given my sister and I everything we ever needed to do what we wanted. They’ve been there for every step of the way.
How would you describe Ellie Brush in one word?
Selfless.
What is your favorite soccer movie?
I can’t go past Bend it like Beckham. That was definitely a favorite as is and Kicking and Screaming with Will Ferrell.
If someone had to play you in a biopic who would that be?
Rebel Wilson. Obviously because she’s Australian, hilarious and always surrounded by Americans, just like me.
What is the last book you read or your favorite book?
I just finished Freakonomics, it is really interesting and just a very cool take on the world. As far as my favorite book, that will be the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling is a genius.
What’s the first song you sing at karaoke?
I Will Survive! That just always comes to mind. There's some good actions to go along with it for the stage, of course.
What’s on your playlist that might surprise someone?
If they knew me there would be no surprises because they know I have a very eclectic playlist and a love of a lot of different genres. I mean I have the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys to Chrvches and Kaleo an Icelandic band, and The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison. There's also a good collection of Disney sing-alongs for the right occasion.
What’s your favorite Disney movie?
That’s a tough one, there's too many. Maybe Mary Poppins. Close seconds are Aladdin and The Lion King.
If you could have one superpower, what would that be?
I would love to fly. The first thing I would do would be to soar through the clouds and travel the world, island hopping.
What city or country would you like to visit during your next vacation?
I’d love to go to South Africa. That’s the number one destination at the moment as well as some of the pacific islands.
Describe your perfect day.
I’m partly doing it at the moment with soccer training in the morning, hanging out with friends and having a good flat white at a cool café. Then I’d play golf or have a kick of the footy and finish with watching live sport or a seeing a music gig. Alternatively I'd just be on the beach and in the waves all day!
When it comes to coffee, how do you know if you have the perfect cup?
I do love my espresso! It’s all about balance of flavors. It can’t be too bitter or too milky. It has to have the right textured silky foam with a perfect crema.
What are some of your goals for the next 5-10 years?
Playing over here is a big goal to tick off the list. That’s been pretty cool. Back home, I’m about to make 100 games in the Australian league. I’d be the first player to reach that milestone (that's over the course of eight seasons, we don't have as many games per season there). I would like to play for the national team again. Maybe I’ve been unlucky with that but I would still like to keep proving that I deserve to be there. I'd also love to play Aussie Rules Football in the next five or so years time, they've just announced a pro women's league beginning next year. By 10 years time, I've most likely finished playing pro soccer but I'll probably stay in the game and coach at some level and I'd also like to establish myself as a top sports physiotherapist.
