Junior Ella Morris at her first beauty pageant. Photo provided by Ella Morris
By: Samantha Neidlinger/ Staff writer
For most high school athletes, transitioning from the wrestling mat to the pageant stage might seem like an unlikely shift. But for Ella Morris, a junior and standout wrestler, it became another opportunity to challenge herself in a new environment.
“I’ve been wanting to compete in a pageant for so long, but I never had the time,” Morris said. “My mom was scrolling on Instagram one day and texted me asking if I wanted to try one, and I said yes.”
Once she committed, Morris approached the experience with the same focus she brings to wrestling. When it came time to select a talent, she chose something that reflected her athletic background: wrestling stance and motion.
So, what is “stance and motion”?
Stance and motion is a foundational wrestling drill that demonstrates a wrestler’s technique, balance, and readiness. It begins with dropping into a proper wrestling stance, a low, balanced position that allows quick movement in any direction. From there, the wrestler moves around the mat using controlled footwork, simulating how they would track or evade an opponent. The drill often includes elements like level changes, shots and sprawls, and it’s a key part of every wrestler’s training routine.
“I performed stance and motion for my talent because it was something I was familiar and comfortable with,” Morris explained. “I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare and saw that the other contestants were singing or dancing. Those were things they enjoyed doing outside of the pageant, and wrestling was the thing I enjoyed.”
Her performance stood out among the more traditional talents and made an impression.
“The judges and audience loved my performance because it was very unique,” she said. “Miss America from 2009 was the MC, and she said it was the most unique talent she’s seen brought to a pageant stage.”
Although she had never participated in a pageant before, Morris said the experience pushed her outside of her comfort zone in the best way.
“I was nervous the first time I stepped on the stage because I had never done a pageant before,” she said. “I reminded myself that being a part of the pageant is a fun opportunity and that I can’t let fear get in my way.”
Beyond the stage lights, Morris said one of the most rewarding aspects of the event was connecting with other contestants and learning about their community service initiatives.
“My favorite part of the pageant was being able to connect with other girls from around the state and hear their community service platforms,” she said. “It was nice being surrounded by other girls who are trying to make a difference in society.”
Morris’s own platform, “Fire Families First,” focuses on providing mental health support and resources to children of injured firefighters, a cause she says is personally important to her.
“Being in the pageant showed me how I can make a difference,” she said. “This cause is very important to me, and I am able to inform other people about mental health and have a positive impact on their life.”
Like any competition, the pageant presented challenges, including a 10-minute interview with the judges.
“I had to prepare myself for tough questions the judges might ask me and brush up on current events,” she said.
Now, with her first pageant experience behind her, Morris is preparing for several more competitions later this fall.
Reflecting on everything she gained from stepping into a completely new arena, she said.
“I learned that it’s okay to step outside of your comfort zone because that’s where you grow the most.”