As a child, Ensley Frame never dreamed that someday she would be committed to playing softball for Creighton University. In fact, she had no interest in softball until her family encouraged her at 10 years old. “My mom and grandpa convinced me to give it a try. From then on softball became my favorite sport.” That was smart advice. Ensley has been a four-year starter on the Gretna High School softball team and last year made the All-Nebraska team.
First and foremost, Frame is a team player. “Being a part of Gretna softball has honestly been one of the biggest blessings in my life,” she said “The culture that the coaches, players, and players before me have created is unreal. It is like a family. The focus is about way more than softball. We have two rules: being a good teammate and competing like crazy.”
Gretna Varsity head softball coach Bill Heard considers Frame to be a role model. “With all of her accomplishments, both softball and academics, it can be easy to overlook the character and leadership Ensley models for our younger kids,” he said. “We are fortunate to have had her for four outstanding years.” Outside of softball, Frame belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and loves spending time with family and friends.
Ever the perfectionist, Frame doesn’t do anything halfway. During her softball career, she’s had to deal with a broken back and a torn labrum, which made sitting on the sidelines difficult. “Injuries are the worst, but sitting out makes you realize how much you actually love the sport. When you get back to playing, you don’t take a single second for granted.” Working through those injuries helped Frame mature into the player she is today. “I think I am most proud of the character that I have built throughout my softball career. I overcame a lot of injuries and rough patches, and it has taught me to never give up, how to deal with failure and how to work hard.” Those traits will serve her well as she pursues a career as a physician assistant at Creighton.