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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Toledo native Ellie Pool brings hometown heart to BGSU women’s soccer
November 11, 2025 | Women's Soccer
BGSU women's soccer features 29 players this season — and 13 hail from across Ohio. But only one, forward Ellie Pool, represents Northwest Ohio.
The Toledo native and former Sylvania Southview standout spent four seasons in the Cougars' varsity program before taking her talents to the next level.
While at Southview, Pool starred in the Northern Lakes League (NLL), where she shared Co-NLL Player of the Year honors in 2019 with former Anthony Wayne and BGSU defender Emilie Gardner.
"(In high school) BG wasn't really an option for me. All of my family went to Toledo," said Pool.
After high school, she followed family ties to become a Toledo Rocket, staying in Northwest Ohio for her collegiate career.
"I think in general, I'm kind of a homebody. I wanted to be close to my family and friends…they come to every game, home and away," said Pool.
Women's head soccer coach Chris Fox also believes in the importance of staying close to home and how important it is to have her on the team.
"I think it's beneficial for players to go to local high schools; often the community will come to games and look up to Ellie as a role model for local youth," said BGSU women's soccer head coach Chris Fox.
The local factor plays a huge role in terms of the fan environment and the experience that it can bring to the games, especially when the team is playing at Cochrane Stadium.
"Every time we play Toledo, rival games like that, the atmosphere is always there," Pool said.
During her time with Toledo for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, she started all 27 matches with the Midnight Blue and Gold, as well as scored a total of eight goals and five assists.
As a freshman, Pool scored her first collegiate goal against the Western Michigan Broncos. Fast forward to her sophomore season, Pool led the Rockets in goals with seven.
Not only does Pool feel at home, but it also gives her a home-field advantage, seeing her friends and family in the crowd on a regular basis.
"It's actually really nice to have that homey type of feel… I love to have my family and friends here and see them in the stands," Pool said about her impression of the Northwest Ohio energy and atmosphere.
After beginning with the Toledo Rockets, Pool traveled 26.2 miles from Paul Hotmer Field to Cochrane Stadium and began her junior season with the Falcons.
In her senior year and second year with the Falcons back in 2023. Pool played in every single match, not missing a beat, and on top of that, she started in 16 of the 18 matches. The Northwest Ohio native also finished the year second on the team in points, as well as scoring 10 of the 13 points in MAC contests.
Part of the Northwest Ohio connection for Pool, she played against her former team, the well-known rival, the Toledo Rockets, and gave an outstanding performance for the MAC opening win in front of her former university.
"She's been there, she's done it, she's played against all these opponents," said Fox. She can help guide and nurture these younger players."
As for Pool's perspective on the team as a sixth-year player, she hopes to be a positive influence on them.
"I hope I am having a good impact on them; I hope I am encouraging them to give it their all," said Pool. I wouldn't be able to do anything without them."
As the season came to a close, Pool capped her sixth year right where it began — surrounded by the Northwest Ohio community that shaped her love for the game.
