Ellen Netishen, Class of 1988

Ellen Netishen
Class of 1988
Inducted in 2015

A three-sport standout, Ellen Netishen was in the vanguard during an era when the girls’ athletic program at Lowell High School was expanding from its humble beginnings in the 1960’s into a full service offering for aspiring female athletes.

As a member of the Lowell Soccer team, Ellen was a stalwart defender from her fullback position as the Red and Gray enjoyed some of its most consistent seasons during her four years on the squad. Ellen received the Coaches Award at the conclusion of the 1986 campaign.

During her three years as a member of Coach Bob Boehm’s Lowell High Girls Varsity Basketball team, Ellen carved her name into the Raiders’ Record Book as a dynamic scorer and a tireless rebounder. At the time of her graduation in 1988 Ellen held school records for career foul shots made (158) and foul shots both attempted (114) and made (67) in a season. She was 2nd in career rebounding average (6.9 per game) and field goals in a game (11) and 3rd in career points (510), points in a season (215), and points in a game (25). Ellen ‘s name remains in the LHS Record Book in these and numerous other categories. A two-year team Captain/ Co-Captain and team MVP (1986-87, 1987-88) Ellen also won Merrimack Valley Conference All-Star honors in both seasons while posting double doubles in points and rebounds on numerous occasions. During her junior season (1986-87) Ellen led the Red and Gray in both scoring (10.8 ppg) and rebounding (9.3 rpg).

A two-year starter at first base for Coach Rick O’Brien’s Raider Softball team, Ellen compiled a career batting average of .268. The team Captain as a senior (1988), she batted .293 and was selected as a Merrimack Valley Conference All-Star. Possessing a penchant for hitting in the clutch, Ellen delivered game-winning hits no fewer than three times in her career, twice ending games in walk-off fashion.

Ellen has continued to play an integral role in Lowell High School Athletics, serving as Girls Freshman Basketball Coach, an important link in the Raiders’ highly successful program.