“My passion for Chico State Athletics is all encompassing, so to be able to return and help transform the department through the generosity of our alumni and donors is an awesome responsibility. The Wildcat Family has such a special place in my heart and has had such a positive impact on my life."
Ellie Pratt love for Chico State was passed down by her parents, Mary and Larry, who fell in love in Chico and fostered a love for the town and community in their children by visiting often. For Ellie, that affection grew once she chose to play volleyball at Chico State. The experiences she had and relationships she built inspired her to pursue a career in collegiate athletics administration.
Pratt graduated with her master's degree in sports management from the University of Kansas in May, an accomplishment she earned while also working full-time in development for University Advancement, fundraising for the College of Natural Sciences and other programs. This week, she begins her new role as the athletic department's director of development. She takes over for Rob Talley, whose final day in the role is Monday.
"As a former Wildcat student-athlete, returning to the halls of Acker Gym has always been a dream of mine," Pratt said. "My passion for Chico State Athletics is all encompassing, so to be able to return and help transform the department through the generosity of our alumni and donors is an awesome responsibility.
"I am so grateful to be working among the amazing coaches, administration and staff that I have admired since my undergraduate days. The Wildcat Family has such a special place in my heart and has had such a positive impact on my life. I can't wait to get started!"
Director of Athletics Anita Barker is excited as well.
"Since her graduation, Ellie has set goals and gained experiences that would one day lead her back to Acker Gym. I am so glad that day has arrived," Barker said. "Ellie's professional preparation combined with her passion for Chico State Athletics is exactly what we need to build on our recent fundraising successes and take us into the future. Our Wildcat Family will enjoy getting to know her and experiencing the enthusiasm she brings to the position. I look forward to getting her started soon!"
Pratt was a player in the Chico State volleyball program from 2011–14. A talented outside hitter, she racked up 928 career kills and earned California Collegiate Athletic Association All-Academic honors. She still ranks seventh in program history in attacks (2,989) and eighth in solo blocks (50).
Pratt earned her bachelor's degree in sociology in 2015 and spent some time back home in Salinas working in agriculture and then the medical field. In an effort to generate further experiences for a future in athletics administration, Pratt returned to Chico State as an annual giving officer in 2020. She later took on the role of development officer for the College of Natural Sciences.
Chico State Vice President for University Advancement Ahmad Boura believes Pratt is a first-rate fit for athletics fundraising.
"We are looking forward to having Ellie at the helm to continue building on a strong foundation that has been established," he said. "Her background and passion for Athletics as a former student-athlete is a perfect match, and we look forward to the relationships she'll build with our benefactors and the difference she'll help make in the lives of our Wildcats."
She'll certainly have some great stories to tell. Ellie remembers spending her 13
th birthday at The Graduate, and on another occasion, renting bicycles and riding around town in the rain. She and her two brothers all attended Chico State. She's made her own memories since, and is now excited to make many more.
"No wonder my parents brainwashed us all to go here," Pratt said. "It's an amazing place filled with kind and generous people and amazing opportunities."
Give a gift to our Wildcats today or contact Ellie Pratt below to learn about other giving opportunities, including the
Tower Society leadership giving program.
Ellie Pratt
Director of Development
Chico State Athletics
elarronde@csuchico.edu
(530) 898-4884
