Butler University Athletics

College Sports Communicators Academic All-District (2024)
BIG EAST All-Freshman Team (2023)

2024 - Sophomore Season: Appeared in 28 matches...competed in 89 sets...led the team with 232 kills and 729 attacks...notched 198 digs and 22 blocks on defense...ranked third on the team with 25 service aces...earned four double-doubles...recorded the first 20-20 mark by a Bulldog since 2021 after tallying 24 kills and 20 digs at Grand Canyon (9/15)...named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team.

2023 - Freshman Season: Appeared in 29 matches…played in 99 sets…tied for second on the team with 274 kills...collected 233 digs…led the team with 28 serving aces…amassed 29 total blocks…earned six double-doubles…became the first Bulldog hitter to record 20 kills in a match as a freshman since 2015 at Morehead State (9/9)...posted a season-high 17 digs vs. DePaul (10/21)...Tallied a season-high four serving aces at Providence (10/13)...Named to the MSU Comfort Invitational All-Tournament Team…BIG EAST All-Freshman Team Selection.

PRIOR TO BUTLER: The four-year letterwinner and three-year starter in volleyball for Marist High School...the outside hitter was a two-time All-State selection who also earned All-Conference and All-Area recognition...tallied 500+ kills in her high school career...over four seasons, the four-year captain helped lead her team to an overall record of 107-23, winning four conference championships and finishing third in the 2019 4A IHSA state championship series...also a two-time All-State honoree on her school’s basketball team...academic honors include IHSA All-Academic, National Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society...played her club volleyball for Michio Chicago.

ON CHOOSING BUTLER: "I loved the feel of the school when I saw campus, and I like the community feel."

COACH SHONDELL'S OUTLOOK: "Elise is a strong athlete who will flourish in our gym. A physical blocker, with a heavy arm, she is a great addition to Bulldog Volleyball!”

PERSONAL: Ward is the daughter of Kathy and Neil Ward and has two younger siblings.