Bluefield, Virginia, Ella Dales, a student at Graham High School, demonstrated remarkable strength participating in a rebounding event just three days after the tragic loss of her father, Dr. Joe Dales.
Despite such a tragic loss, her strength and resilience are truly commendable.
Highlights
- Ella Dales’s parents, Dr. Joe and Kay Dales raised her alongside her two brothers, Zach and Joey.
- Her father was more than a doctor and was always around Ella in every sport she played.
- She hasn’t committed to which sports she will play in college or probably follow in her brothers and her father’s footsteps to nursing.
Ella is in her senior year at Graham High School and plays girl’s basketball and soccer. In addition, she is also into a cheerleading team.
She scored forty-two points in the Graham G girl’s 67-9 win over the Tazewell Lady Bulldogs and was named the WVVA January athlete of the month for her performance.
Devontae Royal, Graham girl’s head coach, praised her remarkable athletic skills.
I told her every shot she took should go in because he was with us, so I wanted her to shoot the ball. I didn’t know it would be one of those types of nights, but it was one of those nights for Ella Dales.
Devontae Royal
Ella didn’t even know if she would try it, but once she suited up, she could feel it would be special.
Ella Dales’s Parents Supported Her Athletic Career
18-year-old Ella Dales is the daughter of Dr. Joe Dales and Kay Dales. Her parents raised her alongside his two brothers, Zach and Joey.
Dr. Joe Dales was more than a doctor; he was a coach, and others knew him as Fix-It Man. Moreover, he was a husband and a father.
Dr. Joe was always there for Ella before on the sidelines to keep her body checked through all the seasons. He loved her daughter and was around her in every sport she ever played.
Ella went through the tragic loss of her father, and her next game was a big challenge for her. Dr. Joe was only 52 when he passed away on January 11, 2025.
Although nervous about coming out to perform, she later realized it would be a good game when she hit her first three. She rebounded to have the game of her life.
Her mother is her biggest supporter, fan, and best friend. She was always there to cheer her on and keep her strong.
Ella’s mother and she knew she would play the game, which Joe would have wanted. Her brother and mother kept sending her scriptures, which pushed her.
After the game, the celebration and ensuing emotions made her feel she needed to play all the more crucial games.
She couldn’t even get a step in as soon as she walked out of the locker room. They hugged her, and her brothers lifted her and threw her around.
Ella Dales’s Shares A Close Bond With Her Brothers
Zach and Joy have been massive inspirations for her, not just in life but also in athletics. They roamed the Grand High School halls and helped her prepare for the high school stage.
That competitive fire she’s gained from her brothers and family has made her a star on the hardwood, pitch, and mat. Her coaches see that day in and day out.
Ella has grown in the last year, and her athletic ability has accumulated multiple Southwest region and state accolades.
She participated in the state tournament for two straight years, scoring over 100 career goals and winning back-to-back state championship cheerleading titles.
Likewise, she has scored 1000 career points in basketball, but it’s not always easy for her to switch between them. Although each sport keeps her in shape, it’s slightly harsh on her body.
I believe I mean every year, she’s setting records. Every year she breaks the record. I’m not positive I’m pretty certain that she’s ranked you know may be first in her class or near the top of her class.
Lee Brown
Furthermore, Ella has no commitment to which sports she will play in college. As for her future, she might also go into nursing, following in her brothers and her father’s footsteps, as that’ll do for sports.
We battle at all the times. I mean, even at out vacations, we’ll be racing each other on the beach and just fighting to win. So, they’re always like, do you want to go the gym? Do you want to go to the field? Do you want to go tumbling? Like they’ll take me anywhere.
Ella Dales
Additional Information
- Ella Dales felt blessed to receive her first offer from Bluefield University.
- She stands 5 feet and 7 inches tall.
- She is in a relationship with high school football player Blake Graham, and they went to prom together in 2024.
