She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Winthrop University in South Carolina and was a four-year letter winner on the women's lacrosse team. She played in 75 career games, earning 75 goals and 85 assists.

Ellis spent the following two years at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she earned her master of education in Sport Leadership. She was the graduate assistant for the Rams' women's lacrosse team during the 2016-2017 season and was promoted to the director of player development for the squad during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Following two seasons at VCU, Ellis moved on to Washington & Lee as an assistant coach. In her first season at W&L in 2019, the team totaled the second-most wins in program history, finishing the year 18-3. The Generals advanced to the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinals and led Division III with the fewest turnovers per game (11.86), while setting a new program single-season scoring record with 351 goals. She was also a co-advisor to the W&L Student Athletic Advisory Committee.