WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – What is
Ellie Tounkara's specialty on the basketball court?
That is difficult to identify because the senior captain and point guard on the Williams College women's basketball team has showcased consistent production in many facets of the game. She has risen to the occasion in clutch moments on the offensive and defensive sides of the court, whether it is knocking down a late fourth-quarter 3-pointer or coming up with a huge steal.
"My game reflects the mindset of controlling what I can control," said Tounkara. "While I cannot always control whether my shot falls, I can control my effort in rebounding, defense, diving for loose balls and communicating. Focusing on these aspects helps my offense come naturally and brings out the best in my game."
Tounkara is shooting the three-ball at an efficient clip during the 2024-25 season, going 15 of 34 (44.1%). The Rockville, Maryland, native ranks second for the Ephs (5-3) in points per game (9.3). The floor general has started all eight games this season, as Williams has gone 5-1 at Chandler Gymnasium. She has shown her high basketball IQ on many occasions, playing great team and on-ball defense, including taking charges and causing turnovers. On offense, she spaces the floor with her shooting ability, generates plays off the dribble for her teammates with tremendous court vision and is a steady presence in organizing the half-court offense.
"Ellie is playing her best basketball this year and I am thrilled for her success," said 35th-year head coach
Pat Manning. "She is hardworking and constantly strives to improve as a student-athlete through extra workouts and shooting drills."
The outstanding student-athlete erupted for career highs of 18 points and four made 3-pointers in an 85-60 triumph over Regis during the Shooting Touch Tournament on Dec. 6. She filled up the box score with nine points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals, while shooting 3 of 3 from beyond the arc, against defending national runner-up and then-No. 15-ranked Smith on Dec. 4.
"Ellie is a two-year captain and provides tremendous examples of leadership, dedication, resiliency and hustle for her younger teammates," said Manning. "She has always been a team-first student-athlete and I have enjoyed watching her grow into a trusted and respected leader. I am excited to see all that she will accomplish in her senior season."
During her junior year, Tounkara started all 24 games and recorded a personal-best 10 assists in an 84-37 triumph against MCLA. In her sophomore season, the Ephs finished 18-8 overall and 8-2 in the NESCAC, earning the second seed in the conference tournament. As a first year, she totaled 12 points and equaled a career-high seven rebounds against visiting Framingham State.
Tounkara engaged in a Q&A segment, answering questions about post-graduation plans and her journey to Williams.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
A: My primary goals are to win a NESCAC Championship and make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The keys to being successful will be staying focused on ourselves and the talents of our team and staying present. We need to take one game at a time and never underestimate the team we are playing, especially during NESCAC play.
Q: Could you talk about the team dynamic this season?
A: I love this team. It is special to have a nice blend of veteran and younger student-athletes. We are lucky to have these younger members who are eager to learn and contribute. As a result, we have great team chemistry, where everyone gets along and pushes each other.
Q: Could you talk about your experiences with clubs and internships at Williams?
A: I have been involved in a few clubs, including Black STEM Student Association, Black Students Union and Sisterhood. Leading BSTEM+, a club supporting black students in STEM courses and professional development, has been especially meaningful. These organizations have provided a supportive environment outside of academics and basketball. I have worked as a research assistant at Georgetown Lombardi's Cancer Research Center, a shadowing volunteer at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and a summer intern at Chaos Theory, a nonprofit organization focused on gun violence reform in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. These experiences have expanded my perspective of how one can influence healthcare and they have made me more motivated to work in medicine.
Q: What is your leadership style?
A: I aim to set the tone through my work ethic and commitment to doing the little things that contribute to team success. I believe in leading by example and staying vocal on and off the court. Encouraging my teammates, holding myself accountable and fostering a supportive environment are central to my leadership style.
Q: How have you grown at Williams?
A: My roles and responsibilities on the team have evolved each year, teaching me to embrace whatever role best supports the team's goals. I learned valuable leadership qualities from past captains and seniors, including Priscilla Singleton-Eriyo '23, Devin Biesbrock '23 and Maddy Mandyck '23. They showed me many of the important qualities of being a good leader and I hope to pass what I have learned on to future student-athletes.
Q: Who has been your biggest inspirations at Williams?
A: My biggest inspirations at Williams have been my teammates. They constantly push me to be a better student-athlete and person. As Williams' students, there is a lot demanded of us and to see my teammates show up in the ways they do with their levels of dedication and resilience is inspiring. Everyone's work ethic both on and off the court and how much we care about the team motivates me to give my all every day.
Q: What are your career aspirations?
A: I plan to take a few gap years before applying to medical school. I am currently undecided on a specialty, but I am passionate about addressing women's health and reducing racial disparities in maternal and fetal mortality rates. During my gap years, I hope to work in a lab focused on maternal health, building on my senior thesis research.
Q: What superpower would you like?
A: I would love to control time. There are many things I want to do during my time at Williams, but balancing academics and athletics can be challenging. Being able to stop or slow time would be helpful.
Q: Who would your six dinner guests be?
A: They would be Michelle Obama, Brené Brown, Kobe Bryant, Inky Johnson, James McBride and Nicholas Britell.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I grew up in Rome, Italy, until I was 8 years old.
