Eliana Manning

One of the most bubbly members of the Class of 2023 is Eliana, Usually having a ready smile, she is better known as Elly. She was born on February 11, 2005 to Shane and Joni Manning. She is the middle sibling, surrounded by older sister Izzy and younger brother Branz. Her grandparents are James and Carol Jeffries and Greg and Cathy Thu.

This honor roll student is a member of the National Honor Society. She plays volleyball, soccer, and softball, and was a member of the 2022 Homecoming Court.

Elly is in a unique situation, playing soccer for Mt. Pleasant due to New London not having a team. Her athletic prowess has garnered her several honors:

•All-Conference - Volleyball, Soccer, and Softball.

•All-District and All-State (honorable mention) - Volleyball.

•All-Union - Volleyball.

•All-Hawk Eye (HM) - Volleyball.

•All-Hawk Eye - Soccer.

•All-Hawk Eye Player of the Year - Soccer.

•SEC Conference POY - Soccer.

When not busy at school, Elly likes doing puzzles with her mom. She also picks her mom as her special person because, as she says “she’s my best friend.”

Elly’s most special memory is the 8th grade field trip to St. Louis. Her most embarrassing was getting hit in the face during a volleyball game.

Elly has been a member of the Class of 2023 since kindergarten. She says that her class makes her laugh. Her advice to the underclassmen is “it’s just high school…nothing is as serious as what it seems in the moment.”

As graduation is quickly approaching, Elly is right where she wants to be…playing soccer.

Her future plans include attending Coe College, majoring in nursing, and also playing soccer.

Tiger Nation will miss Elly’s presence on the volleyball court when school starts next fall, but wishes her the best as she blazes new paths. Go get ‘em Elly!