Donaghu Returns Home To Embark On Pro Running Career

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Ella Donaghu, who starred at Portland's Grant High before becoming an All-American at Stanford, announced her choice of professional traning groups Friday evening. 

Donaghu will be joining Pete's Dragons, the Nike-sponsored group led by coach Pete Julian. 

Donaghu, who grew up in Northeast Portland, has deep roots with Nike as her father, Michael, is a long-time employee. 

Donaghu returns to Portland to be part of a training group that includes former Oregon stars Jessica Hull and Raevyn Rogers, and Alexa Efraimson. 

Donaghu enjoyed a storybook high school running career in Portland, where she was coached by her father and became the greatest female distance running product in state history. She holds the all-time Oregon records in the 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters and she won three state championships in cross country. She and her older sister, Piper, helped Grant win a state championship in cross country her freshman year in 2012. 

At Stanford, Donaghu overcame injuries early in her career before rising up to become a leader on the team and one of the best runners in the country. She finished eighth at the 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships and made the NCAA finals in the 1,500 meters outdoors twice -- taking sixth in 2019 and third last June.