By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Before he was elected a two-time president of the United States, Donald Trump co-authored a best-selling book known as The Art of the Deal. When Bedford North Lawrence senior Ellie Nubbie pens her autobiography, she should title it The Art of the Dig.
Nubbie, destined to be an art major in college, signed to play college volleyball with Southern Maine. She’s been a defensive specialist, patrolling the back row as a libero, during her career. The dig statistic – awarded when a player passes or controls a ball that has been spiked by the opposition, preventing it from hitting the floor – is her calling card.
Her senior campaign with the Stars was cut short by a late-season shoulder injury, but that did not keep her from fulfilling a dream of competing on the next level. Nubbie will join a NCAA Div. III program coming off a 7-18 season under 13-year head coach Diane Newell. The Huskies, who compete in the Little East Conference, will also be adding a Top 10 student (4.1 GPA) to their roster.
She fell in love with the school and the team culture during her trip to Gorham (just west of Portland in the state’s southern tip).
“I’ve loved art my whole life,” Nubbie said. “I want to focus on set and stage design, continue my passion for photography. And from the first time I visited in July, it immediately felt like I belonged there. I love the campus, the coaches, the girls on the team, and the atmosphere in the gym was amazing.”
Nubbie’s passion for the game started at St. Vincent in the fifth grade. She competed with the Btown VBC club team, and played four seasons for the Stars. She also played in Italy with the Exact Sports All-American program in 2025.
“I love the competitive nature of the sport, being able to be a part of the exciting plays, being a part of a team that shares that drive and love,” she said. “My experience taught me a lot about perseverance, how to be a good teammate and support my team, making it through the hard moments.“
