COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – A former Ursinus softball student-athlete had the opportunity to compete on the international stage this summer once again.

Ellen Goldstein '15 represented the United States at the World Maccabiah Games this summer as an assistant coach of the U.S. Women's Softball Fastpitch Team.

"It is an incredible opportunity anytime you get the chance to wear USA across your chest," Goldstein said. "Not many people get that chance and I was truly honored to compete for the United States. It's a very interesting scenario because you go from competing against these teams and then as soon as the game is over everyone is all together with a strong sense of friendship."

Goldstein was a part of the U.S. delegation, which will be sending 1300 athletes, coaches, and managers to the games. The team earned the silver medal at the games as they competed against teams from Israel and Canada in their group.

"We had a great team that played their hearts out and gave everything they had," Goldstein said. "Overall, I had a great experience once again at the games. From the excitement of Opening Ceremonies to the competition of the games, and getting to explore/tour Israel, it was an amazing experience.

This was not Goldstein's first time at the Maccabiah Games as she won gold as a player on the team during the 2017 games. A simple post on a social media website got the ball rolling for Goldstein to be a part of the games.

"I saw a social media post looking for Jewish softball players, so I filled out the online application, Goldstein said. "A few months later I got an email about tryouts taking place in Chicago in July. I went to the tryout and then about a month later found out I was selected for the team. I found out I made the team in August 2016, so about a year before the games in July 2017. It was an amazing opportunity, and it really got my foot in the door for future experiences like this year."

The Maccabiah Games are one of the largest sporting events/competitions in the world. They met for three weeks in Israel in July. Since the first games held in 1932, the event has transformed into including nearly 10,000 Jewish athletes from more than 75 countries competing in 40 sports. Those numbers have made the games the third largest international multi-sport event in the world following only the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Goldstein appeared in 104 games for the Bears during her collegiate career as she primarily played at first base and the outfield. She posted a .235 batting average and recorded 50 hits, scored 38 runs, plus 18 RBIs. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science from Ursinus.

"Just being a part of a team and knowing how to be a member of a team and figure out playing for a coach I never met before," said Goldstein. "This is like Ursinus because Coach Sam Campo started my sophomore year. I played for a different coach my freshman year, and Coach Campo didn't start until right before the spring season my sophomore year. I/we had to figure out how to be a new team with a new coach, just like for Maccabi, we all met as a team when we got to Israel. My experience adjusting to a new team/coach at Ursinus helped me in Israel."

Since graduating from Ursinus, Goldstein now works as the Director of Fitness and Aquatics at Pine Run Retirement Community in Doylestown, a position she has held since 2019. She teaches different levels of fitness classes, aquatic classes, and do some personal training.

"Our program offers villagers many different opportunities to stay active, whether through use of the fitness center and pool, or by participating in the classes," Goldstein said. "I am really enjoy helping out the residents at Pine Run."

Prior to arriving at Pine Run, Goldstein taught health and physical education at three different schools while spending some time coaching softball at Central Bucks South.