Minnesota State Soccer Player Ella Huettl Goes Viral With Braids

Minnesota State Mavericks Soccer Team Dominates Through Viral Hairstyles

The Minnesota State University Mavericks women’s soccer team holds an undefeated record of six wins, zero losses, and one draw while driving a viral social media trend centered on elaborate game-day hairstyles. Team member Ella Huettl creates high bubble ponytails, dragon braids, and tight buns woven with colored ribbons for her teammates before matches, Vogue reported.

Huettl began styling her teammates’ hair during her sophomore year. She started posting the creations on social media platforms, turning the pre-game ritual into an online phenomenon. Her Instagram account has accumulated over 50,000 followers, while her TikTok videos regularly draw hundreds of thousands to millions of views.

Hair Styling As Team Bonding And Performance Ritual

The 21-year-old player notes that the styling sessions serve a direct psychological purpose for the squad. Wearing elaborate hairstyles helps players transition mentally from routine practices to high-stakes matches.

Wearing a different hairstyle makes the day feel more exciting and helps flip the switch between practice and game day, Huettl told Vogue. The looks grew more elaborate [and] it has become a bonding experience that brings us together before we step into the field. Like we always say, ‘Look good, feel good, play good.’

Historical Policing Of Women’s Hair In Professional Sports

The embrace of expressive hairstyles contrasts with historical standards in athletics. Rachael Gibson, known as the Hair Historian, points out that women in sports have faced strict scrutiny regarding their appearance, including outfits, nails, and makeup, as reported by Vogue.

Hair has historically faced aggressive policing due to its ties to traditional ideas of professional standards. Gibson explains that early female participants in professional sports often adopted neutral styles like slick ponytails or short cuts to assimilate with a male default and avoid additional scrutiny.

A shift occurred over the last two decades, driven by prominent athletes who used distinctive hairstyles as a form of personal expression. Serena and Venus Williams competed in Grand Slam tournaments wearing beaded braids, while track and field star Flo-Jo frequently ran with long, voluminous hair. Soccer player Megan Rapinoe established her identity through cropped pink hair, setting a precedent for modern athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current record of the Minnesota State Mavericks soccer team?

The team holds six wins, zero losses, and one draw.

Who creates the viral hairstyles for the Mavericks soccer players?

Twenty-one-year-old Mavericks player Ella Huettl designs and braids the hairstyles for her teammates.

How large is Ella Huettl’s social media audience?

Huettl maintains over 50,000 followers on Instagram, and her TikTok videos regularly receive hundreds of thousands to millions of views.

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