Minnesota Mavericks Soccer Player Ella Huettl Goes Viral Braiding Teammates' Hair

Ella Huettl, a 21-year-old member of the Minnesota State University Mavericks women's soccer team, has amassed over 50,000 followers on Instagram and garnered TikTok videos with views ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions by braiding her teammates' hair before matches. This tradition, which began during her sophomore year, has evolved into a pregame bonding experience for a team boasting a record of six wins, zero losses, and one draw. Huettl offers 25-to-30-minute sessions, utilizing Eco Style Gel and TIY Hair Ties, and can complete as many as 11 hairstyles on game days. Teammates often request different styles, with Sullivan referring to it as a superstition. Assistant coach Lizzy Vetter mentions the relaxed hair regulations in college, while writer Rachael Gibson points out the historical scrutiny of women's hair in sports. Huettl enjoys working with all hair types and looks forward to styling her sister's hair in college.