Elek McDonald, from Independence, Ohio, was a star at Independence HighSchool, where he was named All-Ohio All-State First-Team, All-Great Lakes Regional Team, GCSSCA Division III Player of the Year, Chagrin Valley Conference MVP, 2x First-Team All-Greater Cleveland, 3x Chagrin Valley First-Team All-Conference, GCSSCA All-Greater Cleveland Team Honorable-Mention, as well as breaking records for most assists in a career (72), season (22), and game (4).
At DeSales University, Elek has excelled, starting nearly every game across four seasons (2021-2024), amassing 11 goals and 12 assists. Highlights include All-MAC Freedom Second-Team and Region IV Third-Team honors (2023), plus consistent academic recognition. In 2024, he started all 20 games, scoring 4 goals and 3 assists. He’ll be an integral part of the midfield for Cleveland SC.