Athletes of the Week Oct. 13

Mikiyah Ennals

A junior middle hitter for the Vikings volleyball team, Mikiyah can block the toughest spike attempt as well as knock down kills for her team. So far this season, she has delivered 51 kill shots, slammed 17 aces and blocked 21 opponents’ shots at the net. "Mikiyah has been a huge part of the team’s recent success," said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. "She has elevated her game to prove herself a dominant force at the net. Her serve has proven to be lethal, especially once she gets a few in. Along with her on-the-court skills, she's really grown as a leader, continuously pushing her teammates to be better." When not on the volleyball hardwood, she likes hanging with her friends.

Lauryn Head

This eighth-grader has only been playing field hockey for three years, but she is known as an immovable force that loves to be the last line of defense for the Beacon field hockey team. "Lauryn played out of her head today against Dover," said Beacon coach Dom Scott Oct. 11. "She was a brick wall on defense, stepping strong to all the balls with confidence. She shows a lot of leadership skills on the field, and she's a major asset to our team." She’s an honor roll student at Beacon Middle, and science is her favorite class. An all-season athlete, she loves snowboarding in the winter at Bear Creek in Pennsylvania. When she’s not on the hockey field, you can find her playing midfield on the Atlantic Lacrosse team and the Eastern Shore Lacrosse 2022 Team or hanging out with friends at the beach.

Melanie McCloy

An Academic Challenge and honors student at Cape, this senior holds down the back line for the Vikings' field hockey team, playing tough, consistent defense every time she walks onto the field. "Everyone should have Mel's work ethic and attitude," said Cape assistant coach Debbie Windett. "She has worked, worked and worked, and held in there and earned herself a starting position this year. Her attitude as a starter is no different than it was when she was coming off the bench. She still is all about the team and anything she can do for the team, and she is super positive." She finds time away from the turf to serve as the Class of 2018 treasurer, and she is a member of the honor society, Green Club and Leo Club.

Brandon Somoza-Lima

"Soccer is everything I do. I just play soccer. Soccer is life," said this sixth-grader on the Beacon Middle School soccer squad who plays way more mature than his age level. Brandon recently scored two goals in the Beacon win over Dover, and he got the lone tally in the 4-1 loss to Georgetown Oct. 9. "Brandon has stepped in and taken over, and he has been real strong up top for us," said Beacon coach Justin Voorheis. “He's really fit in well with the team." Brandon likes global studies class at Beacon and works hard in his classes, said Voorheis. When he’s not playing for Beacon, you can find him in a starring role with the Henlopen Soccer Club. "Brandon is going to be something really special when he gets to eighth grade," said Voorheis. "He already is."