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Athletes of Week March 24

March 24, 2023
Brody Smith

Brody tore his ACL the first day of practice in 2022, and he was projected to be on the field as a long pole defenseman. “It was tough,” Brody said. “I was on the team and kept coming to practice, and everyone was great, but you can't help but feel all alone. I saw my sister Maddie go through it in basketball. I just couldn't believe it happened to us again.” Brody had a cheetah haircut with paw prints last year, then just  wore his hair long, but now it’s short. He is a  character and a changeling, and now with a brace on his left knee, he is back and ready to rumble. “I like to play at X on the inside,” he said. “I really like this team. We are all expecting a great season.” Brody has been accepted to SUNY Maritime, where he will continue to play lacrosse, then graduate and go make some money. “Brody is great; he is one of our  captains, true leaders on the field,” coach Geoff Shupard said.         

Mason Trench

Mason, a freshman, got the start in goal March 21 versus powerful  Episcopal Academy of the tough Philadelphia Inter-Academic League in Marple Newtown, Pa., and responded with a 12-save performance as the Vikings upset the Saints 10-9.  Trench made a crucial save in the final 12 seconds to preserve the victory. “The attacker came in on a low angle with not much space and tried to go to the upper corner, but I saw it all the way,” Trench said. Mason’s father Jeff was the Cape goalie in 1995, the first year Cape made it to the state finals. “I’m pretty sure Dad placed a little goalie stick in my crib when I was born,” Mason said. “It wasn’t until I was 5, out at Atlantic Lacrosse, that I realized my stick was different from everyone else’s.” Mason also wrestled this year; he is tough and unflappable. “Our defense is really tough this year,” Mason said. “Everyone is fast, and they can catch and clear the ball.”       

Morgan Leeper

A sophomore honors student in the lacrosse cage for the Seahawks, Morgan recently had eight saves in the 16-8 win over a tough-shooting Stephen Decatur squad. "Morgan has stepped up for us a lot this year," said Sussex Academy head coach Taylor Gibbs. "In every single practice, you can see her eager to learn and improve, which you can see in her play. She made saves for us at critical moments in our game with Decatur, which gave us the momentum on our offensive end. Being a goalie can be mentally tough, and we are all so proud of her for staying in the moment and being ready to tackle the next save. She fills the missing gaps for our defense." She is a member of the Students Against Disruptive Decisions Club that speaks out about being safe as teens. A member of the Seahawks' field hockey team, Morgan also plays on the Shorebirds travel team. In her spare time you can find her hanging out with her friends at the beach and practicing her sports skills.

Talan Stephens

A junior setter on the Cape boys’ volleyball team, Talan tallied 35 assists in the Vikings' win over Smyrna and 30 helpers in the 3-0 victory over Sussex Academy. He is a third-year player on the Vikings squad, and Cape head coach Tyler Coupe is pleased with his performance this season. “Talan had a great week," said Coupe. "Against Smyrna he made good decisions of who to set and when; however, we wanted to work on his tempo a little more. In the match with Sussex Academy he improved our tempo and continued to spread the ball out brilliantly. His serve is the most consistent and efficient on the team through two matches. I’m really happy to have him in this new setting role this season, and as a staff we are excited to push him and challenge him as we grow this year.” In his spare time away from the hardwood, Talan plays beach volleyball with the Sand Sharks. He also likes spending time with his family.

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