Ava Calciano
A Cape senior who’s committed to play softball at the University of Connecticut, this AP student has been on fire this season for coach Mike Tkach's softball team. Ava has four homers in the last three games. She now has 10 for her high school career. Known for an incredible eye for the strike zone, she has walked more than 73 times. That is more than a full season of plate appearances for a normal player. Last season, she amassed 30 runs scored, 30 hits and 20 stolen bases, a very rare feat. This year, she’s on the way to breaking that record, having already collected 33 runs scored, 22 hits and 18 steals. "She has stayed the course when the big hits weren’t coming," said Tkach. "But she lived by singles, doubles and walks. Now, as we have seen, the long ball has returned and she's getting hot for the playoffs. Defensively, she is playing great, and she is such a weapon when she gets on base." Ava has 99 hits, 112 runs scored and 58 steals for her career with two regular-season games remaining.
Shelby Manlove
When Shelby walked off the Sussex Academy lacrosse field in the first quarter of the Seahawks' 18-3 win over Ursuline Academy May 2, she was the program's all-time leading goal scorer. The University of Richmond-bound midfielder has scored 248 goals in her illustrious high school career and was named the No. 1 player in the state to begin the 2025 season. An injury in the Tower Hill game April 17 ended her season prematurely. She concluded her final season with 36 goals and nine assists in 10 games. She believes she has been blessed to be a member of the team since she was in eighth grade and says she has enjoyed every single season. She credits the program for helping her develop strong leadership skills and, despite her injury, is still a big part of the team, as coach Taylor Gibbs has allowed Shelby to become an assistant coach of sorts for the Seahawks. She was also an all-state field hockey player this past fall and sports a 4.73 GPA in the classroom. Shelby is adamant about prioritizing the student aspect of her student-athlete title and is quick to point out the culture of learning at Sussex Academy.
Minnie Pettengell
A stealth attacker for the unbeaten 8-0 girls’ lacrosse team at Fred Thomas Middle School, Minnie is a framer and finisher. In a battle of unbeaten teams at Beacon Middle School May 1, Minnie sent home eight goals in a 13-4 Fred Thomas Middle victory. Minnie has scored multiple goals every game this season, with most coming at the scoring end of an assist. She has set the standard with 37 goals and 17 assists after nine games. “I’m not sure if I will continue playing in high school, so I’m listening to advice from different people I respect,” Minnie said after her Beacon performance. She played volleyball last fall for coach Alison Herman’s 6-4 Beacon volleyball team. Minnie has been described by her principal as a great student with hands like Sarah Tappan (2015, 91 goals) on the lacrosse field. Fred Thomas has two games remaining this season.
Brenner Short
A 6-foot-4-inch midfielder/attack on the Cape lacrosse squad, this junior AP and honors student has the range, quickness and power to dodge past his opponents and hit the twine in a blink of an eye. So far this season, Brenner has 32 goals and 18 assists for the 12-2 Vikings. He recently tallied six goals, including the game-winner with one second on the clock, in the 12-11 victory over the always-tough Westtown School. "Brenner has come through for us in really big moments," said Cape coach Geoff Shupard. “He has worked very hard to be the player he is." He is involved with National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Best Buddies program and Morgan’s Message at Cape. Off the Legends Stadium turf, he plays club lacrosse for True Chesapeake squad in Annapolis, Md. In his spare time, he loves hunting, fishing, surfing, skiing and being outdoors.
