Athletes of the Week Sept. 15

Brynn Crandell

This Indian River harrier ran away with the season-opening Lake Forest Invitational Sept. 9 in Felton, posting a time of 18:20 in the 5K in muggy conditions, winning by 25 seconds. The quick clocking portends a big senior season for Crandell, whose previous best on the Killens Pond course was 18:42. In her time at IR, Crandell has singlehandedly rewritten the Sussex County girls’ cross country record books, as she’s taken home a pair of DIAA titles and cruised to three consecutive Henlopen Conference championships. In June, she won the 5,000-meter race at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals, stopping the clock in 17:32. Her 10:38 personal best in the 3,200 meters is a Henlopen Conference record and the fastest ever by a Delaware public schooler. Brynn is also a standout swimmer for the Indians.

Elaina Millaway

A 2022 first-team all-state selection as a sophomore, Elaina Millaway began her junior season at Delmarva Christian by registering a match-high 23 kills and added another 20 digs in a 3-2 victory over Cape Henlopen. She is proud her team started strong and pulled off the victory in a tense situation. Millaway said one of the team’s goals is to make sure they stand out in marquee matchups. Elaina has played volleyball since she was 12 and plays for Premier Volleyball Club of Delaware and Sand Sharks. She enjoys the intensity and said the more someone plays, the better they get. While not at school or playing volleyball, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, being outside and going to the beach.

Atia Sabbagh 

A talented athlete, Atia’s primary sport is field hockey. In addition to Cape, she plays for WC Eagles at Spooky Nook sports complex in Lancaster County, Pa. A freshman, Atia is starting on defense for the 2023 Vikings, who are 3-0 with three shutouts as of Sept. 13. The defender has shooting skills and had scored six goals over two recent games, with three coming on corners and another three on penalty strokes. Based on her accuracy during optional stroke practice, Atia is the game-day go-to player with icy accuracy. Atia is likely to run track in the spring to work on her speed and provide flexibility to her spring hockey schedule. Sister Marcella played field hockey for Christopher Newport, while her other sister Noelle is currently playing for the University of Delaware. 

George Sapna

In the Sussex Academy boys’ soccer team’s 3-1 win in the season opener against a tough Appoquinimink team, sophomore George Sapna helped lead his team to a victory by registering a hat trick. The goals came as a result of either relentless press or counterattack play. Sapna began playing recreationally when he was 4 years old and progressed to the travel team level, currently playing for Delaware Football Academy. Sapna enjoys hanging out with friends, playing Apex Legends, and playing more soccer. Before he takes the pitch, George enjoys listening to Brent Faiyaz, Lana Del Rey and Daniel Caesar.