Athletes of the Week Aug. 29
Chase Ballinger
Chase is a senior on the Sussex Academy boys’ soccer team and could be chasing a 20-goal season as the Seahawks attempt to make history in 2025. Chase is very optimistic about the offense this year, and he will be joined by his classmates Liam Stegall, Jesse Jean-Louis and fellow Athlete of the Week George Sapna. Speed will be the name of the game, and Chase used his speed to collect three goals across two games in the Henlopen/Bayside Classic Aug. 27. Chase is the kind of guy one might not like to play against, but love to have as a teammate, keeping the intensity up for the full 80-plus-minute match. He would like to follow in his parents' footsteps by becoming a state trooper and is looking to study criminal justice and business at a competitive Division III school, increasing his chances of playing right away.
Mikaela Gordon
Mikaela is a sophomore speedster, a whippet-fast three-sport athlete totally comfortable and confident in whatever sport she is playing. Mikaela played varsity basketball her freshman year, and worked her way into the mix on the undefeated state championship lacrosse team. “Lacrosse is my favorite sport by a long shot,” said Mikaela, who played JV hockey last year too. “I guess my strength as a player is good speed and getting up and down the field/court playing offense and defense.” Coach Kate Austin said: “She has been really impressive with her work rate through the first two weeks, and her ability to take in new information and execute on the field. Her versatility to play in all three lines and understand that her role on the field can change from one period to the next has been fun to watch, and she makes it look easy.”
George Sapna
George enters the Sussex Academy boys' soccer team’s title defense campaign with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after being forced out of last fall’s title game early. George has opened the preseason on a mission, and while he credits his teammates for hyping him up before games, the senior looks like a blur in the midfield. In addition to his agility and speed, George is incredibly strong in possession and can navigate seas of cleats in the middle of the field. George put in two goals in the Henlopen/Bayside Classic Aug. 27, including the winner against a talented Parkside squad. George likes playing in warmer weather, and is hoping to play at a Division III school somewhere in the South while studying business and focusing on marketing as his major. He is hoping to wrap up a master's in five years.
Kaylee Sockriter
A setter on the Cape volleyball squad, this senior honors and AP student is stepping up and leading the team with her pinpoint assists on the hardwood. “Sock has done a great job this preseason," said Cape coach Tyler Coupe. "She’s entering her first season as our primary setter, and she’s really getting more comfortable each day running the attack. She’s making great hand contact and forcing the set to our middles in transition, which will really open up the court for our attack. Her serving continues to take other teams out of system, giving us another advantage. I’m stoked to challenge her this season and look forward to watching her grow.” Kaylee also plays for the Coastal Volleyball Club travel squad and volunteers at Cape's elementary schools as a teacher's helper. At home, she helps take care of her siblings and her pet rabbit.
