Athletes of the Week April 18

J.P. Eichten 

J.P. serves things up in the first-singles matches for Sussex Academy and has held down the top spot on the boys' tennis team since his eighth-grade year. After hovering around the .500 mark in the Henlopen Conference his freshman year, J.P. has seemingly taken the next step in his progression as a tennis player. He is undefeated in the conference this year, and he and the Seahawks are on a four-game winning streak after picking up wins over Dover, Cape, Lake Forest and Indian River. The team has only conceded one match in that span, and Eichten has only given up three points while breezing through his opponents. The sophomore began playing in seventh grade and enjoys the responsibility that tennis places on the individual and the support that comes from teammates while in battle. He enjoys the mental challenge just as much as the physical, with the latter showcasing agility and precision. When not on the court or in the classroom, J.P. enjoys going to the beach or boardwalk with his friends.

Hayden Hudson

A senior captain on the Cape softball team, this honors student delivered with a single, double, homer and three RBIs in the 6-3 win over Stephen Decatur and went yard with two RBIs in a 7-0 victory over Sussex Academy. "Hayden is off to a strong start both offensively and defensively," said Cape coach Mike Tkach. "I'm so proud of how she has grown her game, but she also has become a leader on this team. As a coach/spectator, it so nice to see someone rewarded for all the hard work she put in." Hayden is batting .533 and leads the team with 17 hits, including three homers. She was an all-conference pick on the Cape basketball team and was selected to the Downstate All State Top 15 by the Delaware basketball coaches in addition to being a Blue-Gold All-Star and Academic All-Conference selection for the third year in a row. She also set the program record for rebounds for career and season. In her spare time, she plays travel softball for the New Jersey Intensity National Elite softball squad.

Ella Rishko

Cape lacrosse is out of control in producing draw-control athletes who have excelled at the collegiate level, such as Meg Bartley at Virginia Tech, Kat Judge at Winthrop and Sawyer Walker at Xavier and Howard. Ella Rishko, now a junior playing for Delaware after transferring out of Virginia Tech, set a school record with 15 draw controls in a 16-15 comeback win over rival Towson. Ella also had a goal, an assist and picked up two ground balls. Younger sister Lulu had two goals and an assist in the same game. Ella’s 15 draw controls tied for second most in a game in CAA league history. Ella leads the Blue Hens in goals this season with 33. She also has seven assists and 12 ground balls. Freshman Lulu, a non-starter, has scored six goals and picked up 11 ground balls. Delaware assistant coach Kara Nakrasius was a teammate of Lizzie Frederick (a Rishko cousin) at Temple University. 

Grace Wiggins

This Richmond freshman field hockey player is described on the school’s website as “a native of Milton, Del., who helped the Cape Henlopen High field hockey program to three Delaware state Division I championships in 2020, 2021 and 2023, as the team went 63-7 in her four letterman seasons.” She was awarded the Donnie Earl Lindsey Jr. First Year Spirit Award at last weekend's 2025 SPIDYs sport banquet. Grace was chosen from a field of seven nominated freshmen female athletes from across the sports spectrum. Cole Brashear from men’s tennis was chosen as male winner. Grace made an immediate impact with energy, integrity and a team-first attitude, said a presenter of the award. Grace hit the turf running at Richmond, scoring two goals against Davidson (Sept. 27) including the game-winner in overtime. “I’m glad Richmond saw in one season what Cape coaches saw her entire four years,” said Debbie Windett, Cape field hockey assistant coach.