Athletes of the Week Oct. 18

McKenna Danahy

Danahy is a quarter of the back line for Sussex Academy’s boys’ soccer team, but he is skilled enough to play offense as well. He is comfortable in possession and a force along the sidelines. On the field for as long as he can remember, Danahy started playing for Henlopen Soccer Club (now called Delmarva Rush) when he was 8 years old, switching to River Soccer Club at age 13. Danahy made the jump to Delaware Futbol Academy when he was 15. His favorite subject is English, and he enjoys dissecting poems just as much as he does picking apart an opposing offense. Danahy believes the key to the defense's dominance is the cohesiveness of the back line. He says the boys work as a unit, and if they didn't, there would have been a lot more goals allowed. 

Aleks Danilenko

Danilenko is a senior who possesses a wonderful shot from distance. He is the only member of Sussex Academy’s defensive group to score, doing so from about 30 yards out against Worcester Prep. He said hard work and determination allow the defense to attack every single ball that reaches their defensive third. Practices can often be more intense than games for the Seahawks, but those battles prepare them for the moments in the game. Danilenko said they don't hesitate to do whatever it takes during the 80 minutes and beyond. The senior began at Henlopen before transitioning to Coastal and then Delaware Futbol Academy. When not on the pitch or studying, Danilenko enjoys playing music, mainly rock. He took piano lessons when he was younger but has taught himself how to play guitar.

CJ Norton

Norton is the goalie captain for the Sussex Academy boys’ soccer team and has the kind of work ethic that backs up his confidence in himself and his teammates. Leading a stout defense, Norton and his backline set a goal of allowing no more than five goals during their 15-game regular season. As of Oct. 17, with four games left to play, Norton and company boast eight clean sheets and have only allowed three goals all year. Playing soccer since he was 3, Norton plays club ball for Delaware Futbol Academy and thanks the club for giving him exposure, like the upcoming nationals tournament in Arizona, that high school play does not offer. When practice ends, Norton hits the gym and says it’s his new favorite hobby. Patrolling North Shores as a lifeguard in summer, Norton also enjoys relaxing at the beach when not on the stand. 

Ben Steimel

Steimel is the only junior who is part of Sussex Academy’s defensive group and holds down the center of the defense. He said communication is a top priority for the unit, and the lads make sure they are all on the same page. They may have disagreements in practice, but as a sign of a productive culture, the boys work things out to nail the details on game day. Steimel started playing at 11 and began travel ball with Henlopen before popping over to Coastal and finally Delaware Futbol Academy. An AP student, Steimel says chemistry is difficult but a lot of fun. When he is not analyzing an offense or mixing up chemicals, Steimel enjoys going on side quests with his buddies. He does it with friends on the team and believes they have been able to build a strong connection on and off the field because of the spontaneity.

Aiden Villar

Villar's primary position is outside on Sussex Academy’s defense, but he has been asked to play defensive midfielder a few times this year due to injuries. Villar said he is proud of everyone who plays on the backline, and he has noticed the lads do not let pressure get to them. He believes their calm demeanor comes in handy, particularly when they go one-on-one with attacking players. Villar says the boys have a dog mentality and refuse to allow the ball to get past them. The senior began his travel ball playing for Cape coach Patrick Kilby at Riptide, and said his senior year is important to him because it is his last year playing organized soccer. Villar enjoys the science pathways, but is also in AP stats. He said he likes to cruise with his friends, but if he is forced inside, he plays games like EA FC and Fortnite.