Athletes of the Week Feb. 4

Sanne Elling

This junior captain on the Sussex Academy swim squad has anchored the 400 free relay team to two consecutive winning races over Cape Henlopen and Sussex Tech, propelling the Seahawks to the Henlopen Conference dual-meet championship. "Sanne proves every day that she is the most athletic member of a very athletic family," said Seahawks head coach Tom Martiner. "Her drive is something special. In a must-win situation, I have complete trust in her." An honors student, Sanne holds a 4.21 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. A defensive mid on the Seahawks field hockey team and a middie on the lacrosse team, she also excels at pickleball. Besides sports, she is known for her stylish outfits, as she loves to embroider and make her own clothes. She works as a lifeguard at North Bethany in the summer months.

Marcus Gromofsky

A senior captain on the Cape swim team, this powerful four-year starter can swim sprint races in all strokes as well as the grueling 500 freestyle. He recently won the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke, and was part of the winning relays against Sussex Academy. He followed that by winning the 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke against Seaford. "When we need a great swim, Marcus always comes through," said Cape coach Bill Geppert. "He consistently delivers when called upon in any event. Marcus is an outstanding captain and team leader, motivating and encouraging others to do their very best." “He keeps the team together and keeps us focused," said teammate Josh Reinhold. "He always wants the best from each of us." A very accomplished piano player, Marcus plays in the marching and concert bands for Cape. 

Gracie Maughan 

Just a sophomore, this Sussex Academy swimmer recently powered through the pool and garnered wins in the 50 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke and relays against Cape. She followed those with wins in the 200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and 200 free relay against Sussex Tech. "Gracie is great in the classroom and great in the pool," said Seahawks head coach Tom Martiner. "She has great internal drive, and she is goal oriented. She's just a sophomore, and we’re all excited about what her future holds. I'm really looking forward to seeing her on the podium at states this year." Gracie is a member of the Astronomy Club and holds a 4.0 GPA in her classes. Outside Sussex Academy, she swims for the Sussex Family YMCA swim team and is a senior scout with the Girl Scouts. She loves the beach and can also be found skiing, playing music and traveling.

Molly Mendes

Cape swimming fans will point to this senior as a top-shelf utility swimmer for the Vikings. "Molly is the utility swimmer who can swim anything well and always brings a great attitude," said Cape coach Bill Geppert. “She had to swim the 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle against Sussex Academy due to others being out. She did an awesome job." She also plays hockey and lacrosse for the Lady Vikings. She was selected for the Under Armour All-American DC lacrosse team last year. An honors student at Cape, she holds a 3.92 GPA and is in the honor society as well as being active in the Leo Club. She will attend Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., in the fall, where she will play lacrosse. When not on the fields or in the pool, she loves snowboarding and playing with her bulldogs.