Athletes of the Week July 15

Lily Frey

A rising fifth-grader at Love Creek Elementary School, Lily has been a consistent and go-to player at second base for the Cape Minor League All-Stars. She has not made a single error at her position in the playoffs and has been a powerhouse at the plate, batting .357 with a .429 slugging percentage, pounding out four singles, a double and four RBIs. She has scored five runs and has drawn six walks in the tournament. "Lily has become a clutch player and someone I can depend on," said Cape manager Jordyn Virden. "She’s still very new to the game, but brings so much composure and energy to the table. Lily’s bat has been hot this tournament, and her defense has helped control momentum of the game. Her natural talent and feel for the game has helped us throughout this whole tournament." Lily plays for USA Diamonds during the travel ball season and loves practicing softball in her spare time. She can also be found at the beach after her practices.

Mikayla Pollard

A rising sixth-grader at Mariner Middle School, Mikayla has shown power not just at the plate, but also in the pitching circle. She has pitched 20.2 innings, throwing 447 pitches, only allowing nine earned runs while striking out 50 batters. She has pummeled eight hits and has a batting average of .500. A versatile player, Mikayla has a great softball IQ; she can play any position with proficiency and is always in the right spot at the right time. "Mikayla has stepped up her game this entire tournament," said manager Jordyn Virden of Pollard’s performance in the District 3 8-10 tournament. "She threw two complete games at the beginning of the tournament with ease to advance us in the winner’s bracket, and held the game in seven innings in our extra-inning win against Georgetown. She is a true team player with so much heart and love for the game. Her efforts will take her far in this game." Mikayla has been with Milton Little League since the age of 4. Softball is her true passion. When she is not at Little League, she is with her travel ball team, Delaware Express.

Makaila Sellers

A rising sixth-grader at Mariner Middle School, Makaila held down the catcher position for every pitch in the District 3 minor league tournament for the winning Cape squad, registering 82 putouts without a single error. She went 6-for-11 from the plate for a .545 batting average and a .762 on-base percentage, driving in four RBIs. She also scored eight runs and drew seven walks. "Makaila showed a lot of grit, holding her own behind the plate for all six games in the tournament and being one of our top batters throughout the tournament," said Cape coach Gabby Pollard. "There aren't enough words for the credit she deserves for us winning districts. We're super proud of her. She has the ambition and athleticism to go far in the game of softball." She also plays second base, catcher and the outfield for the Delaware Express 10U travel squad. During her spare time, she loves to hang out with her family, including family dog Xylah, and play Roblox with her friends.

Riley Windish

This rising sixth-grade honors student at Mariner Middle School has burst onto the softball scene in the playoffs, helping lead the Cape Minor League All-Stars to the District 3 Championship. In her four games in the circle, she threw 15.2 innings, striking out 30 batters, allowing just three earned runs and walking three batters. She has also helped herself out at the plate, garnering seven hits with a .500 batting average. "Riley’s dedication to softball is unmatched," said manager Jordyn Virden. "She’s always one of the first to be at practices and games, and is consistently working hard at home and at travel practice. Riley entered the pitching circle in a sticky situation in the final game against Georgetown and handled it as she always does, with fire and control. Her hard work continues to shine through her game, as she is one of my go-to girls that I know can make something happen in any scenario." Riley will be playing travel ball for the Delaware Express during the off-season and can be found swimming in her spare time.