Sussex Academy students commit to NCAA careers
The Seahawks athletic program spotlighted three of its most accomplished athletes Nov. 8 with a special signing day ceremony.
Sussex Academy seniors Cate Brown, Gracie Maughan and Callie Short officially declared their destinations and dedications over the next few years in front of their friends and family.
“We’re all very proud of these three young women going on to play at the next level. I think it shows how our athletic programs are growing here. To say in the fall we already know that three of our athletes are committed to playing in college is a really big deal,” said Athletic Director Taylor Gibbs.
Cate Brown
Cate Brown signed on to play soccer at the University of Chicago. The 2023 All-State honoree is considered to be one of the top players in Delaware and is a goal-scoring machine. Brown says she feels great after signing to become a future Maroon.
“It’s something that I’ve worked hard for and that my family has sacrificed a lot for, so it’s really special,” Brown said.
The senior will wrap up her high school career in the spring when Sussex Academy defends their Henlopen South title.
Gracie Maughan
Gracie Maughan was in eighth grade the last time the Sussex Academy girls’ swim team lost a head-to-head meet. Last year, as a junior, Maughan was the DIAA state champion in the 100m breaststroke, and her team won the Henlopen Conference. She was also the 100m conference individual champion for the fourth consecutive year. An honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society, Maughan plans to swim for the University of Rhode Island and study sports therapy.
“I think that my 12 years of swimming have paid off with all my hard work. I’m super excited and thankful for all the people who have supported me along the way.” Maughan said
The future Ram will begin her final season at Sussex Academy with a home meet against Sussex Tech Dec. 8.
Callie Short
Short and to the point. Points are something Callie Short can’t seem to get enough of. In 2023, the lone senior on the double-digit-win field hockey team became the first player to reach the 100-point mark in program history. Earlier in the year, she joined the 100-point club for lacrosse as well. Short is choosing field hockey and will play at the University of Lynchburg.
“I’m really excited for Lynchburg! I love the coaches down there, I love everything about down there,” Short said.
Short’s field hockey season wrapped up Nov. 4 with a second-round loss to reigning DII state champion Delmar. The Seahawks took the early lead in that game on a Short pass to Rilyn Lehman, just like they did following a Short goal against reigning DI champion Smyrna earlier in the year. Her final high school lacrosse season will begin with a preseason scrimmage in Hershey next March.
Sussex Academy will hold another signing day for athletes in the spring, but Gibbs felt it was important to spotlight the three young women ready to commit to their college careers. Gibbs, who played lacrosse at Temple, believes these three have what it takes to succeed at the next level.
“They’re all three very hardworking women, so I know it’s something they’re prepared for. They can look forward to the team and family culture that college athletics can provide for them. They get to continue to do what they love, which is, I think, the biggest part of all of this.” Gibbs said.
