Athletes of the Week Aug. 6

Catherine Elder

Catherine is just 9 years old, but proved to be a leader in and out of the pool this past weekend at the 2021 Delmarva Swim Association Summer Championships. The incoming fourth-grader at Sussex Academy capped off her day of impressive swims with a personal-best time in the 100 individual medley. Catherine has been a vital member of the Lewes Yacht Club swim team for the past four years, constantly encouraging teammates and bringing her all to every practice and meet. She has won MVP for her age group the past three seasons and has a constant drive for self-improvement. "She is a coach’s dream," said Lewes Yacht Club head coach Julia Martiner. "She's eager to listen to critique and able to fill any role come meet time." Outside the pool, Catherine can be found sailing, playing with her sisters, and going to the beach with her family.

Aldo Hernandez

This attacking midfielder for the Cape Henlopen soccer team recently helped his Cape Columbia squad get to the finals of the Henlopen Soccer Club Summer League championships at Sandhill Fields by garnering the assist on the game-winning goal. "Aldo moved here from Wilmington last year," said Cape coach Patrick Kilby. "He started every game as a freshman for us, and he will be our field general in the central-mid position this season. He has very strong technical ability and his soccer IQ is off the charts." Aldo played his club ball at Sporting Delaware and competed in the Elite Club National League national tournament this summer where his team made it to the round of 16. "We look for Aldo to do big things for us this year," said Kilby. When not on the soccer field, Aldo plays video games, reads, draws and hangs with his friends.

Jaxon Laux

A rising freshman at Sussex Academy, Jaxon showed his grit and perseverance for the Mako Swim Club team this past weekend at the 2021 Delmarva Swim Association Summer Championships. He tallied numerous points for the winning Mako squad in every event where he was entered. He garnered first in the 50 breaststroke with a time of 29:53, first in the 50 free with a time of 23:93 and first in the 100 individual medley with a time of 58.79. Then he took first with his teammates in the 200 free relay with a time of 1:38.85 and first in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:49.93. "Jaxon is a great kid," said Mako coach Strohm Edwards. “He's one of the hardest workers and a great overall teammate and leader for the younger swimmers. He's a pleasure to coach."

Brady Spiegel

A rising freshman at Cape Henlopen High School, Brady uses his quickness and knowledge of the game to outwit his opponents on the soccer field. He recently helped lead the Cape Navy summer league team to the semifinals. "Brady is a special player whom I have known for quite some time," said Cape head coach Patrick Kilby. "As a younger player, I was his club coach at the Henlopen Soccer Club." As Brady got older, he made the decision to play for River Soccer Club for Kilby's father, Steve. Now he will be returning to benefit from the coaching of the younger Kilby at Cape. "Brady plays a lot bigger than his grade level," Patrick Kilby said. "He is a natural goal scorer, and I am super excited to have him part of our program." He was an honor roll student in 2020 at Beacon Middle School. When not on the turf, he can be found at the beach with his friends.