Fall Season Sports Recap

11/13/2024

Reflections on an Inspiring Season at Delmarva Christian

The 2024 sports season at Delmarva Christian brought countless standout moments, achievements, and milestones across multiple teams, each unique in their accomplishments and resilience. Here’s a look back through the eyes of our dedicated coaches and players:

Cross Country – Coach Kim Royster

One unforgettable moment this season for Coach Royster was watching each runner set new personal records (PRs). The team grew from just seven participants last year to sixteen this season, a transformation she is incredibly proud of. With hard work—enduring long runs, gym days, and countless line drills —the team forged a bond that has turned them into a true family. As they condition over the summer, Coach Royster looks forward to building inner strength and camaraderie, so they can start next season in top form.

ESIAC Cross Country All Conference

Breanna Perry

Tyler Hutt

Field Hockey – Coach Laura Balback

For Coach Balback, the highlight of the season was watching the girls refuse to give up, even when faced with challenging games. Scoring 24 goals compared to last year’s 7 was an incredible leap. The team’s goal was to have a winning season and potentially make it to the state tournament. Though they didn’t always bring the needed grit, Coach Balback is hopeful that focused offseason work on stick skills will boost each player’s confidence, helping them to achieve even more next season.

ESIAC Field Hockey All Conference

Bella Marineli

Haley Jones

Lucy Magee

MaryKate Dougherty-HM

Boys Soccer – Coach Luke Shiderly

In boys’ soccer, the thrill of knowing they were about to win their semifinal game is a memory Coach Shiderly will always cherish. Key players like Jay Parish (ESIAC Player of the Year with over 20 goals), Harrison Schlabach (one hat trick), and Isaiah McCluskey (nearly 100 saves and 3 shutouts) gave outstanding performances. The team’s character and resilience helped them secure a historic home playoff win (first ESIAC playoff win in school history), advancing to the ESIAC championship. Coach Shiderly is excited for the upcoming growth of this young team and envisions them competing for the ESIAC title, with a desire to deepen their faith and leadership as well.

ESIAC Boys Soccer All Conference

Jay Parrish-POY

Kasey Bell

James Baxter

Mauricio Chavez-HM

Volleyball – Coach John Luong

The volleyball team had some incredible highlights, including their first home game energy, a victory over a top-ranked state team, and memorable moments with the student section’s support. Senior Elaina Millaway’s achievement of 1,000 career kills was a milestone, with other team members adding to the success through significant kills, digs, assists, and blocks. The team celebrated six seniors this season, whose legacy will be carried on by a rising group of talented underclassmen. The program’s Christ-centered culture and passion for the game continue to shape DCHS volleyball.

Volleyball Non-Conference All Conference

1st Team Elaina Millaway-POY

1st Team Layni Dukes

2nd Team Keeley Kondracki

2nd Team Katie Jones

HM-Taylor Lowe

Volleyball All-State

1st Team & Player of the Year Elaina Millaway

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

Soccer - Coach Dypsky

A veteran team led by eleven 8th graders, this year’s team was the very definition of well-rounded. They had several games decided by 2 goals or less, and had 8 different players score goals throughout the season, led by 8th grader Crown Rosenquist’s 7 goals. 8th grader Luke Riley & 7th grader Josh Hopkins shared the load of goalkeeper, as they had 40 & 19 total saves, respectively. Led by Coach Dypsky in his seventh season as head coach, the team had its ups and downs in the win-loss column, but finished the season with a resounding 7-0 victory at Holy Cross. They maintained exemplary sportsmanship on and off the field, and their 8th grade leadership will be sorely missed next season.

Volleyball - Coach Dana Davis

This year’s volleyball team was an absolute treat to watch. Their core of 8th grade players (five of which started every game and led in assists, aces, and kills) proved to lead the way, and the team was nearly unbeatable, finishing the season with an impressive 9-4 record. Their only losses came to two teams that were undefeated on the season, but outside of those four games, they did not lose a single set all season. Led by first-year Coach Dana Davis, and her 8th grade captain squad of Kinley Doughty, Kelly Davis, and Emily Potter, along with fellow 8th graders Chloe Tremblay and setter Tatiana Gulay, this team was a pleasure to watch and demonstrated excellence on and off the court.

Field Hockey - Coach Balback & Coach Cannon

Coming off of their first ever season as an official school team, this year’s field hockey team was one met with great anticipation and they did not disappoint. Led once again by Coach Balback and Coach Cannon, these girls were a force to be reckoned with. They finished the season with a 6-2 record, including 5 shutouts behind 7th grade goalie Carsyn Riddle, who had a career-high 10 saves vs. Holly Grove. 8th grade standouts Lacie Wilkins and Olivia Balback led the way offensively, with Lacie leading the team with 20 goals, while Olivia scored 13 goals & assisted 16 times on the season. 7th grade Rocsi Cannon netted 10 goals to go with 13 assists, and 8th grader Addison Price contributed 3 goals. Though their 8th grade class will prove to be tough to replace, this team proved they won’t back down from anyone.

Each of our Delmarva Christian teams this season exemplified hard work, commitment, and a dedication to growth, both in athletics and in their walk with Christ. We’re excited to see what next season holds for these young athletes as they continue to strive for greatness and grow closer to one another and to God.

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