Delmarva Christian School (DCS) celebrated three new inductees into its Athletics Hall of Fame on September 26, 2026, honoring the athletic achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of former Royals. Alumni, families, coaches, and members of the school community gathered for the annual induction ceremony and celebration of Delmarva Christian's athletic history.

The ceremony, organized by Layne Morris, Advancement & Alumni Coordinator, recognized Matt Dykstra ‘15, the 2014 Girls Soccer Team, and Natalie (Painter) Fowler ‘08 for their accomplishments and contributions to Delmarva Christian athletics.  

Morris opened the ceremony by highlighting the goal of Delmarva Christian Athletic Department: “To prepare young men and women for competition and for life. As Delmarva Christian School teams compete they will strive to encourage the members of the body of Christ and bear witness of his saving grace to the lost world.” 

Morris continued, “We are celebrating some amazing individuals and a team who uphold that goal.” 

Matt Dykstra ’15

A four-sport athlete, Dykstra competed in basketball, golf, lacrosse, and soccer during his time at Delmarva Christian High School. He was named the 2015 Athlete of the Year and earned Basketball MVP honors. Beyond athletics, Dykstra served as National Honor Society president, demonstrating leadership and commitment to the broader school community.

Former DCS basketball coach Jonah Lathbury reflected on Matt Dykstra’s impact as a player and leader, saying, “Matt’s leadership was unlike anyone I had coached.” Lathbury credited Dykstra’s role as a senior team captain and leader with transforming the season and making a lasting impact on his teammates.  

The 2014 Girls Soccer Team made history as the first Delmarva Christian soccer team to qualify for the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) State Tournament. The Royals advanced to the quarterfinals, establishing a milestone in the school's athletic history.

Team members Haley Timko and Amanda Williams earned DIAA All-State recognition, while Head Coach, Scott Esposito was named National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Atlantic Region Coach of the Year.

The team's induction recognizes a historic season and its lasting contribution to the growth of Royals soccer.

Former coach Scott Esposito thanked the players for their dedication and teamwork, emphasizing the unity that defined the team from the beginning: “The biggest thing was we were a team, and we were nothing but a team from day one.”

Fowler was a three-sport standout in basketball, softball, and volleyball. She became Delmarva Christian's first Female Athlete of the Year and earned multiple Most Valuable Player honors, including Softball MVP in 2006 and 2008 and Volleyball MVP in 2008.

Fowler also played on the historic 2007 Girls Volleyball Team, the first volleyball team in Delmarva Christian history to qualify for the Delaware State Tournament. Her individual accomplishments and participation in this milestone season reflect her significant contributions to Royals athletics.

Fowler reflected on how her perspective has changed since her years as a student-athlete, stating, “As a teenager, I did not fully understand what our coaches were giving us at the time. But now that I have my own family and my career, I truly know the sacrifices that have been made.”

Expressing gratitude for her experience at Delmarva Christian, Fowler humbly emphasized the lasting impact of character and faith beyond athletic accomplishments: “Accomplishments eventually do just become memories, but the way we love people, the way that we serve others, the way that we persevere and, most importantly, the way that we reflect Christ can leave a far bigger impact.”

Following the ceremony, alumni and guests gathered for a Hall of Fame reception, providing an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the school's athletic history.

The Athletics Hall of Fame honors Royals whose accomplishments, leadership, and dedication have helped shape Delmarva Christian's athletic tradition. The newest inductees represent the lasting impact student-athletes can have on their teams, school, and community—both through what they accomplish and through the character they demonstrate along the way.

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