The votes are in, and this week's Athletes of the Week powered by Copper Creek Contractors delivered performances worthy of the spotlight. Ella Walk of Mahomet-Seymour girls' soccer and E.J. Chaon of LeRoy baseball are your winners, and they're sharing their stories in their own words.
Ella Walk etched her name into a rivalry game with pure clutch instinct. With just 90 seconds on the clock, she fired home the game-winning goal to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Bulldogs over area power Champaign Central.
"I was really honored to be nominated because the recognition reflects the hard work of the entire team," Walk said. "We've been playing together since third grade, and now it's really paying off. I had just come back into the game after a yellow card, a bit frazzled, and thought, 'Someone has to make something happen.' I got the ball, took a touch, and just decided to shoot and hope. This season has been special; we switched formations and our passing and teamwork have come together perfectly."
When asked about her game-day essentials, Walk highlighted her ritual. "I always like to do my hair in some fun braids and have my pre-game music-listening session." And the best part of the sport? "All the friendships I've made with the girls."
Other notable nominees this week included Karlee Fenton of Blue Ridge softball, Caroline Schweighart of St. Thomas More softball, and Alicia Thomas of Centennial track and field.
On the diamond, E.J. Chaon has been a model of consistency at the plate for LeRoy. He tallied two hits in a tight 10-9 win over Salt Fork and then followed up with a three-hit, two-RBI performance in an 18-3 victory against Blue Ridge.
"I was very surprised with all the support and how quickly the votes piled up," Chaon remarked. "We have a great community that loves to support everyone. Coming in as a younger guy, there's pressure to fill the shoes of last year's seniors, but it's a pleasure competing and holding my own. It's been a blast with this group; we're very team-oriented and just trying to get better every day."