In a year of outstanding athletes, Lely High coaches came up with several top contenders for the Marco Eagle Lely Athlete of the Year.

It took a four-sport athlete, with credentials that also include academics and community involvement.

Victoria Howard, a junior, becomes the Eagle’s second Lely Athlete of the Year.

She follows a very accomplished athlete who won the inaugural honor, junior Lauren Embree.

Although Embree’s national tennis competition kept her from defending her state singles and doubles championship titles this year, she still was mentioned as a top athlete.

In all, nine athletes received votes, with senior Mercedes Farhat the closest behind Howard. Also receiving votes were seniors Fortin Faustin, Louga Isme, Casey Jandro, Justo Vasquez, Manolitha Joseph and sophomore Harry Stephenson.

But it was Howard’s leadership in all sports and personal qualities that won her the honor.

Her basketball coach Brandon Miller summed it up by saying, “Victoria was our captain, leading scorer, leading rebounder, shot blocker, excellent student and leader.”

Her volleyball coach, Daniel Selvey, said, “Victoria led the team in nearly every category and is a dominant force at the net on offense and defense. Her leadership and athleticism dominated opponents. I think she can lead us to a volleyball district championships in 2008.”

Track coach Mark McGarity spoke of her breaking the school record in the triple jump.

“She broke the record and could do even more if she concentrated on fewer sports,” he said. “She is just a tremendous athlete.”

Of the award, Howard said, “It is an amazing honor, Lely has so many good student-athletes. This is an accomplishment, another goal that I looked forward to reaching.”

Also a top academic student, Howard says her education will come before college sports.

“Education comes first and I am looking to schools with engineering,” she said. “If sports is an option I think I will go for basketball and track.”

Farhat showed her popularity in receiving votes from coaches in other sports. They all talked of her tremendous swimming record at Lely, going to state four straight years and about to represent Libya in the Olympic games. They also spoke of her leadership and work ethic that made others around her better.

Soccer coach Mark Lopez said, “Mercedes was a strong, all-around athlete in swimming, cross country and track.”

The coaches also announced their own top stars in each sport.

Football:

Most valuable, Marty Krauss. Best on defense, Louga Isme.

Offensive leaders, Fortin Faustin and Michael O’Regan.

Volleyball:

Victoria Howard.

Cross Country:

Girls, Amber Imm.

Boys, Andy Martinez.

Golf:

Boys, Geoff Stephenson.

Girls, Hailey Whewell.

Basketball:

Boys, Dylan DeFeo.

Girls, Victoria Howard.

Soccer:

Boys, Beker Escalante.

Girls, Gabby Lopez.

Wrestling:

Louga Isme.

Baseball:

Casey Jandro.

Softball:

Becca Mysels.

Tennis:

Boys, Cody Mandel and Randy Dudenbostel.

Girls, Lauren Mitchusson.

Track and Field:

Boys, Fortin Faustin.

Girls, Manolitha Joseph.