She’s only a sophomore, but St. John Paul II’s Delaney Burrell has already established herself as a rather unique individual – a four-sport athlete for the Lions and as busy a young lady that you’ll find. Last fall when volleyball was moved to the new Fall II season due to the coronavirus pandemic, she decided to run for the Lions cross country team. That added to her growing repertoire of sports, which also includes being a member of the school’s co-op girls’ ice hockey team and the spring lacrosse team.
“When the (volleyball) season got moved, I figured no one else would be able to do this ever, so I may as well,” she said of her decision to run cross country. “I knew I would regret it if I didn’t.” Not only did she run for the team, she was named captain of the squad. “We really didn’t have a cross country season, but a lot of football and volleyball kids initially decided to do it,” she said. “I liked the running, it was fun. It was something I never tried before and never thought I would get the chance to try, so I’m happy I did it.”
Upon suggesting Delaney as a candidate for the 20 Question profile, Lions co-head coach Shannon Kennedy Cabral noted her super soph is also a straight-A student, a member of the school’s student council, debate team and math team. When asked which of the four sports is her favorite, she gave a rather diplomatic answer. “People ask me this question a lot, and every season I’ll finish it and say, ‘Oh my gosh, hockey is my favorite’ or ‘volleyball is my favorite,’” she said. “I guess it’s whatever sport I’m playing at the time. It’s really hard to pick.”
So, right now volleyball is likely her favorite as defensive specialist and libero with the squad. “We’re a really young team, and things have been coming together very well,” she said. “We like to bring the energy; you become so much more dynamic. Everyone plays so much better when you make noise. I’m looking forward to next season and the season after that, too.” This winter, she had the opportunity to represent St. John Paul II with the co-op ice hockey team which also featured players from Dennis-Yarmouth and Cape Cod Academy.
Having grown up in Yarmouth, many of the D-Y students were girls with whom she played on various teams moving up the ladder. “It was a lot of fun. The girls were very nice, and by the end of the season we all gelled well together,” she said. “I’m looking forward to next year, since we’re only losing one senior.” With spring season around the corner, Delaney will be a defender with the lacrosse team, completing a full circuit of sports for the year, anxious for the two future years ahead. “You only get to do high school once, so you have to make the most out of it,” she said. “I’m excited for it, and I’m ready to see what the next couple of years bring.”
20 Questions with Delaney Burrell
1. Favorite subject: Chemistry
2. Favorite book: “Inferno” by Dan Brown
3. Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
4. Favorite movie: “Die Hard”
5. Favorite TV show: “Survivor”
6. Favorite Cape restaurant: Grumpy’s in East Dennis (where she also works part time)
7. Favorite Cape hangout: Mayflower Beach
8. Favorite sports team: New England Patriots
9. Favorite athlete: Serena Williams
10. Favorite ‘pump-up” music: “Classic” by MKTO or any other 2000s or 2010s throwback
11. Best advice I’ve received: Without the assist there’s no goal.
12. Person I’d most like to meet: Tina Fey
13. Hobbies and interests: Playing sports, going to the beach with my dog, and watching old movies
14. Own greatest sports moment: Starting varsity lacrosse my eighth-grade year
15. Most inspirational person: Essential personnel during COVID
16. Pregame rituals / superstitions: A quiet locker room is never a good thing, I have to dance and sing with my team before the game.
17. Bucket list place to visit: Bali, Indonesia
18. Biggest sports setback or obstacle: Missing my freshman lacrosse season, and volleyball club season due to COVID
19. College plans / major: I plan to attend a four-year college but am undecided on a major. Maybe marketing or nurse practitioner.
20. Advice to young athletes: Making mistakes is okay, and every athlete has bad days. What is most important is how you come back from that. Staying upbeat and positive will help you get the most out of your season.
Written by Mike Richard mikerichard0725@gmail.com.
