Observer Preps Athlete of the Week: Elyse Decker

Ahead of the Dr. Phillips girls lacrosse team's game Feb. 23 against Edgewater, the Panthers had compiled a perfect 5-0 record to start the season and senior midfielder Elyse Decker — our Observer Preps Athlete of the Week — has been a big part of that success.

Decker scored a career-high eight goals for Dr. Phillips against Trinity Prep Feb. 7 and had previously scored seven goals against Winter Park in a preseason game Feb. 2. Against Winter Springs she had four goals and four assists, added another four goals against Celebration and played well in the Panthers' win against Bishop Moore Feb. 21.

“It’s been really fun,” Decker said of the team's strong start to the spring. “It’s been really great playing with my sister and Piper (Johnson). This year has just been really fun … I’m really enjoying it.”

That enjoyment that the University of Pennsylvania signee has experienced so far has translated into the stat box.

“The stats just sort of go along with it when you work hard and you’re having fun,” Decker said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].