It’s finally here: the 2024 fall Lincoln fantasy draft. We called upon four of our esteemed sports columnists: Mihir Kumar (12),  Nate Blank (11) , Naomi Endo (11) and Josiah Smith (11) to hand pick which Lincoln athletes will go far this fall season at their respective sport. We asked varsity competitors, captains and managers to give us information on the best fall sports players, which heavily influenced our outcomes. The format of this draft is a four round snake draft. Here are the results:

First Round Picks:
Girls Soccer – Mia Van More (12): As a first team all-metro selection, with a league MVP and a D1 Cal offer, it comes as no surprise that every soccer player we interviewed voted her best player. “Mia is an absolute animal” said teammate Sylvie Vermilya. (12) As the star Lincoln forward, her stats speak for themselves.
Boys Football – JJ Starnes (12): Starnes himself described it best: “We’re different this year.” As the focal point of Lincoln’s new dynamic football offense, this receiver has been seeing more targets and catches than any past Lincoln football players.
Girls Volleyball – Emlyn Fettig (10): Another player unanimously voted as best on her team, Fettig has led the front row with a fiery power that has opposing teams terrified. “That kid’s going places” stated captain Devon Nobil (12)
Girls Soccer – Fiona Kelly (12): “I’m the Ray Lewis of the girls metro league, don’t test me,” Kelly stated. Enough said.

Second Round Picks:
Boys Golf – Jack Conway (11): As the most consistent golf player with impeccable form, “He’s a magician around the greens,” said teammate Bennett Carver (12)
Boys XC – Kaj Montgomery (12): As someone who very recently distinguished himself from the rest of the pack, Montgomery is the epitome of cross-country grit. “I earned my spot as co-captain of cross country because of how I love our tight-knit community, not because of speed,” said Montgomery.
Girls XC – Cleo Baernstein (12): Head and shoulders above the rest of the pack, Baernstein has shown that through good and bad years for the team, consistency is key. “Leading the team, and leading the pack, she does it all.” said Captain Zach McNaul (12)
Boys Football – Jacob Smith (12): As the leader of Lincoln football’s offense, “Jacob Smith is the heart of the team, He’s a team player, he’s funny, talented, and most of all he is my captain” Matteus Alin (11)

Third Round Picks:
Boys XC – Zach McNaul (12): Combining natural talent with unmatched dedication, role model is a great description for this four-year varsity athlete. “Zach is a first in last out type of athlete,” said fellow captain Caleb Hirshfeld. (12)
Boys Football – Henry Kozu (12): “I can’t always see the ball but it still ends up in my hands,” Kozu stated.
Boys Ultimate – Axel Proskurowski (12): “Ultimate Frisbee is my passion,” said Proskurowski. “I pride myself on being a four year varsity participation who enjoys tossin around a disc now and again.”
Boys XC – Caleb Hirschfield (12): “With unparalleled natural ability and lots of goofiness, Caleb delivers not only strong results, but strong community.” Captain Levi Hanscom (12)

Fourth Round Picks:
Boys Football – Ben Mekuria (12): “I got seatbelts. Only like 20 yards on my head” stated Mekuria.
Girls Volleyball – Annie De Boer (12): “Annie brings a calm, cool and collected energy to the team, that inspires us on the court to play better.” Emlyn Fetting (10)
Girls Golf – Maggy Steingraber (12): “All around great player and captain,” Jack Conway (11)/Bennett Carver (12)
Girls Swim – Matilda White (11): “She’s gonna be a future Olympian, I’m not joking.” Reina Mctaggart (12)

Fifth Round Picks:
Girls Soccer – Natalie Kelly (11): “Willing to do anything for the team.” Mia Van More(12)
Boys Ultimate – Jasper Horner Devine (12): “Jasper is a staple of the offense, and has a deep passion or the game,” Mihir Kumar (12)
Boys Golf – Nathan Race (11): “Every time this guy hits a golf ball, my jaw drops.” Brevon Campbell (12)
Girls Dive – Claire De Boer (12): “I make a small splash,” De Boer exclaimed.