Morton’s Darcy, Normal Community’s White win CSM Spring Athletes of the Week

Morton boys tennis player Tate Darcy and Normal Community softball player Cali White came up big for their teams in the first full week of May and earned Clutch Sports Media Spring Athlete of the Week honors.

Both players won the awards after receiving the most votes in their respective polls as Darcy won seven matches, including several tie-breakers and a three-setter in tournament play, and White lifted Normal Community to a dramatic one-run win over rival Normal U-High.

Read more about our winners’ big performances and get to know them in Q and A’s below:

Darcy won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 56 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The Morton tennis standout won seven matches between May 4 and May 10, including all four of his matches at Metamora’s Tom Pitchford Invite on May 8 and 9. He won 6-4, 4-6, 10-7 over Carbondale, 6-0, 6-1 against Urbana Uni-High, 6-2, 7-5 against Dunlap and 6-2, 6-0 over Morris at the tournament. He won singles and doubles matches with partner Joal Larson to help the Potters beat Washington on May 5, prevailing 7-6 (4), 6-1 in singles and 7-6 (4), 6-0 in doubles. He and Larson also won 6-0, 6-2 over Bloomington Central Catholic.

Get to know Darcy in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of your high school career so far? 

“My favorite memory so far was the United Township Invite this year. My partner and I won the #1 doubles bracket, which helped contribute to our team winning the whole tournament. In this tournament we also got to play and beat a team who had beaten us in a close match earlier in the season.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“I would choose Joal Larson because he’s hardworking and always someone I can talk to. He’s my doubles partner this year and we’ve been able to work really well together in all that we do so I would trust him in a situation like this.”

Favorite music artist?

“I don’t have a favorite music artist.”

Favorite food?

“I don’t have a favorite music artist.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Before each match or practice we circle up and say ‘Character before victory’ which is our team’s motto. It comes from the late Coach Joal Stanfield who emphasized the importance of character and we still incorporate that into our team and how we play. This simple phrase helps our team to remain composed no matter how the match is going.”

What’s one thing that’s on your bucket list?

“Watch a Grand Slam in person.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My dad since he’s been involved with all of my sports all throughout my life. Whether he was coaching or just watching, he was always there. He made sure to always help me improve and feel supported. He’s taught me many valuable lessons since I was a kid that have led me to become who I am today.”

White won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 49 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Normal Community freshman stepped up in a key moment against Normal U-High on May 8, hitting a walk-off two-run home run in a 7-6 win. White finished the game going 3-4 with four RBIs and a double. She also put up two hits in an 11-0 Big 12 Conference win over Richwoods on May 7 and hit a double against Normal West on May 5. In the regular season, White hit .259 with 22 hits, 14 RBIs and four doubles.

White had not responded to a Q and A inquiry as of time of publication, this story will be updated if responses are provided.