Vote now for The News & Observer’s college athlete of the week

Here are the nominees for The News & Observer college athlete of the week award. Readers can vote as often as they like until Friday, around noon, when the poll will close.

Nominees

Kelsey Chmiel, N.C. State cross country: Chmiel was named ACC Cross Country Performer of the Week after a stellar performance at the 2021 Nuttycombe Invitational. In that race, Chmiel posted a second-place finish with a 6K time of 20:00.02, marking her second-straight competition with a top-three finish. Throughout the race she never fell below 16th.

Isabel Cox, UNC soccer: Cox scored twice on Oct. 21 to help the Tar Heels earn a 2-2 draw with No. 1 Florida State. This season, Cox has been steady, but this marked an outburst that allowed her to double her season goals total. It was an emotional draw for the Heels, who dedicated the match to mental health awareness in the wake of recent events on the UNC campus.

Leah Crouse, Duke field hockey: Crouse has been named to the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team for the 2021 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. Crouse is one of 18 players selected for the tournament. Crouse has played 12 games for the Blue Devils this season. She ranks fourth on the team in scoring. Earlier this season, Crouse passed the 50-point mark, becoming the 41st Blue Devil to reach the benchmark.

Davius Richard, NCCU football: Richard went 16-for-20 for 242 yards and four TDs to lead NCCU over Morgan State on Saturday. Richard completed 9 of 10 throws in the second half for 180 yards and three touchdowns. He distributed the ball to eight different Eagles, while also rushing for 49 yards.

Mabrey Shaffmaster, UNC volleyball: Shaffmaster led North Carolina with a match-best 13 kills to go with two service aces and three block assists as the Heels won their sixth straight match, defeating Duke 3-0 on Friday.

Thayer Thomas, NC State football: Thomas was the most productive member of the NC State offense Saturday night against Miami in the Wolfpack’s loss, hauling in seven catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns. He was a measure of safety for Devin Leary in the team’s first ACC loss of the season.

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