Top athletes not only have substantial talent, but exemplify great diligence and captainship. Isaiah Donaldson (‘25), Cherry Hill High School East football’s wide-receiver and defensive-back, is not only an undeniable force on the field, but he possesses these qualities undoubtedly. Donaldson has been selected for the Athlete Spotlight for the month of November which recognizes Boys football.
Donaldson had many standout moments this season for East football. In the first ever Friday night lights game at Cherry Hill East, Donaldson scored a 90-yard touchdown in the first play of the game. Adding to his accomplishments, in East’s game against rival Cherry Hill West High School, Donaldson had an interception to secure victory and bring the boot back to the East side. In East’s first playoff game since 2006, Isaiah had three touchdowns, helping to secure the school’s first playoff win since 1991.
These successes are recognized by head football coach, Mr. Tyler Drob.
“Isaiah’s confidence and contagious energy led the team in these big moments. He led with his play on the field,” said Coach Drob.
Success like this in football derives from a love for the game. Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Justin Jefferson; are a few examples of dominant NFL players driven to put in the work by their passion for football. Donaldson aspires to be in this class of athletes. Whether that means spending time in the weightroom, team practices, or doing drills with his brother, Donaldson goes to great lengths to achieve greatness.
“I work hard and I’m very humble, always trying to be better than I was the day before,” said Donaldson.
Donaldson owes an abundance of his success to his East teammates. He says all of his teammates have helped him during the season by motivating him or helping him to make great plays. For example, East’s quarterback, Zach Salsbery (‘25), throwing him dimes, or Denzel Lee (‘25) pushing him in the weightroom. The East team has an environment built upon teamwork, excitement, and everyone executing their distinctive jobs.
Donaldson demonstrates limitless energy, commitment to practicing hard, and devotion to building his strength. These factors led him to an exemplary season.
“Isaiah’s work ethic at practice and in off-season workouts is what separated him from others,” said Coach Drob.
Versatility is a true asset for star athletes, such as Donaldson, to possess. Donaldson led the team on offense, defense, and special teams. This includes playing wide receiver, running back, defensive back, kick returner, and punt returner. He had the team’s first 500+ rushing and receiving yards in school history. This a testament to his ability to not only adapt to different positions on the field, but to shine brightly through whatever is thrown at him.
Football is not going anywhere for Donaldson. He aspires to play high-level football and hopes to live out his childhood dream of making it to the NFL. Regardless of where the future takes him, he plans on staying in the field of athletics and majoring in exercise science.
“One, stay on [those] books. Two, don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do something, and three, be humble and confident,” Donaldson advises younger athletes.