ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy women's lacrosse senior Emily Armero has been selected by her teammates to wear No. 6 this season to honor former Navy women's lacrosse player the late Lt. Valerie (Cappelaere) Delaney.
 
Spearheaded by senior team captains Leelee Denton and Katie Golbranson, the Class of 2024 wanted to begin a tradition to honor Cappelaere's legacy by selecting a member of the senior class to wear No. 6 for the season. The player selected has shown the spirit and character with which Cappelaere lived her life.
 
"The No. 6 jersey represents so much more than a lacrosse player, a number or a moment in history," said Golbranson. "It serves as a living reminder of our purpose and call to service as midshipmen. Valerie Cappelaere was a great lacrosse player, that is unquestionable; but her value and influence extended far beyond the lacrosse field. Val's leadership and life touched all those who knew her and has continued to inspire us to this day."
 
"I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of Val's legacy by wearing No. 6 this season," Armero said. "It symbolizes the special bonds and sisterhood within our team showing our unwavering support for one another, making it more than just a number. Val's amazing character both on and off the field inspires all of us, and if we can all strive to be a little more like her I know we are on the right track."
 
"Emily is one of the most selfless people we know," Denton said. "She's continuously giving to those around her whether it's advice and selfless hard work on the field, or care and support to friends off the field. Emily embodies all of the values based off of Val – energy, respect, kindness and determination. It's a privilege to call Emily a teammate and friend. We all learn from her and look up to her every day in lacrosse and life in general. She's a true leader and role model, a very special person in the lives of so many."
 
Cappelaere earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy's Class of 2009. She was instrumental in Navy's transition from a club sport to an NCAA Division I varsity program.  Her love for lacrosse and her teammates resulted in deep friendships, and she inspired and mentored many of her teammates to pursue aviation with her same fearlessness and determination.
 
Upon graduation in May 2009, she was selected to be a Naval Aviator, and to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Cappelaere earned her Wings of Gold in February 2012. She perished on March 11, 2013, when the Navy jet she was piloting crashed in eastern Washington state during a training mission. Her military achievements include the National Defense and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals, and she was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant.
 
Cappelaere will always be remembered as a person of great integrity, strong faith and an unyielding compassion for all those she met. Her legacy is an inspiration to future aviators and all women.
 
"Val Cappelaere's legacy in Navy women's lacrosse is one of resilience, leadership and excellence," head coach Cindy Timchal said. "Emily Armero stepping into that same jersey embodies Val's legacy, bringing her own unique talents and commitment to the game. Together, they represent the enduring strength of Navy women's lacrosse and the profound impact of exceptional leadership on and off the field. Val's ultimate sacrifice in service to her country resonates deeply within the Navy women's lacrosse community. Val's legacy lives on through Emily and all who will follow, a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a team, a community and a nation."

Navy women's lacrosse and the Wings for Val Foundation have been connected since its founding in 2015 with the foundation presenting an award each year to the Navy women's lacrosse player that best represents the legacy of Cappelaere. Recipients of the Wings for Val Navy Women's Lacrosse Award include: 2015 – Molly McNamara ('16); 2016 – Meghan Hubley ('17); 2017 – Blake Smith ('18); 2018 – Anne Richter ('19); 2019 – Andie O'Sullivan ('19); 2020 – Annalise Heyward ('20); 2021 – Caroline Kwon ('21); 2022 – Kasey Dietzel ('22); 2023 – Gabby Lavin ('23).