Tag Archive for: conditioning

YOST WITH THE MOST

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NILES OH- In a season marked by groundbreaking achievements and unyielding dedication, the Niles Girls Soccer team has secured their first-ever NE8 Championship, guided in part by standout sophomore Maddie Yost. “It’s great,” says Maddie. “Our team is pretty young, with some freshmen starting, so it’s amazing to have this experience.” Under the watchful eye of Coach Scott McMillan, the team’s hard work and early 6:00 AM conditioning sessions paid off, culminating in a historic victory.

“Our hunger was immense,” Yost admits. “We wanted it so bad; we conditioned early and maintained focus even when the goal seemed just within reach.” Practicing with seriousness and camaraderie alike, the team’s chemistry on and off the field played a pivotal role. “We do a lot of team bonding—swimming, movie nights at Coach Scott’s house,” Yost recounts. Notably, Maddie Yost herself emerged as a leader, despite being just a sophomore. Described as vocal and focused, she captained the team alongside seniors Natalia Tate and Gianna Wagner. This leadership has nurtured a successful environment, fostering growth among the younger players.

The team’s success has resonated throughout the Niles community, rallying fans and unifying the school behind their triumph. Yost reflects, “It’s amazing to see everyone come out and support us. It feels like we have a big family behind us.” While balancing a rigorous academic schedule—highlighting a penchant for math and science—Yost’s ambition remains unwavering. She eyes collegiate soccer and a potential nursing career, following in the footsteps of her parents who played college soccer and continue to provide invaluable support and guidance.

Looking ahead, Maddie Yost remains focused on maintaining her leadership role and pushing her confidence to new heights. “There’s always room to grow,” she says, embodying the spirit and determination that have defined this historic season for Niles Girls Soccer. As the Dragons advance in their tournament endeavors, the Niles community eagerly anticipates more memorable moments from a team—and a player—that have already etched their names in the annals of school history.

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FOREVER YOUNG

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In the latest episode of “The Devils Hour” on YSN, hosted by Billy Cappabianca, Jackson Young—junior tight end and defensive end for the Western Reserve Blue Devils—offered an insightful look into his busy life both on and off the field.

Young, who juggles football, basketball, and track, also finds time to manage a slew of animals as part of the Junior Fair program, a task he says teaches him invaluable responsibility. “I get up, go to the barn, and when I get home from practice, I’m heading back to the barn,” Young shared.

Family support plays a crucial role in Young’s life. He spoke fondly of his younger brother Bennett, a freshman, and the pivotal influence of his parents. His dad, in particular, acts as a motivator, often pushing him to go harder and stay focused during games.

The episode also touched on the Blue Devils’ first loss of the season, which Young views as a wake-up call that will galvanize the team heading into the playoffs. “It stung a little bit, but I think that will help us persevere farther into the playoffs,” he remarked.

As the season progresses, Young and his team look forward to three key league matches against Waterloo, Minnow Ridge, and Jackson Milton, aiming for a strong playoff push.

Highlighting his season thus far, Young proudly recounted blocking his first field goal, a moment he credits to the excitement and encouragement from fans and teammates alike.

With a promising future ahead, Jackson Young’s balance of athletic, academic, and personal responsibilities marks him as a standout leader for the Blue Devils. His commitment and passion demonstrate the bright potential within this young athlete.

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THE WAY JAY DOES IT

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COLUMBIANA, OH – In the latest Crestview Volleyball player profile, volleyball sensation Jayden Scheller opened up about her journey, team dynamics, and the essence of being a part of one of the most successful high school volleyball programs in the region.

Scheller, now a senior, has seen her role grow significantly in her final year with the team. “At first, it was intimidating because you don’t want to let such an amazing team down,” she shared. Reflecting on her experience since transferring to Crestview in her sophomore year, Scheller emphasized the welcoming and supportive spirit of her teammates and coaches. “The girls on the team are so encouraging, making it easy to go out there and do your job.”

Being part of Crestview volleyball is described by many as akin to being in a rock star band, thanks to their consistent success. The community’s support plays a pivotal role in the team’s morale. “We’re not just playing a game; we’re playing for our community, our coaches, and our parents,” Scheller noted. A typical Crestview practice is no walk in the park. The team starts with a rigorous 30-minute warm-up, followed by specific skill drills and simulated six-on-six matches. This high level of preparation is evident in their dominating performances on the court. The gym’s often harsh conditions also provide a unique advantage. “Training in such an environment gives us a heads-up on other gyms,” Scheller mentioned, highlighting how the lack of air conditioning during the summer months makes them more resilient.
Off the court,

Scheller maintains a strong academic record and participates in several challenging classes, including AP Literature and Calculus. Her love for history and subjects like economics and psychology also stand out, showcasing her well-rounded character.
Family and friends are central to Scheller’s life. “I’m really close with my family, and we often have game nights,” she shared. Her favorite activities include playing the card game Dutch Blitz and staying active by playing sports like pickleball with friends.
When asked about her inspirations, Scheller expressed immense gratitude towards her parents and volleyball coaches. “They push me to be the best I can be while being incredibly supportive,” she said.

As she wraps up her high school career, Jayden Scheller stands as a testament to hard work, resilience, and community spirit. Her journey at Crestview has been marked not only by athletic success but also by personal growth and academic excellence. Fans and supporters can undoubtedly look forward to more stellar performances from Jayden and her teammates as they continue to make their mark on high school volleyball.

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THREE CHEERS FOR GORUP

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CANFIELD, OH- As the Canfield Cardinals advance into week five of their football season, cheerleader senior Emily Gorup stands out not only for her spirited performances but also for her dedication and perseverance. A guest on the latest episode of the “YSN” podcast, Emily shared her enthusiasm for her final year of high school cheerleading, providing a glimpse of her journey and what motivates her.

Emily’s cheerleading career began in eighth grade. Drawn by the passion of her friends and her own interest in the sport, she made the squad and hasn’t looked back since. Throughout the years, she has enjoyed every second, especially the opportunity to lead and inspire younger cheerleaders.

“It’s really special just seeing all the girls look up to us,” Emily said, reflecting on her involvement with Canfield’s cheerleading camps and community engagement activities. From painting faces at the local fair to lifting weights and practicing diligently, Emily and her squad dedicate countless hours to their craft.

One of the highlights of Emily’s senior year was the Canfield Cardinals’ thrilling victory over their arch-rival, the Poland Bulldogs. Despite an injury that has temporarily sidelined her, Emily remains an integral part of the team. She looks forward to returning to cheerleading, participating in both the fall football season and the upcoming basketball season, which she has always cherished.

Emily’s commitment extends beyond cheerleading. An only child, she credits her parents for their unwavering support. Academically driven, Emily plans to pursue a degree in psychology, with hopes of working specifically with children. Considering Kent State University and Youngstown State University as her top choices, she is eager to continue her education and impact others’ lives positively.

Despite facing challenges, such as her recent injury, Emily’s positive attitude and determination shine through. Her favorite school subjects, like forensics, hint at her analytical mind and curiosity—a perfect match for her future career path.

Her journey at Canfield High School has been marked by strong friendships and valuable experiences that have shaped her into a well-rounded individual. As her cheerleading chapter begins to close, Emily remains focused on enjoying every moment and supporting her team to the fullest.

In the podcast, Emily emphasized the importance of the community’s role and the support they receive from local businesses like Coca’s Pizza, which hosts Canfield Cardinal Night. These partnerships underscore the deep ties between Canfield’s student-athletes and the broader community.

For Emily Gorup, senior year is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the future. Her path from a hopeful eighth-grader to a confident and compassionate senior cheerleader is a testament to her hard work and the support of her family and community. As Canfield High School alumni, Emily and her fellow cheerleaders leave behind a legacy of determination, teamwork, and school spirit.

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THE EASY WAY, AND THE CONAWAY

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Mineral Ridge’s own rising basketball star, 8th grader Kadence Conaway, sat down with YSN’s DJ Yokley at the Post Office Pub to discuss her impressive athletic achievements and aspirations for the future.

Conaway boasts an outstanding record of 18 wins and 14 undefeated games in the league, with a back-to-back championship under her belt from 7th grade. Looking toward high school, she candidly expresses excitement and nerves about the heightened competition but is committed to working hard to elevate her game.

When asked about her strengths and areas of improvement, Conaway highlighted her proficiency in driving to the hoop and emphasized the need for more confidence and skill in ball handling. With a strong sense of teamwork and a deep understanding of her teammates’ playing styles, this young athlete prides herself on her ability to read the court and anticipate her teammates’ movements.

Expressing her love for the sport, Conaway revealed her dreams of playing college basketball, inspired by her favorite player, Caitlin Clark. Her cherished memories of celebrating victories with her team and family display her passion for the sport and the close bonds formed through their shared success.

With family at the core of her support system, Conaway acknowledges her dad’s coaching influence and her mom’s mentorship in perfecting plays. As she looks ahead to the future, this determined athlete is focused on making further strides in high school and continuing to chase her basketball dreams.

As the interview concluded, Conaway expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming summer ball and future endeavors, leaving the Mineral Ridge community eager to witness her continued growth on the court.

Kadence Conaway’s unwavering dedication and talent undoubtedly position her as a standout prospect for future basketball success.

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URSULINE GIRL’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVELL TURNAGE

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, host and basketball enthusiast, DJ Yokley catapults audiences into the world of Ursuline Girls Basketball. Joined by first-year head coach, LaVell Turnage, they dive into the highs and challenges of coaching the Lady Irish.

During the conversation, Turnage reflects on the emotional journey of coming back home to his alma mater. He discusses the immense pride he feels walking into the gym, reminiscing about the memories created during his time as a student and athlete. For him, being back at Ursuline isn’t just about being a coach; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of his players and instilling important life lessons.
The topic shifts towards the upcoming season and the adjustments that come with being a head coach. Turnage acknowledges that the team’s success lies in building a cohesive unit, with each player understanding their role as a puzzle piece. Emphasizing the importance of communication, he encourages the girls to focus on mastering simple fundamentals such as layups, free throws, and defense, which will keep them competitive in games.

The conversation also highlights the challenging schedule ahead for the Lady Irish, with tough matchups against schools like Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary. While acknowledging the difficulty, Turnage states that he appreciates the opportunity to test his team’s mettle and see how they respond to adversity.
As the podcast delves deeper, Coach Turnage reveals the key players to watch out for this season. Point guard Lily Scott, committed to Mount Union next year, is lauded for her skill and dedication to the game. Coach highlights other standouts who have shown immense potential despite transitioning from middle school basketball.

However, Turnage acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, particularly in nurturing the underclassmen and helping them find their identity within the team. With more underclassmen than upperclassmen, he sees it as an opportunity to build for the future and cultivate a team that will compete at a high level in the coming years.

Throughout the podcast, Turnage’s love for Ursuline and his dedication to the development of young women are evident. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, he sees coaching as a means to provide guidance and love to his players. He strives to move the needle for girls’ basketball, both locally and nationally, and inspire his players to pursue opportunities in the sport beyond the high school level.

The YSN podcast continues to shed light on the impactful work being done by passionate coaches like LaVell Turnage. His commitment to his team and his desire to mold young women extends beyond the basketball court, making him a role model for players and coaches alike.

 

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