Tag Archive for: interviews

THE MATUZ TOUCH

JEFFERSON OH- As the Jefferson Falcons advance deeper into their volleyball season, senior Marillia Matuz (she/her) continues to leave an indelible mark on the court and in the classroom. Hosting the latest episode of player profiles, Marillia shared insights into her final high school year, reflecting both on her personal goals and the sense of community that drives her.

Matuz, who has transitioned from a setter to an outside hitter over her volleyball career, leads the team in kills and digs, attributing her success to consistent practice and synergy with her teammates. “It’s been a lot of reps. Working with my team and my setters, they put the ball where it needs to be,” she said.

Despite the understandable emotions that come with a senior athlete’s final season, Marillia maintains a composed perspective. “I’m trying not to let it affect me yet,” she admits, focusing instead on leading her younger teammates through a period of transition for the Falcons, who have seen many experienced players graduate.

Off the court, Marillia excels academically, balancing a rigorous course load that includes Chemistry II and AP Calculus, and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Although academics don’t come easily to her in every subject, she has developed effective study habits that have aided her success. “A lot of writing down notes and listening and paying attention. You can’t mess around in class,” she noted, giving a glimpse into her disciplined approach.

Aside from her volleyball accolades, Matuz is also an accomplished softball player and holds a leadership position in her school’s senior leadership program. Despite the busy schedule that involves juggling multiple sports and academic commitments, she finds time to nurture her interests, aiming for a future that marries her love for sports with her academic strengths in math and science.

As a well-rounded student-athlete, Matuz’s dedication and perseverance set a powerful example for her peers. With aspirations to stay close to home post-graduation, she cherishes the tight-knit community of Jefferson. “It’s always nice. All my friends and family are here. We’re in such a small town that everyone’s supportive.”

In a heartfelt conclusion to the podcast, she thanked those who’ve been instrumental in her journey, particularly her family and teammates. “My mom comes to every game. She’s always encouraging me to work hard. My dad, my teammates, and my coaches are always there for me, even on bad days.”

Marillia Matuz’s final year at Jefferson stands as a testament to her hard work, leadership, and unyielding spirit, making her a proud symbol of Falcon pride.

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HU LETTS LOOSE

MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Ava Hulett, a standout junior athlete at Mineral Ridge High School, is setting her sights on leaving a lasting legacy in her senior year. In a recent interview with YSN’s DJ Yokley at the Post Office Pub, Hulett shared her thoughts on her impressive basketball season, her multi-sport dedication, and her aspirations for the future.

Hulett, a key player in the girls’ basketball program at Mineral Ridge, expressed pride in her team’s performance, despite the challenges of a tough schedule. The team’s resilience and unity were evident as they overcame obstacles throughout the season.

As a multi-sport athlete, Hulett balances her focus between basketball and volleyball, showcasing her determination and versatility both on and off the court. Her commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to young athletes in the community.

Looking ahead to her senior year, Hulett reflects on the opportunities available to female athletes in today’s sports landscape. She emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance, acknowledging the impact of being a role model to aspiring athletes.

With her eyes set on her final year, Hulett aims to achieve a significant milestone in basketball by reaching 1,000 points and potentially breaking a school record. Her dedication and drive have already garnered attention, positioning her among the elite athletes in the region.

As Hulett continues to excel in her athletic endeavors, she remains focused on leaving a lasting mark at Mineral Ridge High School. Her determination and sportsmanship make her a role model for young athletes and a force to be reckoned with on and off the court.

The Mineral Ridge community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Hulett’s athletic journey as she continues to shine in her pursuits.

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THE EASY WAY, AND THE CONAWAY

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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THE LION

CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders have found themselves a defensive gem in junior standout Troy Combs. Known for his hard-hitting tackles and game-changing interceptions, Combs is quickly gaining attention as a generational talent in the football community.

Combs, hailing from a family that bleeds Raider pride, has followed in the footsteps of his older brother Matthias, a notable wide receiver who left a lasting impression on the team. In a recent interview at Giangelo’s in Boardman, Combs expressed gratitude for his brother’s influence and praised his character both on and off the field.

Reflecting on his growth throughout the season, Combs admitted that early on, he struggled with patience and would often get juked out or penalized for holding. However, under the guidance of coach Rocks, Combs has evolved into a more composed and patient player, allowing him to make impactful plays.

What sets Combs apart is his ability to not only deliver bone-crushing hits but also showcase his speed and agility when intercepting passes. When asked to choose between laying a hit or making an interception, Combs unhesitatingly expressed his love for setting the tone with a big hit, believing it sends a powerful message to the opposing team.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Combs emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and building a stronger bond with his teammates. He acknowledged the challenge posed by their upcoming fearless opponents and expressed excitement for the opportunity to showcase his skills against a team that throws the ball frequently.

Combs credits the close-knit bond among the South Range Raiders as a catalyst for their success. Their unique practice methods, such as “squeezing and spilling,” instill trust and belief in each other, making them a formidable force on the field.

Beyond football, Combs has his sights set on a future in architecture or graphic design, citing his love for building Legos as the inspiration behind his interest. With his dedication and talent on the gridiron, Combs undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, with football being a potential opportunity for success.

As the South Range Raiders continue their journey in the playoffs, Troy Combs remains focused on making a lasting impact on the team while constantly striving for personal growth. With his exceptional defensive skills and unwavering dedication, Combs is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in high school football.

 

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NOBODY BETTER THAN JONATHAN

BOARDMAN, OH- Welcome back to another exciting episode of YSN’s Player Profile, the podcast where we bring you all the latest updates and profiles of talented athletes. In today’s episode, we have a special player profile featuring Jonathan Vergos-Perez, a freshman on the Boardman cross country team.

Join us as we dive deep into Jonathan’s background, his love for running, and his journey from California to Ohio. We’ll also discuss his experiences in different sports and his ambitious goals for the future. Stay tuned to hear about Jonathan’s determination, his family’s support, and his plans to excel in both academia and athletics. Get ready to be inspired by this talented young athlete.

 

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