Tag Archive for: recruiting

YOST WITH THE MOST

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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LOWELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CHRISTINA FREED

LOWELLVILLE, OH- As the Lowellville Rockets volleyball team kicks off their season, the anticipation is palpable. Under the guidance of Head Coach Christina Freed, the Rockets are aiming to build on last year’s promising start and solidify their presence as a formidable force in their league. With Coach Freed entering her second year at the helm and her seventh year in volleyball coaching overall, she brings a blend of experience and vision to the team.

The Rockets are buoyed by a strong senior class, consisting of seven dedicated players who are expected to provide leadership both on and off the court. Speaking to YSN’s DJ Yokley on the podcast “LOWELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER,” Coach Freed highlighted the importance of team chemistry and unity. Over the summer, the team invested in various bonding activities, including surprise lunches, pool gatherings, and team dinners, in hopes of fostering a cohesive and supportive environment.

“Chemistry was really important this year,”  said Coach Freed. “We did a lot to make sure the girls came together as a team. It’s about building relationships and trust, ensuring everyone knows their role and responsibilities.”

The team’s efforts to strengthen bonds seem to be paying off. Already off to a 1-0 start, the Rockets are committed to maintaining a winning record throughout the season. Coach Freed employs a balanced approach, focusing not only on skills and strategies but also on mental and emotional readiness.

Each home game holds special significance, as players dedicate their performances to important figures in their lives. This practice adds a layer of motivation and personal connection to each match. For Coach Freed, this year’s dedication goes to her cousin Ricky, whose resilience in overcoming personal challenges serves as an inspiration.

“No matter how low you go, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” said Coach Freed, emphasizing the life lessons she wishes to impart to her players.
As the Lady Rockets volleyball aims for success, the team’s determination and strong chemistry will be crucial factors. With the leadership of Coach Freed and the senior class, the Rockets are well-poised to compete fiercely in the season ahead, making their community proud.

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LENER LEADS THE WAY FOR TITAN ATHLETICS

NEW WILMINGTON, PA-  A groundbreaking partnership was announced yesterday between Your Sports Network (YSN) and Westminster College, set to bring broader visibility to the college’s athletic events. In an exclusive Coaches Corner interview, Westminster College Athletic Director Jason Lener and YSN’s DJ Yokley revealed the exciting collaboration, which will see the majority of Westminster’s athletic events simulcast on YSN’s platform.

“We’re super excited about the partnership,” said Lener, a proud Westminster alum. “Anytime we can partner with an alum on any venture, it’s just an added bonus. This is a win-win situation for both Westminster and YSN.”

The partnership aims to shine a brighter light on Westminster’s athletic programs across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Yokley highlighted, “It is a 50-50 partnership that benefits both sides. For Westminster, this means increased exposure, and for YSN, more content and engagement with our growing audience.”

Lener, who began his tenure as Athletic Director in 2021, expressed deep pride in both his alma mater and the student-athletes he oversees. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be in this role. Our job is to ensure that our student-athletes have a wonderful experience at Westminster,” he shared. The college’s focus on maintaining and improving upon its facilities is also a key component of Lener’s strategy to attract and retain top talent. Recent renovations, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium and ongoing updates to other sports facilities, underscore this commitment.

Looking to the future, Lener revealed plans to further enhance Westminster’s athletic infrastructure. “We’re pursuing a fundraising campaign to add press boxes to our baseball, softball, and soccer/lacrosse fields. Improvements like these help set Westminster apart in a competitive recruitment landscape.”

YSN’s Yokley praised Lener’s dedication and vision, saying, “The commitment that Jason and his team have to all athletic programs is extraordinary. We’re thrilled to be part of promoting the outstanding talent and programs at Westminster.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, aimed at enriching the college sports experience for athletes and fans alike. “We’re very excited about creating more exposure for current student-athletes and helping prospective students learn more about Westminster,” Lener emphasized.

As preparations for the upcoming athletic season get underway, both Westminster College and YSN look forward to a fruitful collaboration that promises to highlight the excellence and dedication of Westminster’s athletic community.

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ORANGE BOY’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MARVIN RASHAD

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the “YSN – Orange Boys Basketball Coach’s Corner” podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Marvin Rashad, the new head basketball coach at Orange High School. The conversation was filled with excitement and optimism as Coach Rashad shared his vision for the team and his passion for the game.

Coach Rashad, a former player himself, spoke about how basketball has been a blessing in his life, teaching him valuable lessons of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. He expressed his belief that the game is not just about wins and losses, but also about personal growth and the development of life skills.

Describing his journey to Orange High School as a “Cinderella story,” Coach Rashad recounted a pivotal game three years ago when his previous team, Shaw High School, faced off against Orange in a sectional championship. Against all odds, Shaw emerged victorious, and Coach Rashad’s coaching prowess caught the attention of the administrators at Orange High School.

Since taking over as head coach, Coach Rashad has been focused on changing the culture and instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability in his players. He emphasizes that they represent not only themselves and their families but also the school and the coaching staff. The players are urged to approach the game with a sense of urgency and to give their best, knowing that every action reflects on their coach and the program.

The enthusiasm surrounding Coach Rashad’s appointment is evident in the response from the players. Over 60 students expressed their desire to play for him, a testament to his ability to inspire and motivate. Coach Rashad humbly acknowledged this overwhelming support and expressed his commitment to Orange High School, stating that he has found his home and plans to build a successful program for years to come.

Cleveland is a community that deeply values basketball, and Coach Rashad understands the high expectations that come with leading a team in this city. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the game but encourages his players to play with confidence and freedom, while still maintaining discipline and structure. He aims to create a team that is known for its resilience and fighting spirit, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard.

As a coach who has played at the next level himself, Coach Rashad recognizes the aspirations of his players to play college basketball. He advises them to embrace the challenges that come with that goal, emphasizing the importance of listening, being coachable, and developing a resilient mindset. He wants his players to understand that nothing comes easy and that they must be ready to fight for their dreams.

Coach Rashad’s journey to becoming a basketball coach was influenced by his junior high coach, Nick Daniel Wright, who not only cared about his players’ performance on the court but also showed genuine concern for their well-being outside of basketball. This experience ignited Coach Rashad’s desire to become a coach who genuinely cares about his players’ personal growth and success.

In summary, Coach Marvin Rashad brings enthusiasm, inspiration, and a strong commitment to the Orange Boys Basketball program. He aims to build a culture of responsibility and accountability while instilling confidence and freedom in his players. With his own experiences and positive mentorship, Coach Rashad is ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of his players and the success of the program.

 

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FOSTER KEEPS KYLEN IT

AUSTINTOWN, OH- In this episode, we have a special guest, Kylan Foster, a senior linebacker from the Austintown Fitch Falcons.

Kylan takes us on a journey through his football career, discussing his passion for hitting people and being an aggressive player on the field. We learn about his underdog mentality, his love for the game, and his desire to excel as an individual.

Join us as we get to know Kylan, his aspirations for the future, and his thoughts on upcoming challenges, including a big rivalry game against Central Valley.

Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with an exceptional athlete. Let’s jump right in on YSN.

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