Tag Archive for: senior year

NO ONE BETTER THAN JORDYN

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Youngstown, OH – In an exciting run for local girls soccer, Ursuline High School senior Jordyn Miller is set to help lead her SVA (Soccer Vision Academy) team to the national stage in Denver, Colorado. In a recent interview on YSN, Miller described the journey as “really exciting,” citing the hard work and team camaraderie that pushed SVA through rigorous club competitions. Miller, who balances play for both club and school, credits her high school’s strong family atmosphere and support system for helping her excel. “I think it’s really cool to bring that to SVA, build really good bonds, and represent both my club and high school,” she said. The SVA roster—made up almost exclusively of top local talent—features a blend of returning athletes and new faces experiencing national-level play for the first time. Miller said, “It’s great giving everyone the opportunity. We’ve all built really good bonds together.”

Looking ahead, Miller hopes to play college soccer while pursuing a degree in pediatric occupational therapy and a minor in exercise science. She has been inspired not only by her teammates and coaches but also by working with younger girls at soccer camps. As she steps into her senior year at Ursuline, Miller credits her leadership growth to her experience on the SVA squad, noting, “Trying to be a leader as much as I can on SVA will help prepare me to be a leader at Ursuline also.” Coach Mitchell, a key influence, has taught Miller the importance of hard work and supporting teammates—lessons she plans to carry forward both on and off the field. As the SVA team heads to Denver, Miller hopes to add another chapter to Youngstown’s success story and inspire the next generation of soccer stars.

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BLASKO THE ALL AMERICAN

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YOUNGSTOWN OH-  Cardinal Mooney High School’s standout athlete Natalie Blasko has earned a rare distinction off the field, being named one of only 25 girls in Ohio to receive the Academic All-American title for girls lacrosse this year. Blasko, who balances a rigorous slate of Advanced Placement and college-level courses with her athletic commitments, holds an impressive 4.3 GPA. She credits her achievements to relentless hard work, supportive coaches and teammates, and a drive to challenge herself academically. “Taking those AP classes and doing well on those AP exams really puts you up there for a lot of different opportunities,” Blasko shared in a recent interview on YSN.

She also praised teachers Ms. Policy, Ms. Cooper, and Mr. Beta for their guidance, as well as coach Tony Sheen for support both in sports and school. Blasko is currently preparing for her senior year, aiming to push her GPA even higher as she takes additional AP and college classes through Youngstown State University’s CCP program. Looking ahead, Blasko plans to pursue a career in nursing and hopes to become a nurse anesthetist, with Ohio State University at the top of her college wish list. Despite her achievements, Blasko remains focused and humble, determined to finish her high school career strong. “I still want to push through and do as best as I can,” she said. With remarkable accomplishments both in the classroom and in athletics, Natalie Blasko serves as an inspiring example for students across the region.

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RUNNING UP THAT HILL

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GARRETTSVILLE OH- Garfield High School senior Aidan Hill has made his presence felt across the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) this year, emerging as a dominant baseball pitcher and earning the coveted title of MVAC Player of the Year.

In a recent profile on the YSN Live podcast, Hill spoke candidly about the formula behind his success, crediting years of hard work on his pitching mechanics, dedication in the weight room, and unwavering trust in the defense behind him. “If you throw over 85 in any league, I mean you’re going to be a pretty good pitcher,” Hill said, describing how his velocity and mechanics have powered Garfield to multiple tight victories. Hill’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He revealed he endured two surgeries on his left ankle, facing arduous rehabs that forced him to adapt—throwing from his knees and focusing on upper body strength while sidelined. “You have to adapt,” he reflected, emphasizing a “next pitch, next play” mentality that he’s developed and now credits for his mental toughness on and off the field.

As a multi-sport athlete, Hill has excelled in football and basketball as well. While he’s said tough goodbyes to those sports after graduation, he’s excited for what lies ahead in baseball. Hill will continue his playing career at California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U), drawn by its small-town feel and manageable roster size. Above all, Hill attributes much of his personal and athletic growth to his parents and Garfield’s coaching staff, particularly Coach Pace. He credits his coaches for mentorship beyond baseball. “He’s not just taught me how to play baseball, but he’s also taught me how to be a man,” Hill said. With his senior season still underway, Hill is focused on a final goal: bringing home a district title for Garfield and Coach Pace. No matter what happens, his determination and leadership have set a high bar for future G-Men athletes.

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NO CHANCE AGAINST DECIANCIO

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CANFIELD OH-  South Range High School’s softball team has achieved rarefied success over the past four years, and senior Riley DeCiancio has been at the heart of it all. DeCiancio has contributed to the Raiders’ run of four consecutive district championship victories—an achievement few student-athletes ever experience.

In a recent interview on the YSN Live Podcast, DeCiancio reflected on her journey from a freshman “swinging both from JV to varsity” to a senior leader, describing each championship season as “more special, especially this year.” She said the bonds with her teammates are “like sisters,” making the responsibility of senior leadership feel less like a burden and more like a family effort. This year proved especially triumphant for DeCiancio—not just on the field, but mentally as well. “I have overcome a lot of mental blocks…This year, definitely mentally, I’ve had the best year yet,” she shared. She credits the team’s resilience to their unity, saying, “We really just had to stay close to one another and lean on one another and understand that things aren’t always going to go our way.”

The 2024 Raiders faced their share of adversity with injuries and lineup changes, but DeCiancio led the team through it, helping them peak at the right time. “Coach Starkey said that it was a new season [for playoffs], and that we were going to be a new team, and that’s really just what we’ve done,” she said. One of DeCiancio’s favorite aspects of playing at South Range is the lockdown outfield, which she describes as a “certified no fly zone,” owing to the group’s trust and communication. She takes particular pride in supporting underclassmen like standout Sophia “Mud” Brogan, noting, “Anytime that she’s succeeding, it feels like… the entire team is.”

As her high school softball career winds down, DeCiancio admitted mixed emotions: “Honestly, I feel like I’m very detached from it. I graduate in two days… I feel like it’s going to hit me once it’s over.” Yet, she cherishes the moments she’s shared, especially with her mother, her “biggest supporter,” and the rest of her family. Next fall, DeCiancio will be attending Youngstown State University to study business management—possibly with an eye on a future in real estate. But the lessons learned and friendships forged over four championship seasons at South Range will stick with her for years to come. “I’m going to miss the girls on the team, definitely. Every single one of them truly do feel like sisters,” she said. With her combination of athletic accomplishment, leadership, and strong community ties, Riley DeCiancio leaves South Range with a legacy of winning and camaraderie—on and off the softball diamond.

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CITY ON THE HILL

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JEFFERSON OH-  Jefferson senior Allie Hill is preparing to take her next big leap, both academically and athletically, as the standout Falcon readies for graduation and a future playing softball at the University of Rio Grande.

In a recent interview with YSN, Hill opened up about the emotional landscape of her final season, the tight bonds she’s formed with teammates, and the support system that’s fueled her journey. “It’s hard, but I just try to think about what I’m leaving behind,” Hill shared, reflecting on her senior year. She credits a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere on her team for making this year especially meaningful, saying, “We have a very good team this year. Not even skill-wise, just personalities—we’re a big, big family.” Throughout her rise from Jefferson’s local fields to the broader competition in travel ball, Hill’s passion has always been about uplifting others: “Sometimes I feel like I treasure their success more than I treasure mine. I just like supporting people and inspiring them to do better and stay positive.”

Hill’s journey has always been a family affair. Inspired by her sister to pick up the sport, and supported every step of the way by her parents, she credits them with pushing her to seize every opportunity. “Both of my parents, they take me as far as they can to try to get me the best opportunities they can,” she said. Next fall, Hill will head south to Rio Grande in Ohio, where she plans to play softball and major in business and accounting—hoping to one day help her father’s future business. She’s looking forward to the close-knit feel on campus and finding a familiar sense of home there. As she prepares to leave Jefferson behind, Hill has some simple advice for underclassmen: “Just try your best to have fun. Having fun is the most important thing. And supporting your teammates, having each other’s backs—being a family.” With a legacy of positivity and teamwork, Allie Hill is leaving her mark on Jefferson softball—and is ready for whatever comes next.

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CRESTVIEW’S KILLER BEE

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COLUMBIANA OH-  After an injury sidelined her during her pivotal junior year, Crestview High School’s senior catcher Brenna Figley is making an inspiring return to the diamond. Figley recently joined hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley on the YSN Live podcast to reflect on her journey, what it means to lead the Rebels during her final season, and her plans for softball at the next level.

Figley, who missed most of last season due to a broken thumb, shared that the setback gave her a new appreciation for the game. “I feel like not playing the full season last year and it ending unexpectedly… I just appreciate everything a little bit more now,” she said. She credited her coaches and teammates for keeping her involved — even allowing her to run bases with her cast on — and helping her stay resilient both mentally and physically. Despite unpredictable spring weather and the challenge of rainouts, Figley keeps her focus by working hard during indoor practices and supporting her pitchers, even if she admits “there’s nothing more I hate than catching bullpen.” Calling pitches and maintaining energy in the gym has been key to keeping her skills sharp.

Figley also spoke about the legacy of Crestview catchers, notably following in the footsteps of standout alum Carson Moore. “I feel like it was a lot of pressure to come up to [Moore’s standard]. But honestly, I think that’s what helped me push; I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh wow, we really miss Carson behind the plate,’” Figley said. Looking ahead, the Crestview senior is excited to continue her career at Ave Maria University, where she’ll once again team up with Moore. “Being able to play one more season with Carson… is so exciting,” she said, describing her recruiting journey as “a community thing” that made her proud to make her dreams a reality.

As for her leadership this season, Figley emphasized her commitment to helping her underclassmen develop. “I love just talking to the girls and being there for the girls… sometimes they just need somebody to tell them that it’s okay and to just calm down,” she told the hosts. With an eye on team success and her well-loved motto of “hit the crap out of the ball,” a phrase shared by her coach to motivate her at the plate, Brenna Figley is determined to make her mark on Crestview softball — and inspire the next generation of Rebels behind her.

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NOTHING BUT CLEAR SKIES

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- Skylar Leach’s journey to the Middle Ridge softball team is a story about finding courage, building connections, and embracing leadership—especially when it matters most. As a senior, Skylar joined the team for her first and only year of fast-pitch softball, a choice she admits was influenced by both a nudge from Coach Will and a desire to do something memorable before graduating. Although she originally wanted to play as a freshman, nerves got the best of her. That changed when Coach Will, who previously coached her to a basketball championship and was her teacher at Gerard, reached out to invite her for one last season together. His familiar encouragement helped push her out of her comfort zone.

Transitioning from slow pitch to fast pitch wasn’t entirely foreign to Skylar—she brought years of experience and a solid base of knowledge with her. Yet, the switch did challenge her, particularly in adjusting her hitting skills. Right from the start, she stepped into a leadership role as a senior on a team full of new faces, bringing energy and positivity, especially to the younger players. Skylar made it her mission to lift others’ spirits and lead by example, determined to keep energy levels high and remind everyone of the fun and family that Middle Ridge softball is all about.

Her time on the team strengthened her bond with classmates and helped her create new friendships, particularly with the freshmen she might not have otherwise gotten to know. The sense of togetherness and “team over me” mentality is what she cherishes most about the group. She works hard to recover quickly from mistakes, knowing her mood can influence her teammates, and sees leadership as helping others keep their heads up—even on tough days.

Off the field, Skylar’s enthusiasm for school shines through. She loves English and biology classes, credits a few influential teachers at both Gerard and Middle Ridge (like her second-grade teacher, Ms. Napa), and has a special fondness for “The Outsiders”—both the book and the movie. As for music, her walk-up song “California Love” sets the tone before games, and her playlists range from hype rap like Drake and Eminem to country tunes.

Looking forward, Skylar plans to attend YSU in the fall and study early childhood education, a path inspired by her teachers and her desire to stay close to family. She sees her grandfather, who cares for her grandmother, as a role model of strength and selflessness. The lessons she’s learned from him—like not sweating the small stuff—help her through tough days.

Beyond academics and athletics, Skylar lives in a lively household filled with pets, especially her beloved French bulldog, who she thinks could easily become the team mascot. She’ll miss the tight-knit, spirited atmosphere of Middle Ridge, from fun school events to dugout snacks and chants. But more than anything, she’s grateful—for the family, coaches, teammates, and community who’ve supported her every step of the way. The conversation closes with Skylar reflecting on her journey, expressing gratitude, and embracing the excitement—and bittersweetness—of reaching the end of this chapter. She’s ready to give her all for the rest of the season, hoping to finish as a champion, and carry the lessons of leadership, family, and hard work into whatever comes next.

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BOURNE TO BE WILD

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- In the latest episode of YSN, hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig sat down with East Palestine’s multi-talented athlete, Kyler Bourne, to uncover the journey of this remarkable young man who’s been making waves across football, basketball, and baseball. With his towering presence at 6’5″, his agility, and his determination, Kyler’s making an indelible mark on his community and in the hearts of those who support him.

As the starting first baseman and a powerful pitcher on the baseball team, Kyler’s dedication and athleticism are evident. But what stands out even more is his down-to-earth nature and dedication to his roots. “It’s every day, man,” Kyler shares about the competitive spirit in his household, emphasizing how even family dinners turn into friendly competitions.

Kyler’s evolution as an athlete is not just a personal triumph but a catalyst for change in the East Palestine School District. Reflecting on changing the culture of his team, he stated, “We’ve all been friends since we were little. The bonds there, no one hates each other. Everyone’s around each other every day, and we enjoy every second of it.”

Through ups and downs, Kyler and his teammates have learned to face challenges with resilience. When asked about bouncing back from tough losses, he stressed the importance of early efforts on the field: “We just got to clean up that first inning in the heading, and we’ll be just fine.”

While Kyler’s future might not follow the expected path of college athletics, his goals remain clear and grounded. He shared his intention to pursue a career as a heavy equipment operator, stating, “I’m kind of just in that mindset. I mean, just kind of get a job, go into a trade, make that money early.”

As Kyler Bourne prepares to graduate, he reflects on the legacy he leaves behind: “I want to be remembered as one of those teammates that brings you up, that turned around the ship from freshman to my senior year.”

With a steadfast focus on the future and an appreciation for his past, Kyler embodies what it means to be dedicated not just on the field, but in life. His story is one of perseverance, community, and true Bulldog spirit. As DJ Yokley eloquently wrapped up the interview, he noted, “You’ve been a bright and shining beacon for the younger generations to look up to.”

In every step Kyler takes, whether it’s on a sports field or in the excavator of his dreams, he’s sure to carry with him the support and pride of East Palestine. Congratulations to Kyler on all his achievements, and here’s to a future that’s as bright as his past has been inspiring.

 

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TOY ISN’T PLAYING AROUND

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SALEM OH- In a recent episode of YSN Live, hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig welcomed a remarkable young athlete, Channing Toy, to discuss her journey and accomplishments on the softball field. Channing, a player for the Salem Quakers, has been recognized for her exceptional work ethic and impressive performance both defensively and offensively.

Inspired by her sister, a significant influence in her life, Channing has been relentless in her pursuit of excellence. With an opportunity to break her sister’s career stolen base record, their healthy competition has driven Channing to strive for greatness. As a senior, she reflects on her experiences growing up in her hometown and playing alongside lifelong teammates, a sentiment she cherishes deeply. Channing’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of dedication and hard work with the Quakers is evident. Despite the challenges of senior year and the emotional rollercoaster of final moments, Channing remains focused on enjoying her present while eagerly anticipating her future. Already committed to Wilmington College, she looks forward to continuing her love for softball while majoring in biology.

The podcast episode highlighted her adaptability in learning new positions, illustrating her versatility and team-oriented mindset. Channing’s ability to stay mentally strong and embrace the sport’s ups and downs underscores her resilience and maturity. As Channing embarks on her “farewell tour” with the Salem Quakers, the community and listeners alike celebrate her achievements and cheer for her continued success at the collegiate level.

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MR SANDMAN BRING ME A DREAM

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MINERAL RIDGE OH-  Mineral Ridge’s very own AJ Sandy is set to take a monumental step toward fulfilling his lifelong dreams. The high school star is preparing to sign on the dotted line to join Teal College’s baseball team. This major milestone in Sandy’s athletic career will take place today at Mineral Ridge High School.

For Sandy, who has been nurturing his baseball dreams since the tender age of five, today signifies the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. He opened up about the mix of excitement and nerves he’s experiencing, emphasizing how rewarding it feels to be on the cusp of playing college ball. Reflecting on his senior year, Sandy discussed how completing the recruiting process has allowed him to focus wholeheartedly on his team’s performance. This year, Sandy and the Mineral Ridge team have set their sights on claiming the league title outright after tying last year. The team is also hungry to go further in the district playoffs.

Thiel College caught Sandy’s eye because of its welcoming atmosphere and small-campus feel, reminiscent of his tight-knit community in Mineral Ridge. Visiting the college two months ago solidified his decision, as he felt a genuine sense of being wanted by the college’s team. While Sandy continues to excel on the baseball field, his leadership isn’t limited to athletics. He is also focused on guiding the younger players at Mineral Ridge, helping them blossom into the next generation of leaders.

Beyond baseball, Sandy’s family, steeped in athletic tradition, has played a significant role in shaping his journey. His father, a well-respected softball coach, has been instrumental in Sandy’s development as both an athlete and a leader. With the support of his family, friends, and the Mineral Ridge community, AJ Sandy is ready to leave his mark at Teal College. Today’s signing is not just the beginning of his college career but a testament to his perseverance and love for the game. As he signs his commitment, everyone is eager to see the promising future that awaits this talented young athlete.

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