Tag Archive for: student athlete

A TIME WERNER CLASSIC

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CORTLAND OH—With an infectious smile and 100 career hits under her belt, Lakeview junior Kalyssa Werner is living a dream season on the softball diamond. The Bulldogs, fresh off an impressive campaign, are set to play in the state semifinals—a moment that Werner says still feels surreal. “It doesn’t hit you until afterwards,” Werner admitted in a recent interview on the YSN podcast. “I’m like, oh my goodness, we’re actually going to States. There’s no other team I’d rather be doing it with.”

Lakeview’s ascent hasn’t come by accident. Werner credits the team’s self-belief and bustling lineup, where every hitter boasts an average over .350 and anyone can step up when it matters most. “If I’m having an off day hitting, I know Kennedy behind me’s got me, Mac’s got me, Isabella… It can be anybody, honestly,” she explained. Werner recently surpassed 100 hits in her career—a milestone she didn’t even know she’d reached until her mom signaled from the stands. “I’m not a very stats person… I liked not knowing because it puts less pressure on you,” Werner said.

Despite being regarded as underdogs by outsiders, she says the Bulldogs stay focused on their own high standards. “We have such a great culture. What’s going on outside doesn’t really affect me,” she noted, highlighting the role of her supportive parents and coaches. There’s just one catch—Werner has never seen a “Star Wars” movie, a playful point of contention with her coach and teammates. “I like the princess movies,” she said with a laugh, promising to do her homework before next season. With a deep lineup and calm confidence, Kalyssa Werner and the Lakeview Bulldogs are ready to take their shot at state glory—no force required.

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RUDGE WILL NEVER BUDGE

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman High School’s freshman catcher Addie Rudge is making waves in her debut varsity softball season, breaking records and leading her team to heights not seen in years. In a recent episode of YSN Live, Rudge’s impact has been felt both behind the plate and at bat—most notably when she broke the school’s RBI record as a freshman, surpassing the previous mark of 38 and finishing the season with 45.

Rudge’s journey to high school stardom began in Little League, where her name drew notice in tournaments like Feel the Dreams. She credits dedicated off-season work and strong team chemistry for helping her transition smoothly to the high school level. “It’s been taking forever, and now that I’m finally here, it’s like, whoa, you’re actually a freshman now,” Rudge said of her transition. This season, Boardman’s softball program clinched its first AAC (All-American Conference) league title since 2011 and advanced to the state semifinals, accomplishments Rudge called “great for our team.” A significant portion of Boardman’s playoff run has featured stellar pitching from Tori Strines—something Rudge, as the team’s catcher, appreciates deeply. “She’s got great speed and she spins the ball, she locates pitches very well, and she mixes up her pitches, so I get a taste of different pitches, and I just love catching for Tori,” she said.

Rudge also balances her athletic commitments by contributing as a Little League umpire during the summer, giving back to the sport and seeing it from a new perspective. “It makes me really happy to be able to give back to the community, not only by playing, but to be able to umpire,” she shared. Despite her youth, Rudge shows remarkable maturity, valuing education as highly as athletics and planning for continued success on the field. “As much as I love softball, education is my number one focus,” she stated, adding that her main goals next year include breaking the school’s hits record and defending Boardman’s conference title. Proud to follow in her father’s footsteps as a Spartan, Addie Rudge is quickly establishing herself as a leader and role model for future generations of Boardman athletes. With three more years ahead of her, the future looks bright for the Boardman backstop.

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DEARMITT HAS DESTINY ON HER SIDE

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LEAVITTSBURG OH-  LaBrae High School’s softball team is on a tear this season, and much of their success has been driven by the stellar play and humble leadership of sophomore standout Leah DeArmitt. Recently highlighted on the YSN Live podcast, DeArmitt discussed her pivotal role on a squad known for its unity, talent, and record-setting plays.

DeArmitt made headlines last weekend after a jaw-dropping diving catch in the outfield—a play that quickly went viral on social media. Despite the excitement, DeArmitt downplayed the moment, crediting her coach’s last-minute adjustment and her focus on just making the catch. “My coach moved me in the pitch before, and then it got hit over my head, but I just wanted to make the catch,” she said modestly. The Vikings, propelled by strong pitching and collective effort, have pushed deep into the playoffs with DeArmitt contributing both in the circle and as a reliable outfielder. She credits the program’s family-like atmosphere: “We all just work together collectively, and our coaches do a great job of keeping everyone excited and together. I think that’s just really special to have.”

Although she admits to being a quieter presence, DeArmitt has naturally stepped into a leadership role, inspired by upperclassmen before her and eager to set an example for younger players in the Labrae community. Off the field, DeArmitt enjoys English and history classes and is contemplating a future as a teacher. With interests in both softball and volleyball—she plays both at high levels—she’s still weighing which sport she might pursue in college. For now, with a district championship on the line and an entire community behind her, DeArmitt remains focused on the game. “I’m just kind of proud to play sports here. We have great programs, great coaches, and it’s been really fun playing for us,” she said. As LaBrae chases more wins, one thing’s for sure: Leah DeArmitt’s poised leadership and highlight-worthy plays are helping to put Levittsburg softball on the map.

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SONGER HITTING ALL THE NOTES

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HUBBARD OH— Freshman Layla Songer’s debut year at Hubbard High School has been nothing short of remarkable, making waves both in the classroom and on the softball field. In a recent appearance on the YSN podcast, Songer opened up about adjusting to high school athletics, her competitive drive, and the support that propels her forward.

Songer, who maintains a perfect academic record alongside a packed sports schedule, described the transition from middle school to high school as challenging but welcome. “The work is a lot harder up here. Sports are definitely more intense … but I like it a lot better than middle school,” she said. Already a leader in both offensive and defensive softball stats, Songer credits her years of travel ball experience for her poise as a varsity athlete. “What I was seeing in travel and what I was seeing in high school really wasn’t much different,” she noted. This background has fueled a confident start to her high school career, and she believes daily high school practices will only sharpen her skills for upcoming travel tournaments.

Songer is also quick to credit her support system, especially upperclassmen teammates like Haley Taylor and Lauren Komorak, as well as her family. She admits to persisting pregame rituals—like always putting on her socks and belt in her own room—and plenty of friendly rivalry with her older brother Braden, a standout on the baseball team. “Everything between me and him is always a competition,” Songer joked. With goals of reaching 1,000 career kills, digs, points, and 100 hits before graduation, Songer’s ambitions are set high. She hopes to play softball at the college level, and with her dedication, the future looks bright. “You have to surround yourself with people that you know will pick you up and not put you down,” she advises younger teammates. Layla Songer’s freshman season is proving that the Eagles’ promising star isn’t waiting for tomorrow—she’s making her impact felt today.

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THE ROWE TO GLORY

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- LaBrae Vikings’ standout Riley Rowe continues to impress both on and off the field, as highlighted in a recent episode of the YSN Live podcast. Rowe, whose athletic talents span softball, basketball, and volleyball, credits her success to strong family influences and unwavering confidence.

“I was just born into it,” Rowe shared about her family’s athletic roots, noting the impact of her accomplished parents and brother. While she’s recognized for excelling in multiple sports, Riley’s drive comes from her competitive nature. “If there’s a game going on, I just really want to win. I have that drive,” she said. Rowe acknowledges that staying at the top requires preparation and belief in herself. “Confidence is just so important,” she explained, emphasizing the value of putting in consistent work and shaking off mistakes.

Although still an underclassman, Rowe has embraced leadership roles across her teams. Inspired by former teammate Marissa Levinsky, she strives to uplift her peers, admitting that her outgoing personality makes her a natural leader. “I enjoy leading and I’m an extrovert, so I’m good at talking to everybody,” Rowe said. At home, competition doesn’t stop. Whether it’s family ping pong matches, basketball tournaments in the living room, or playful bets with her dad, the Rowe household is fueled by spirited camaraderie. “A little bit ago, we actually had a one-on-one tournament because we have a hoop in our living room,” Riley laughed.

On the diamond, Rowe’s bat has been on fire this season, something she credits to diligent preparation with her father. She thrives in high-pressure moments, saying, “I would love to be in a situation where people are relying on me to get a hit.” Despite her busy sports schedule, Rowe makes time for family, whether watching movies—“We like to put on the Home Alones”—or discussing game highlights at home. With her infectious energy, fierce competitiveness, and humble outlook, Riley Rowe continues to be a role model for young athletes in her community and an invaluable asset to the LaBrae Lady Vikings.

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CALLING CAPTAIN TAGGART

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WARREN, OH- On the latest episode of YSN, standout multi-sport athlete Taggart Carfangia joined hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig for a memorable conversation that covered everything from his unique name’s origins to his impressive journey through sports and academics at Warren JFK.

Taggart’s unique first name has always sparked curiosity. But, as DJ Yokley quickly learned, its roots are both unexpected and memorable. “Where did the name Taggart come from?” DJ asked early in the interview.

Taggart shared, “So when my mother was younger, my mother and my, her sister, her sister had a boss and she didn’t like that boss too much. But my mom thought the name Taggart was super unique and she’d never heard of the name Taggart before, so that’s just what she went with.”

As DJ put it, “So you got named after a bum boss?” Taggart laughed, “I guess that’s how the story goes.”

Over his high school career, Taggart has earned a whopping ten varsity letters across golf, soccer, basketball, and baseball. When asked what drives him to compete in so many sports, Taggart credited his upbringing: “Growing up, I was a super athletic kid. My parents always pushed me and drove me to really be the best I could. My dad always told me, if you’re going to do something, do it at 110%.”

But balancing sports with academic and social life can be daunting. Taggart admits there are challenges: “I do get burnt out, just like everybody on this planet does—I’m human, we’re all human. Recovery is key… I like to keep my whole body in a correct order. I like to eat healthy, you know, after a game, maybe go get a smoothie or something, you know, really rebuild myself.” He also emphasizes the importance of friends and stepping away from sports, adding, “I like to hang out with my friends… just kind of keeping a level head, you know, taking care of my body is the real good key.”

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Taggart revealed that the summer before his senior year, he hit a major setback: “My junior year, summer, I tore both of my hip flexors, which is kind of a bummer because that’s really when you need your baseball and golf swing. But, you know, coming back from that, getting, having the best PT in the entire planet, just kind of got a grind through it… Since I can’t do a bunch of physical stuff, I just make sure my mental is all tough.”

Mental toughness and a support network played a huge role in his recovery: “If I’m having a bad game or something, [I] make sure I find ways to pick myself up and just keep going through it.”

Despite being a state champion in golf, Taggart chose to pursue baseball at the next level. “I started playing baseball when I was a very, very young age. My dad threw me in. He was like, you’re either gonna be good at it or you’re not. So I was like, okay, so I might as well, you know, be really good at it,” Taggart recalls. “The atmosphere, everything, just makes the love, my love for the sport grow.”

Leadership has been another central part of his story. Asked how he’s adjusted to shifting roles on the team—from underclassman to upperclassman, outfielder to shortstop—Taggart discussed the importance of nurturing younger players: “I like to take them in and, you know, show them what’s right, what’s wrong. And yes, that does come with some vocal things and some physical things, like maybe getting them riled up before a game or giving them a few words.”

He named a few underclassmen who have impressed him—like Landon Snyder (“he’s the best all around catcher I think I’ve seen at JFK”) and Lucas Mele (“our play styles are so similar”).

Taggart’s journey to play collegiate baseball at Chatham University was marked by persistence. “Junior year I struggled to get any offers but, you know, I always tried, tried, tried and tried. And that’s what I really pride myself in is I really never give up. I really don’t like to take no for an answer… I hammered the recruitment camps and everything.”

His advice for aspiring athletes? Never settle for less. “My father told me, always strive for greatness, never settle for less.”

Taggart plans to study business and finance at Chatham, but he remains open to where his academic journey takes him. As he steps into college life, he’s excited about independence but admits leaving the nest is a little nerve-wracking: “One thing that makes me nervous is being away from my parents, actually not having that guidance… But I think that my parents have given me the right—the correct steps to be able to live life on my own.”

In closing, Taggart credits his parents and role models for molding him into the young man he is today: “It’s always been my parents. And then two of the guys that I really give props to is my cousin Jacob Carfangia and Hubbard’s Andrew Kali. Those two guys went to play college ball. I looked up to those guys. They took me in when I was a freshman and they showed me the ropes… It really inspired me to chase greatness.”

With dedication, resilience, and a sense of humor about a name most often mispronounced, Taggart Carfangia leaves behind a legacy at Warren JFK—and the promise of even more achievements ahead.

BARTLETT GOES BIG TIME

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CORTLAND OH-  Senior Kennedy Bartlett of Lakeview High School recently notched her 100th career softball hit, an achievement celebrated by teammates and coaches alike. Bartlett, who joined podcast hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley on YSN, reflected on the milestone with excitement and humility.

“When I actually got it, it was so nice to hear. Everyone was cheering just extra loud, and Matt came up and gave me a hug,” Bartlett recalled of the moment. Though the 100-hit mark wasn’t on her radar as a freshman, her steady progression as a player made the feat possible. Bartlett credits the turnaround in the Lakeview softball program to the team’s positivity and continued growth, especially after welcoming a new coach. “We started building together more as a team. That’s when it started becoming better for us,” she noted.

With postseason play on the horizon, Bartlett and her teammates are also looking forward to traveling to Myrtle Beach for a tournament—a chance to face new competition and build even stronger team bonds. Off the field, Bartlett is preparing for her next chapter at Ohio State University, where she plans to study biology on a pre-professional track for medicine, with hopes of becoming a dermatologist. Family influences run deep; both her parents work in the medical field, and she credits them—with special mention to her ever-supportive dad—for her work ethic and confidence. Asked about the legacy she hopes to leave at Lakeview, Bartlett said, “I think, as a whole, it’d be my positivity, because I’ve grown a lot more as a player and being positive, whether it’s about myself or for my teammates.” Kennedy Bartlett’s story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and family support—all the makings of a community standout on and off the field.

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GOTTA GIVE IT TO GAVIN

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CANFIELD OH-  South Range High School sophomore Gavin Hiscox is making waves this spring, both at the plate and in the hearts of his community. Hitting over .600 with 12 RBIs, Hiscox has emerged as a key player for the Raiders baseball team, earning recognition across the region.

In a recent episode of the YSN Live podcast, hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig caught up with Hiscox to discuss his breakout season. “The baseball probably looks like a beach ball right now,” greeted Yokley, noting Hiscox’s hot streak. The young athlete credited early season scrimmages and meetings with coaches for setting a positive tone: “They just pretty much told me, like, the varsity this year, very excited… I was predicting the season would go well from that,” said Hiscox. Balancing athletics and academics is no small feat for the multi-sport standout, who keeps a rigorous schedule across football, basketball, and baseball. “Student is always before athlete,” emphasized Hiscox, revealing early morning sessions in the weight room have helped him grow stronger and more confident.

Physical development hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Hiscox shared that he’s gained 25 pounds since last football season and grown several inches since eighth grade. The added size and strength have translated to power at the plate, with Yokley joking, “That’s why he’s hitting nukes.” But Gavin’s impact stretches beyond statistics. He values team camaraderie, especially looking forward to the upcoming Myrtle Beach trip: “We all get the older players, get to live… in the same house for a while, and then just, like, food, hanging out on the beach… It creates such a good connection between the team,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hiscox is setting an example for younger Raiders: “Even though I’m young, I try and be a leader to everyone… Show everyone what it’s supposed to be like to be a Raider.” When asked what defines a Raider, he says, “You got to be hard working… Just be a good person, really.” With a strong head on his shoulders and unwavering dedication, Gavin Hiscox appears poised for a bright future—on the diamond and beyond.

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MEROLILLO MAKING HER FINAL IMPACT

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- Mineral Ridge senior and softball pitcher Lily Merolillo navigates through an emotional senior season, cherishing her final games with lifelong teammates while preparing for a bright future. Reflecting on her last high school season, Merolillo shared the challenge of handling “all the lasts” that accompany senior year. The close bond with her teammates, described as a second family, adds to the bittersweet nature of her final season. Continuously striving for improvement, she remains committed to extra practice, exemplifying her dedication both on and off the field.

Merolillo, who fell in love with softball at a young age, continues to embrace the pressure and responsibility that comes with pitching. Her confidence is bolstered by the team’s solid defense and her belief in the importance of lifting each other up. Despite the difficulty of parting from familiar faces, including her father who co-head coaches the team, Merolillo is excited for the future. Committed to Teal College, she plans to major in exercise science while continuing her softball career. This season, Mineral Ridge faces a challenging schedule, testing the squad’s skills against formidable opponents like Boardman. Merolillo is optimistic about their prospects, invigorated by the prospect of one last successful run with her team.

With her sights set on leaving a lasting legacy of support and teamwork, Merolillo prepares to transition from an accomplished high school athlete to a promising college player, her journey fueled by family, coaches, and a supportive community.

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FROM SOUTH TO WEST

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CANFIELD, OH- In a heartfelt announcement on the latest episode of YSN’s podcast, “SOUTH RANGE PLAYER PROFILE,” South Range sensation Luke Rohan proudly revealed his plans to attend Westminster College. During an emotionally charged segment, which host DJ Yokley introduced with deep admiration, Rohan shared his excitement about continuing his basketball journey and education at Westminster where he will join a community that closely resembles the tightly-knit atmosphere of South Range High School.

Rohan, who has captivated local fans with his remarkable basketball skills, is one of only four players from South Range to break the coveted thousand-point boundary, securing his legacy as a leader both on and off the court. Known for his supportive nature, especially towards the next generation of Raiders, Rohan is well-respected among peers and the younger community who look to him as a role model.

During the podcast, Rohan discussed the recruitment process, sharing how Coach Turoki at Westminster made a lasting impression that other schools couldn’t match. Rohan spoke of his decision, emphasizing a strong personal connection and the sense of family he felt during his visit to Westminster. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Rohan plans to major in early education and special education, a path inspired by his fondness for working with children and his experiences with JD Semester, a fellow Raider with special needs.

As Rohan prepares to transition to Westminster College, the South Range community, led by proud hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley, continues to rally behind him, recognizing both his past achievements and his promising future. The Rowan family, deeply woven into South Range’s legacy, also garnered high praise during the podcast, affirming the lasting impact they’ve had on the local community.

YSN’s episode wrapped up with sentiments of pride and encouragement for Rohan’s next adventure, promising that his journey and contributions to the Raider spirit will continue to inspire long after his departure.

 

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