Tag Archive for: team motivation

DEJESUS TAKE THE WHEEL

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CANFIELD OH-  South Range’s Solena DeJesus isn’t just one of the area’s most exciting softball players—she’s a leader, teammate, and source of positive energy both in the dugout and on the field. In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Solena opened up to hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig about her journey this season, her upbringing, and her love for the game.

DeJesus, known for her infectious walk-up song and high-spirited demeanor, has found herself in the pitching spotlight this year after injuries forced roster changes. “We all assumed Jayli was going to be the starter,” Solena shared, referencing her teammate’s arm issues. “I had to step up, and so did Ashley Rupert. She’s been doing a fantastic job pitching also.” Throughout the season, Solena’s competitive spirit and focus on teamwork have kept the Raiders rolling. “I love supporting my girls,” she said. “We’ve all been playing together since we were five years old, so it comes pretty naturally to just cheer for them. I love setting a good example for the underclassmen on the team.”

Solena attributes much of her character—both as a player and teammate—to the influence of her father and her pitching coach, Erin Gabriel. “They’ve both always taught me to be respectful on and off the field,” she said. “If your teammates succeed, then you’re also succeeding in some way.” Her bond with her teammates has been especially important during a trying season full of injuries. “Obviously, the season started off not at all what we were expecting,” Solena admitted. “But there’s been a lot of girls that have really stepped up—like our freshman Mud Brogan, who brought a huge bat to varsity.”

Family plays a central role in Solena’s life and motivation. With her dad always present and vocal at games, she finds unwavering support from the stands. “My parents have always been there at everything… cheering me on,” she explained. “Family is really important to me because we’re all so close-knit.” As she looks ahead to her own senior season, Solena aims to carry forward the leadership, energy, and determination shown by the departing senior class. For now, she’s focused on supporting her team, cherishing every moment—especially those set to the lively beat of her favorite walk-up song. For South Range and the wider softball community, Solena DeJesus is not just one to watch on the field, but a role model in the making.

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THE BEST OF BOCCIERI

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POLAND, OHIO — Junior catcher Leanna Boccieri of the Poland Bulldogs made waves this week by announcing her verbal commitment to Saint Bonaventure University, a Division I school in New York. The announcement, which came at the start of her spring break, is another milestone in an already stellar high school career. Boccieri’s decision was influenced by both family legacy—her father is a Saint Bonaventure alum who played baseball there—and the welcoming community she felt during campus visits. “When I went to go visit, it was just a great community to be around. Everyone’s so friendly… The campus is beautiful,” she shared.

The talented catcher cited the presence of former Poland players at Saint Bonaventure, like Abby and Brooke, as a confidence booster: “Seeing someone from Poland… just kind of made me think, ‘I can do this too.’” Leadership and resilience remain cornerstones of Boccieri’s approach. As a multi-sport athlete and a leader on and off the diamond, she emphasized the importance of positivity and building relationships, especially with her pitchers. “It just takes a lot of leadership and confidence… Just being the catcher takes a lot.” Boccieri has faced her share of challenges, including injuries and the mental hurdles of high-level sport. “Definitely the mental aspect of this game has to be the hardest. It’s so easy to get down on yourself,” she admitted, but noted her growth in staying positive and focused.

Despite her family’s accomplished athletic background, Boccieri is determined to forge her own path and legacy. “Having my last name is definitely a positive, but I think I can live up to it. I know what I’m capable of and what I can accomplish,” she said confidently. As she looks ahead to her senior season and future at Saint Bonaventure, Boccieri hopes to be remembered for her leadership and kindness: “Just being nice overall can definitely have an impact, and I just want to be remembered by that.” The Poland community, and those who’ve played against her, will no doubt be watching closely as she closes out her high school career and begins her journey at the next level.

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HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER WITH JOSH SCOTT 2-18-26

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In a historic victory for Heartland Christian School, the boys’ basketball team clinched their first-ever conference championship, guided by their esteemed coach, Josh Scott. This pivotal achievement was a product of the team’s dedication and the strategic foresight of Coach Scott, who has been a cornerstone of Heartland Christian’s athletic program.

During a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Coach Scott expressed his overwhelming pride and satisfaction in the team’s accomplishments. “It’s special, there’s no doubt about that,” Scott remarked, highlighting the significance of providing student-athletes a level playing field with opportunities for success and recognition. This victory stands as a testament to the hard work and commitment of the young athletes who were determined to leave their mark despite the loss of key players from the previous season.

The team’s journey was characterized by a robust season schedule, intentionally designed by Coach Scott to test and enhance their skills against formidable opponents. “You never back down from a fight,” Scott asserted, emphasizing his strategy to engage with tougher teams to sharpen his players’ competitive edge.

As Heartland Christian looks ahead to the upcoming tournament, Scott remains focused on maintaining the team’s momentum. He understands the challenges ahead, notably acknowledging that their upcoming rivals also pose significant threats. Nonetheless, Scott is optimistic, driven by the belief that the foundational skills and resilience instilled in his players will serve them well in the pursuit of continued success.

Coach Scott’s leadership extends beyond the court, fostering an environment where character building and athletics go hand in hand. His commitment to this dual mission is supported by a dedicated coaching staff, forming a strong support system that prioritizes student development and sportsmanship.

The Heartland Christian community continues to rally behind the team, cherishing their landmark achievement and looking forward to future triumphs.

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NATE OSTAS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH-In the latest episode of “YSN,” titled “The Devil’s Hour with Coach Ostas,” host Chris Colucci sat down with Coach Nate Ostas to discuss the recent triumphs and future prospects of his football team.

Kicking off the episode, Coach Ostas reflected on the team’s gritty win over Lowellville, a game that avenged last year’s playoff knockout. Ostas remarked, “Our guys were a little bit more hungry,” acknowledging the motivation stemming from previous setbacks and the determination to honor former players .  This thirst for redemption paid off, as the team executed a well-planned offensive strategy focused on running the ball.

Two weeks prior, the team faced a significant test against McDonald, narrowly winning 35-34 in an overtime thriller. Ostas highlighted the game as a “gut check moment,” emphasizing the resilience and desire of the players to clinch a victory. Special accolades were given to Chris Pater for his game-changing play, symbolizing Coach Ostas’s pride in coaching receivers and defensive backs (DBs). “I was pretty pumped up,” he said, reflecting on the adrenaline and excitement of the match.

Looking ahead, the conversation shifted to upcoming opponents, particularly Campbell. Ostas acknowledged Campbell’s skilled sophomore quarterback but steered clear of looking too far ahead, echoing Coach Armeni’s philosophy of focusing on one game at a time.

Coach Ostas’s journey from player to coach under the mentorship of Coach Armeni was also a heartwarming highlight. Describing the experience as unforgettable, Ostas praised the coaching staff for shaping him into a better coach, man, and future family figure.

As they prepared for the second half of an already promising season, Ostas reiterated the importance of fundamentals, particularly the art of blocking for receivers and DBs. “We got the touchdown blocks,” he stated, stressing the critical role of second-level defenders.

Closing the episode, Colucci wished Coach Ostas and his undefeated team continued success, looking forward to the excitement and challenges of the remaining games.

Coach Ostas and his determined squad exemplify the spirit and resilience of local high school football, making their community proud and proving that hard work and heart can turn the tide in their favor.

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FRIENDS AND FELLOWS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In an engaging episode of “The Devil’s Hour” on the YSN podcast, senior volleyball setter Haylee Fellows from Western Reserve High School shared insights on her team’s current season, the significance of community support, and her future aspirations. The discussion shed light on the rigorous journey of the team and Haylee’s personal growth as a player and a leader.

As the team grappled with the loss of four pivotal seniors from the previous year, Haylee acknowledged the initial hardships of filling such large shoes. “We all knew coming in that it was going to be harder losing those four seniors,” she remarked. Despite a challenging start, perseverance and hard work during the summer and school season have brought significant improvements. “We’re playing a lot harder, we’re playing a lot better,” she affirmed.

Diving into the nuances of volleyball, Haylee explained the difference between positions, highlighting her own journey as a setter from 7th grade, chosen for her speed and precise hand skills. Her passion for the sport has been unwavering since her first practice, driven by the unique excitement of the game. “It’s just fun diving everywhere, and I just really like it,” Haylee said.

Looking to the future, Haylee praised the underclassmen who are poised to step into leadership roles. She specifically mentioned Quincy Miller, a junior already demonstrating significant leadership qualities. Haylee expressed confidence in the younger players on the JV team, seeing a bright future for the program.

The episode also touched on the importance of community support, particularly the presence of large, enthusiastic crowds at their games. Haylee emphasized how the crowd’s energy boosts the team’s performance, even sharing how supportive spectators can provide tactical advantages during matches.

On a personal note, Haylee plans to attend Youngstown State University to pursue nursing, though she currently has no plans to continue playing sports at the collegiate level. When asked lighthearted rapid-fire questions, she revealed her love for sour candy and her job at Handles, where French Silk Pie is her current favorite ice cream flavor.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Haylee Fellows and the Western Reserve volleyball team, inspired by their resilience and camaraderie.
For more in-depth coverage and interviews, listen to “The Devil’s Hour” on YSN.

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GINO HAS YOUR BACK

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CANFIELD, OH- For Canfield senior Gino Pacella, football is more than just a game—it’s a family affair. Donning the number 75 jersey, Gino stands tall as the offensive left tackle for the Canfield Cardinals, a team known for their impressive state championship win just two years ago. But beyond his formidable presence on the field, lies a young man characterized by his humility, dedication, and strong family values.

In a recent episode of the popular podcast “YSN,” Gino shared his journey, both as a football player and as an individual. Despite the pressures of protecting the quarterback’s blind side, he spoke candidly about the challenges he faces, especially from speedy rushers. Yet, his resolve remains unwavering. “We just have to stick together and become even closer than we already are,” Gino emphasized, highlighting the camaraderie and brotherhood within his team.

Gino’s passion for football is deeply rooted in the supportive environment created by his previous and current teammates. He fondly recalled the mentorship from senior players like AJ Murphy and Ethan Whitehead, who treated him like a younger brother and guided him through the early stages of his high school football career. Now a senior himself, Gino is paying it forward, taking on a leadership role to encourage and uplift the younger players on the team.

Off the field, Gino enjoys the simpler pleasures of life—relaxing with video games, building legos, and cherishing family moments. A lifelong Michigan fan, thanks to his father’s influence, Gino dreams of a future that stays connected to sports. He plans to attend Youngstown State University to pursue a degree in sports business, aiming for a role in equipment management where he can stay close to the game he loves.

Family remains at the core of Gino’s world. His mother, a hardworking hospital employee, and his problem-solving father, serve as his greatest inspirations. “My mom’s hard-working nature and my dad’s knack for problem-solving,” Gino reflected, are traits he holds dear and aspires to embody in his own life.

As Gino gears up for the remainder of his senior season, he remains optimistic about the Canfield Cardinals’ potential. “If we have good weeks of practice, we could be a very good team—a playoff run team,” Gino boldly stated. With such a dedicated and humble leader at the helm, the Canfield community stands united in their belief that their underdog team can indeed rise to greatness once more.

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CAMERON’S COURT

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CANFIELD, OH-  In Canfield, Ohio, the senior year for high school athletes is often a bittersweet time, filled with reflection and anticipation for the future. For Cameron Zenko, senior captain of the Canfield Cardinals volleyball team, this year has proven to be both a pivotal and emotional journey. Zenko recently shared her thoughts with DJ Yokley on the YSN podcast, providing insight into her leadership role, personal growth, and aspirations beyond high school.

“Being a senior captain has been an incredible experience. My first two years were all about building up and preparing for this moment,” Zenko remarked. As a leader both on and off the court, she emphasized the importance of connecting with her teammates, especially the younger players. “I always make sure to check up on them, whether it’s about their classes or some encouragement on the court.”

Despite the responsibilities that come with being a senior, Zenko admits that the reality of her final volleyball season hasn’t fully set in for her yet. “Sometimes it feels like just yesterday I was a freshman,” she reflected. However, she acknowledges that the end will come inevitably, possibly hitting hardest during the last game of the season.

Zenko’s dedication to her team is palpable, describing her fellow players as extended family members. “You spend so much time with these girls, more than with your own family sometimes. They really mean the world to me,” she shared. This deep bond is mirrored in her respect for Coach Krista, who has been a guiding force since Zenko’s freshman year.

Intriguingly, Zenko is contemplating a future in coaching. “I’ve thought about it a lot. I don’t think playing in college is for me, but coaching at a younger age group definitely is,” she revealed with a smile.

Her contributions extend beyond just leadership; humor and team spirit are also part of her repertoire. When asked who can make her laugh on the court, Zenko quickly named teammate Lily Weaver for her infectious energy.

As the interview wrapped up, Zenko reflected on who she would dedicate her senior season to, singling out her mother for her unwavering support and understanding. “We’re very close, like best friends,” she warmly described.

With potential collegiate plans at Kent State, Cincinnati, or Miami, Zenko’s future is undoubtedly bright. But for now, her focus remains on leading the Canfield Cardinals through a memorable and successful final season.

Best of luck to Cameron Zenko and the Canfield Cardinals as they conquer the court and cherish their final year together.

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