Tag Archive for: training

POPPING FROM THE PAGE

/in /by

WELLSVILLE, OH- Wellsville High School standout Bella Poppelriter has recently committed to continuing her athletic career at Bethany College, where she will play volleyball. Poppelriter, known for her remarkable skills on both the basketball court and volleyball court, joined the YSN podcast to discuss her journey and future plans.

In a candid interview with host DJ Yokley, Bella recounted her recent basketball feats, including a career-high 31 points against Leetonia. Yokley praised her athletic prowess and leadership qualities, noting her ability to score, call out plays, and make pivotal defensive moves.

Despite her success in basketball, Poppelriter explained her choice to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level. “I just developed this love for volleyball. It’s so fun to me,” she shared. Bella emphasized that being part of a successful volleyball team contributed significantly to her passion for the sport.

Reflecting on her multi-sport high school career, Poppelriter highlighted some memorable moments, such as achieving her thousand-point milestones and making significant progress in volleyball. “Just being able to get different accomplishments in different sports is amazing,” she said.

Growing up in Wellsville, Bella’s dedication to sports extended beyond personal achievement. She spoke fondly of her community’s support and pride. “It feels amazing because I know everybody out there is just supporting me,” she expressed.

When asked about her inspirations, Bella mentioned her best friend Presley Stokes, her supportive family, and her dedicated coaches. She credited her father for being a constantly motivating presence, helping her with training since she was little.

Looking ahead, Poppelriter expressed excitement about joining Bethany College, drawn to its small, close-knit environment. Her commitment to staying near her family played a crucial role in her decision. “It just felt like the perfect fit for me,” she concluded.

As Bella prepares for this new chapter, she hopes to inspire younger athletes in her community to work hard and pursue their dreams, just as she has. The YSN network and the Wellsville community eagerly anticipate witnessing Bella’s continued success in her college volleyball career.

 

PRESENTED BY

WELCOME TO THE BROCK SHOW

/in /by

 

LEETONIA, OH – Leetonia High School’s senior basketball player, Carson Brock, joins Carter Thick Mills to discuss his final year and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. In a recent interview with YSN, Brock opens up about his experiences, growth, and aspirations.

Reflecting on his senior year, Brock notes, “It’s been weird. I’ve been going to Leetonia my whole life and playing sports here. It’s definitely odd knowing this is my last year playing with my friends, but I’m hoping it will be worth it.” Brock and his fellow seniors have been instrumental in raising the bar for Leetonia athletics. “We’ve been playing together since fourth grade. There’s seven of us, and we all want to make a change,” explains Brock. Despite previous struggles, including a winless sophomore season, the team remains determined. This season, they have already matched last year’s win total with four games yet to be played.

Key to their progress is the leadership and continuity with their coach, with whom they’ve built chemistry since their freshman year. Brock attributes the team’s competitiveness to this stability and leadership. “Our leadership helps with underclassmen, knowing that if we do all the right things, we can win these games,” Brock emphasizes. A standout on the team, Brock lets his performance speak volumes, averaging just under nine points per game. Despite challenges with his three-point shooting, he’s adapted by driving to the hoop more and contributing with rebounds and putbacks. Brock’s influence extends beyond the court. Younger players, inspired by his work ethic and commitment, look up to him. “It’s weird because I remember being that kid. It’s different being the senior now, but I’m happy they look up to me,” he says.

Off the court, Brock excels in academics. Accepted into Youngstown State University (YSU), he plans to major in business, inspired by his father, who owns a business. “I’m hoping to take over his business once he retires,” Brock reveals. None of this would be possible without the support of his family. “I love my family. They’re very hardworking, and they put a lot of effort into everything,” Brock shares. As his final high school season continues, Brock remains focused on contributing to his team’s success and cherishing every moment. The future looks bright for this dedicated athlete and aspiring business leader.

Presented By:

HARRIS HAS WHAT IT TAKES

/in /by

Lowellville, OH – Ethan Harris, a standout lineman for the Lowellville Rockets’ football team, has been making waves both on the offensive and defensive lines. Recently, Harris shared insights into his journey and dedication to the sport.

Starting his football career in eighth grade, Ethan was quickly noticed by coaches for his impressive size and potential. “The coaches wanted me for how big I was,” Harris revealed. His journey, however, has been marked by hard work, weightlifting, and a slew of training sessions. mBlocking for star player Geno Perry, who boasts nearly 2,000 yards this season, Harris finds his role crucial yet gratifying. “If you have a good guy that can make the cuts and reads, then you just have to block once,” he said, underscoring the trust and coordination essential in football.

Ethan’s admiration for his current quarterback, Ricky Willrich, was evident. Describing Roach’s leadership, Harris said, “It’s just easy having a quarterback that knows what he’s doing and can support everyone on the team.” Interestingly, Harris prefers the offensive side of the game, enjoying the aggressiveness it allows. He shared, “Whenever you’re on offense, you can hit people where you know they’re going to be.” His preference for run blocking over pass blocking further highlights his aggressive play style. The experience of playing alongside his brother adds another unique dimension to his football career. Playing alongside a family member adds another layer of motivation and connection for Ethan.

Winning back-to-back MVAC titles stands out as a cherished moment in his football career. When asked about his favorite teams to compete against, Harris quickly cited Springfield and Reserve, highlighting the intense rivalries that fuel his competitive spirit. Outside of football, Ethan enjoys lifting weights and working outdoors and credits his parents for their unwavering support. “My dad’s really the one that got us into lifting and being a big part of the football team,” Harris mentioned. Looking ahead, the senior lineman has set his sights on a career in diesel technology, planning to jump straight into the workforce post-graduation, reflecting his pragmatic and determined nature. Ethan Harris’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and a strong support system. As the season continues, Lowellville fans and teammates alike look forward to seeing more of Harris’s contributions on the field.

Presented By:

DIPAOLO KEEPS THINGS SUNNY FOR YOUNGSTOWN

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, local meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo provided a behind-the-scenes look at his career, his dedication to the local community, and his love for sports

DiPaolo, known for his work at Channel 21, and StormTracker 21, shared insights into the competitive nature of the meteorology industry. He emphasized the importance of hard work and continuous learning, stressing that people respect those who put in the effort.

The conversation delved into his journey, from participating in speech and debate at Cardinal Mooney to honing his skills in meteorology at Ohio University. DiPaolo also reflected on the influence of his role models, crediting his chief at Channel 21 and a former speech and debate coach for their impact on his career.

The discussion also highlighted DiPaolo’s commitment to the local community, including his support for small businesses and non-profit organizations. The meteorologist, known for his involvement across various community initiatives, spoke about his efforts to use his platform to assist others. Furthermore, as an Eagle Scout, he emphasized the significance of giving back to the community as a core value.

Aside from his meteorological endeavors, DiPaolo’s love for sports shone through during the interview. As a self-proclaimed “huge Browns fan,” he expressed his enthusiasm for the world of sports and his upcoming role as a slam dunk judge at the YSN All-Star Game.

The interview concluded with DiPaolo providing a glimpse into his personal life, touching on the joys and challenges of fatherhood and his wife’s unwavering support. He candidly addressed the privilege and honor he feels in sharing his life with the Mahoning Valley community.

As the conversation wrapped up, it became evident that Andrew DiPaolo’s dedication to his craft and his community has made him a cherished figure in the local spotlight, exemplifying hard work, commitment, and humility.

PRESENTED BY

ORANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LASHAWN BROWN

/in /by

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the premiere episode of the YSN podcast, “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with the renowned La’Shawn Brown, head coach of the Orange High School’s girls basketball team. With an impressive 14-year coaching career and a legendary basketball background herself, Brown offers a captivating glimpse into her life and coaching philosophy.

For Brown, basketball was not initially on her radar. Standing as the tallest girl in her high school and middle school, she originally had ambitions to pursue track. However, she was encouraged to give basketball a try, despite facing the setback of having lost her fingers in an accident at a young age. Overcoming this challenge, Brown showcased her skills and had a breakthrough sophomore year at Heights High School, paving the way for a storied basketball career.

Through her personal adversities, Brown developed resilience and discipline, instilled in her by her grandmother, who taught her to view herself no differently from anyone else. The experience of being treated like any other player and accepting her amputated hand propelled her to excel on and off the court.

As the head coach of the Orange girls basketball team, Brown is grateful for the opportunity to build a strong program and elevate her team’s level of play. She acknowledges the progress made in her inaugural year as head coach and expresses high expectations for the upcoming season. Brown commends her players’ dedication and hard work during the summer and anticipates the positive impact of new team members on the court.

Reflecting on her coaching journey, Brown highlights the importance of instilling discipline and affirmations to push her players beyond their comfort zones. She aims to create an environment where being uncomfortable, tired, or sore is accepted as part of the growth process.

Challenges remain for Brown in controlling expectations, particularly when it comes to understanding her players’ abilities and pushing them to exceed their limits. However, she welcomes the assistance of her experienced coaching staff and relishes the opportunity to mold her team into one that is prepared to fight, hustle, and do whatever it takes to succeed.

As the Orange girls basketball team heads into a new season, Coach Brown wants opponents to know that her team won’t back down. With a resilient and determined mindset, her players are ready to give their all, fight for every win, and leave it all on the court.

To hear more from Brown and gain insight into the world of Orange girls basketball, tune in to the full episode of the “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner” on the YSN podcast.

Stay tuned for future episodes highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories of coaches and athletes in the Orange High School community.

PRESENTED BY

THE MAD HITTER

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- Madison Dado, a senior at South Range High School, was the guest on the YSN podcast’s South Range Raider show. Madi was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in both volleyball and softball.

Deangelos asked Madi about her responsibilities on the volleyball team, and she explained that she played different positions each year. She had gained a strong understanding of the middle position after playing it for two years, and she also played in the back row.

When it came to training for both sports, Madi mentioned that she consistently went to Troy Parks throughout each season. She focused on the specific sport she was playing at the time, giving her full attention to the current season.

Deangelos then mentioned Madi’s impressive abilities on the softball field, particularly her powerful throws. He noted that in both volleyball and softball, speed played a significant role. Madi explained that while she was in control as a center fielder in softball, playing volleyball required a different level of communication and understanding with her teammate, Anna Troy.

The conversation shifted to Madi’s role in guiding Anna, a freshman on the team. Madi credited Anna’s natural talent and ability to assimilate into the team seamlessly. Madi herself had received guidance from Reagan, a teammate who helped her navigate the back row position.

Her recent successful run with the team, having faced tough opponents has been impressive. The busy schedule allowed little time to relax, as they had to quickly shift focus to the next opponent. Madi also mentioned how she managed to balance her time during homecoming week, thanks to a day off provided by Coach Irons.

As the conversation moved toward Madi’s future goals, she expressed her desire to continue playing a sport at the collegiate level. She explained that her passion for the sport and the relationships she built through it were driving factors. However, she also shared her aspiration to become a physician’s assistant after college, inspired by her love for the show Grey’s Anatomy and her family’s background in healthcare.

Madi spoke fondly of her family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to support her and her sisters’ sporting endeavors. Her parents, a nurse and a police officer, served as role models, always encouraging her to pursue her dreams.

Before wrapping up, Madi gushed about her excitement for a trip to Myrtle Beach. and expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming experience.

PRESENTED BY

NO BLANK SPACES IN THE TROPHY CASE

/in /by

BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us from Boardman, Ohio. We sit down with McKenzie Riccitelli, a talented student-athlete who is making a name for herself in cross country and basketball.

McKenzie shares the incredible journey she has been on, from balancing her sports commitments to her aspirations for the future.

We also delve into her close-knit family and the role they have played in supporting her dreams. Plus, McKenzie reveals a surprising talent that not many people know about.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with McKenzie Riccitelli.

PRESENTED BY