Tag Archive for: Volleyball

SONGER HITTING ALL THE NOTES

/in /by

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.

Presented By:

TAYLOR IS SWIFT TO THE PLATE

/in /by

HUJBBARD OH-  Hubbard High School’s softball team has found a standout leader in junior Haleigh Taylor, who was recently featured in a player profile on YSN with Anthony Hartwig. Now an upperclassman, Taylor has stepped confidently into a leadership role, crediting her bond with underclassmen and the supportive senior class for making the transition smooth.

Taylor’s outstanding season in both pitching and hitting has played a pivotal role in the team’s success, racking up double-digit home runs and over 40 RBIs so far. “I’m happy with my numbers and helping the team score some runs,” Taylor shared, highlighting the impact of talented teammates like Layla and Lauren, who set the stage for the team’s offensive production. Inside the dugout, Taylor described a major turning point after the team’s first game against Lakeview, when a heart-to-heart with coaches brought the Eagles together and ignited camaraderie that’s carried them through the season. “We realized we could compete with anyone,” Taylor said.

Taylor also spoke warmly of her relationship with her father, who joined the coaching staff in her sophomore year, as well as her longtime pitching coach, Erin Gabriel, whom she credits for helping her with the mental challenges on the mound. Despite sometimes struggling with confidence as a pitcher, Taylor says Gabriel’s support and wisdom have been invaluable: “I wish I could have her in my ear talking to me during games… everything just is magically perfect.” Off the field, Taylor fills her time with volleyball and weightlifting but values unwinding with friends and family. Close friendships with teammates and travel ball players like Marina Caning and Sydney Lutz have fueled her love for the game. As the team’s postseason run continues, Taylor is proud to represent Hubbard and grateful for the support of her family, coaches, and friends—proving she’s just as much a leader off the field as on it!

Presented By:

THE ROWE TO GLORY

/in /by

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.

Presented By:

WILLIAMS TAKES TALENTS TO ALLEGHENY

/in , /by

CAMPBELL, OH- Some athletes shine in one sport, but a select few dominate in multiple. MiLeena Williams is one of those rare talents, and she just took the next step in her journey, signing her commitment to Allegheny College to continue her academic, volleyball, and softball career.

Williams has been a force on the volleyball court, putting up 305 kills, 36 aces, 29 blocks, and 234 digs during the 2024-25 season. Her dominance at the net has led her to surpass the 500 career kills milestone while earning 1st Team All-MVAC and 1st Team All-District honors.

When spring rolls around, she trades in the volleyball for a bat and proves she’s just as lethal in the batter’s box. In the 2023-24 softball season, Williams posted an eye-popping .506 batting average with 41 hits and 4 home runs. She’s already topped 100 career hits and was named 1st Team All-MVAC as a catcher, along with an All-District Honorable Mention nod.

Her impact goes far beyond stats—Williams is a competitor, a leader, and now, a future Allegheny Gator. Congratulations to MiLeena as she takes her talents to the next level!

RISK TAKER, HISTORY MAKER

/in /by

MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Ava Hulett, a senior standout from Mineral Ridge, continues to leave an indelible mark on the athletics scene. Despite a season that didn’t end as she hoped, Hulett’s illustrious career is far from over. She has already amassed over 1,000 digs and kills in volleyball and over 1,400 points in basketball, cementing her place in Mineral Ridge history. Her track season is yet to come, promising even more accolades as she shines the brightest in her favorite sport.

In a recent interview with YSN hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig, Ava revealed her excitement about focusing solely on track this year. Her singular focus comes as she enters her final high school track season, free from the demands of starting open gyms for other sports. This new chapter in her career is filled with promise and Ava is eager to add more accomplishments to her already impressive resume.

While she faces the pressures of high expectations, Ava thrives under the spotlight. It’s in these moments of heightened attention that she delivers her best performances, driven by the crowd’s energy. Ava attributes her motivation to a combination of personal goal-setting and the unwavering support of her parents and coaches, who push her to achieve more.

Although track is her primary focus, DJ Yokley reminds us of the upcoming YSN All Star basketball game where Ava will represent Mineral Ridge. The event promises to draw a large crowd, and Ava is eager to perform on such a big stage.

Even as she looks toward her future, Ava remains deeply connected to her roots in Mineral Ridge. She speaks fondly of the incoming classes of athletes, particularly highlighting their potential in basketball and volleyball. As she prepares to leave Mineral Ridge, Ava hopes to make her mark by breaking hurdle records and potentially becoming a state champion.

Ava Hulett embodies the spirit of a true athlete, balancing academics and sports while remaining humble despite her significant achievements. Her exemplary work ethic and dedication serve as an inspiration to many in the community. As she gears up for her final track season, everyone awaits the legacy she will leave behind at Mineral Ridge.

PRESENTED BY

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

CRESTVIEW GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH AARON BLATCH 1/22/25

/in /by

COLUMBIANA OH- In a riveting episode of YSN Live, hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley sat down with Aaron Blatch, the head coach of Crestview’s undefeated girls’ basketball team. The conversation illuminated Blatch’s coaching philosophy, team dynamics, and the journey that has brought his program to the apex of success in the NBAC.

Blatch, who has helmed the team for several seasons, credits the success to the exceptional character and talent of his players, emphasizing the collective effort put in by the entire coaching staff, including his brother and fellow coaches John Gallagher and Cassie Spate. He remarked, “We have a lot of great kids and amazing players. Seeing them improve individually and collectively is very rewarding for us.” Patience has been a cornerstone of Blatch’s approach, as Anthony Hartwig noted. Blatch discussed the importance of steady progress and the contributions of previous teams in laying the groundwork for their current achievements. “Anything worthwhile is going to take some time,” Blatch shared, highlighting the collaborative effort across different levels of the program.

The episode also touched on the team’s strategically strengthened schedule, featuring games against high-caliber opponents like Hoban, Streetsboro, and Massillon Washington. Blatch explained that the tougher schedule is part of a long-term strategy to prepare the team for the postseason. “We wanted the schedule with the big picture in mind,” Blatch stated, underscoring the importance of challenging matchups in building resilience and skill. A recurring theme in the discussion was the remarkable team chemistry and selflessness among players, which has been pivotal in their dominant season. Yokley praised this aspect, likening their coordinated play to synchronized swimming. Blatch agreed, noting the unique talents each player brings to the floor and the absence of ego-driven competition. “It speaks to the character of the team,” he said.

As the season progresses, Blatch remains focused on further improvement and maintaining the team’s high standards. He acknowledged the challenges posed by winter weather disruptions but remained unfazed, stressing that off-days can sometimes be beneficial for the team’s overall well-being. Blatch’s leadership and the team’s collective effort have positioned Crestview as a formidable force in high school basketball. The future looks bright as they head toward the postseason, aiming to capitalize on their hard work and talent. For listeners seeking inspiration and insight into building a successful sports program, this episode of YSN Live featuring Coach Aaron Blatch is a treasure trove of wisdom and dedication.

Presented By:

LEAVE IT TO LEWIS

/in /by

LOWELLVILLE, OH- As her senior year at Lowellville progresses, Morgan Lewis, a multi-sport athlete and cheerleader, shares her experiences and aspirations both on and off the field. In a recent interview on YSN’s player profile series, Lewis opened up about her goals, influences, and future plans.

Reflecting on her senior year, which she describes as “bittersweet,” Lewis is determined to turn her current sports season around and achieve a winning record. “I really want to have a winning season and turn this season around from what we’re doing right now, and I think we can,” she stated confidently.

As a senior with significant influence on her peers and a supportive figure in the locker room, Lewis emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “I think we just need to go into more games with a positive mindset,” she explained. This optimistic outlook has been shaped by learning from challenges and obstacles throughout her life.

Lewis credits much of her success and positive demeanor to her parents’ unwavering support. Competing in volleyball, basketball, softball, and cheerleading, her parents have been her biggest supporters. “They go to every single game,” she mentioned proudly.

While her athletic ambitions at the collegiate level remain undecided, Lewis is considering a future in teaching, drawn to the idea of nurturing young minds.

Morgan also cherishes the tight-knit community at Lowellville where “everybody knows each other,” and values her teammates whom she considers family. Her younger sister, also on the team, has been a source of mutual support and strength, teaching her to “keep moving forward” and “not worry about the little things.”

Outside of sports, Morgan enjoys leisure activities such as watching TV shows like Outer Banks and movies like Wicked. Her preference for warmer weather and fondness for beach vacations in North Carolina reveal a relaxed side to this dedicated athlete.

Looking ahead, if given a million dollars, she would invest in a three-story mansion complete with a sports room, reflecting her passion for athletics.

Morgan Lewis’s journey through her final year at Lowellville highlights a blend of ambition, familial support, and community spirit. As she looks forward to her next steps, her story continues to inspire those around her.

PRESENTED BY

THE SAIT COMES MARCHING IN

/in /by

Newton Falls, OH — As the Newton Falls girls’ basketball season progresses, senior Lilly Sait finds herself navigating the whirlwind of emotions that come with her final year of high school sports. In a recent player profile on YSN, Lilly sat down with host Anthony Hartwig to discuss her experience as a leader, her future plans, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. “Coming in and having to be a leader for the team has been a little stressful,” Lilly admitted. “It’s really good to have a good support system and just try to work together and be positive all the time.”

Throughout her high school career, Lilly has benefited from strong leadership examples, including past teammates like Danny Drake and Natalie Albert, as well as the guidance of her coach. Now, she finds herself in the role of mentor, striving to maintain a positive and enjoyable atmosphere within the team. A standout on both the basketball and volleyball courts, Lilly’s senior night for volleyball marked the beginning of a bittersweet realization that her high school sports journey is nearing its end. “It’s definitely more emotional now that basketball season is here,” she said. “I still have track after, but basketball is my last big sport.”

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Lilly has maintained a strong academic record while balancing a variety of extracurricular activities. She takes pride in her ability to juggle sports, volunteering, and schoolwork, all while holding onto straight A’s. Looking ahead, Lilly plans to attend Kent State University at Salem to study radiology, where she hopes to leverage her love for hands-on work and passion for helping others. Staying close to home is an added bonus, allowing her to remain connected with her supportive family.

As she reflects on her time at Newton Falls, Lilly expresses deep gratitude for her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teammates, and coaches. “Coach Baker and Coach Tony are like second, second and third dads to me. They’re always making sure I’m being the best person I can be,” she shared. With leaders like Mia Deciser and Delilah Simpson ready to step into her shoes, Lilly is confident that the future of Newton Falls girls’ basketball is bright. As she prepares for life after high school, the imprint she leaves on her team and community is sure to be felt for years to come. For now, Lilly Sait remains focused on finishing her senior season strong, cherishing every moment and continuing to inspire those around her.

Presented By:

 

TUSCANO TAKING IT ALL IN

/in /by

Springfield, OH – As the buzzer heralds the final season of her high school basketball journey, Mariana Tuscano stands poised and reflective. In her senior campaign for the Springfield Tigers, Tuscano has embraced the moment, soaking in every detail of her last year on the hardwood.

“I know once the tournament run starts, it’s definitely gonna hit me because any game could be the last. But right now, I’m just trying to enjoy it,” she shared in a recent interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig. Tuscano, a dedicated athlete who’s also excelled in volleyball, attributes her ability to manage senior-year pressures to her previous experiences. “It definitely helped me out because I already got one cry down… But I’m just gonna keep playing,” she remarked, shedding light on the emotional toll senior year can take on a student-athlete.

Having been a pivotal figure in Springfield’s rise, Tuscano cherishes the bond and history with her teammates. “I’ve been playing with these girls since I was young… We’re definitely going to try to go do what we did before with all the tournament runs,” she reflected warmly. The season has seen Tuscano continue her role as a leader. “I think I’ve had the role of a leader since last year… This year, we’re just gonna keep trying to help the younger girls out,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to mentoring the next generation.

Academically, Tuscano has set herself up for success, balancing her lighter senior-year workload with her basketball commitments. “I can just go to practice, come home and not really have to worry about staying up late doing homework,” she explained, highlighting her strategic planning. As Tuscano looks ahead, she remains undecided between pursuing nursing or business at Youngstown State University but is confident in her future path. “I’m definitely going to college… Probably YSU,” she confirmed.

Looking back, Tuscano expresses immense pride in her time at Springfield. “I’m definitely going to be proud of myself for graduating and just the way my high school career went,” she said confidently. In closing, Tuscano shared her gratitude for her coaches, teammates, and most importantly, her family. “My mom, she’s my biggest supporter… My brothers are also always there for me,” she said, acknowledging the unwavering support system that has been crucial to her success. With her senior season in full swing, Mariana Tuscano remains a beacon of leadership, dedication, and inspiration for the Springfield Tigers, destined to leave an indelible mark on the school’s storied basketball program.

Presented By: