Almanac announces female finalists for Athlete of the Year
Brionna Allen
Sabrina Bryan
Elizabeth Grefenstette
Kate Sramac
Trinity Ward
Rachel Helbling
Mia Kness
Aideen O’Donoghue
Cheyenne Trest
Kayte Zeiler
Listed below is a synopsis for each finalist for The Almanac Female Athlete of the Year award. The top 10 will be honored, along with their male counterparts as well as the MVPs in their respective sports, at the 27th annual Premier Performers Sports Banquet. This year’s event will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park. Tickets are $35. To order, call 724-941-7725 ext. 8129 or 412-874-8704.
Brionna Allen
At Bishop Canevin, the acronym may be WWJD. On the girls’ basketball team, however, it’s WWBD. “What Would Bri Do?”
That’s because Brionna Allen is the hardest worker. She is always trying to improve as a player and as a person. Her calm demeanor is perfect not just for her role as point guard. She is a great role model, say her coaches. She is not just about statistics. She takes pride in defense.
Bri always guarded the toughest opponent. In fact, this junior held the WPIAL’s leading scorer to 8 points, 2 over the first three quarters, during a PIAA second-round victory against East Allegheny, 51-25.
Bri amassed plenty of points and honors. She averaged 14.2 points and 8 rebounds a game. She earned All-State, All-Almanac & All-Section acclaim. Plus, she captained the Crusaders to a WPIAL title & PIAA runner-up trophy.
Off the court, Bri charts the path. She belongs to Junior Achievement and Canevin’s Ambassador Club
She is also a Crossroad Scholar and an Outstanding Citizenship Award Winner as designated by the Sons of the American Revolution.
Sabrina Bryan
Pitch Perfect may have been a novel and American musical film. But it’s an appropriate term for Sabrina Bryan. The Almanac’s soccer MVP was just perfect on and off the pitch. Just ask her coach. Dave Derrico describes her as honest, reliable, loyal, obedient, self-controlled, helpful and cheerful. She accepts constructive criticism and eagerly awaits additional challenges.
In soccer, Sabrina certainly rose to the task. Challenged by injuries, she never quit. She helped Canon-McMillan capture its first-ever state championship by scoring 31 goals and providing 28 assists.
She finished with 94 goals and 64 assists for her career. That’s good enough to rank second in school history.
Sabrina earned every honor imaginable: All-State; All-WPIAL, twice; All-section, three times; All Big 56 Conference; C-M scoring leader, three times, and assist leader, once; Almanac all-star, four times; Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week, twice.
Academically and socially, Sabrina is equally flawless. She maintains a 4.13 GPA; belongs to the National Honor Society; mentors and tutors students at school as well as at the Riverhounds Academy; volunteers at the Watson Institute, an organization the serves students, ages 3-21, with special needs and their siblings; works at St. George Orthodox Church.
“Sabrina is a highly-motivated person of strong character, values and work ethic,” Derrico said. “She is devoted to her team, teammates, classmates, and to the task at hand. She is absolutely committed to excellence in everything she takes on.”
Sabrina takes on Division I soccer next. She will play soccer at Hofstra University and pursue a career in exercise science.
Elizabeth Grefenstette
Speak softly and carry a big stick. Elizabeth Grefenstette lives by this motto as the junior goes about re-writing the record books in girls’ lacrosse at Seton-La Salle. With great humility, she is doing so.
”When I observe Ellie, three things standout out” said Brian Klisavage, her lacrosse coach and teacher. “First, she is humble. She never brags and she doesn’t seek the spotlight.”
Yet the limelight beckons Ellie because she has already set records for goals, assists and draw controls during her freshman and sophomore seasons. Barring injury, she will break all SLS marks held by Cate Hansberry, an Almanac female athlete of the year finalist, and Emma Simmers, the 2010 Almanac female athlete of the year.
In addition to being a three-year letterwinner in lacrosse, Ellie has earned three letters in volleyball and one in basketball. She is a two-time all-section volleyball pick and a three-year starter.
Ellie is an all-WPIAL performer in lacrosse. She represented western Pennsylvania at the US LAX national tournament and was selected to play for Team USA at the Europe Lacrosse Cup in Netherlands. She also was named to the Nike Elite 120. Ellie is already committed to Fairfield University, a Division I program that competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Academically, Ellie maintains a 4.68 GPA, is active in the St. Bernard Youth Group, travels to Appalachia on mission trips, belongs to NHS and the English National Honor Society, is the president of her class, is a member of SADD, Rebels For Life and Campus Ministry. She also attended the Bishop’s Medallion Ball for community service.
Last but not least, Ellie will spend time in England this summer. She was accepted into the prestigious Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program.
“Ellie is always looking to challenge herself,” Klisavage said. “Whether it’s learning a new move or matching up against the other team’s star players, she doesn’t just rest on her natural ability. This is true in the other parts of her life as well as evidenced by her acceptance in the prestigious Oxford Summer Program and her hours of community service.”
Rachel Helbling
Speed kills. Rachel Helbling of South Fayette knows this sports cliché to be true. For she sprints so fast that it spells death for her competition.
Rachel has the talent to run any race from 100 to 800 meters. And, adds her coach Scott Litwinovich, “She could easily win most of those races.”
Rachel already is a two-time 400-meter WPIAL champion. In fact, she is undefeated at that distance in Western Pennsylvania. She finished fifth at the 2016 PIAA championships last spring.
Rachel already owns two school records for the 400 meters and the 4×400 relay. She is a three-time indoor state qualifier.
Rachel also uses her speed to excel in soccer where she has been a two-year starter and team captain. She led the Lions to their first PIAA playoff appearance. South Fayette also reached the WPIAL semifinals.
According to Wayne Capra, Rachel is one of the finest young women that he has had the privilege to coach. “I would be proud to call her my own daughter,” he said.
In the classroom, Rachel is a fast learner. She owns a 4.2 QPA and belongs to the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. She volunteers at St. Barbara Church and as a counselor at youth sports camps.
Just a junior, Rachel plans to run track in college while pursuing a degree in health science.
Mia Kness
The best there’s ever been. Mia Kness can claim that in golf at Peters Township. The senior is the first to win a state championship in school history. She is also the first PT golfer to qualify for the PIAA tournament all four years.
Mia shot even par 144 over two days to capture the 2016 state title. That score is third best in the history of the PIAA championships.
Mia has also been a two-time western regional champion and a WPIAL runner-up. She averaged 36.1 last fall and 37.1 for her career.
According Brian Farrell, Mia possessed the best attitude of any athlete that he has had in his 19 years as a coach. “Her mental toughness is unmatched. She is most focused in practice. Mia led her team by example for three years and became the vocal leader this year as well.”
Mia is also a leader in lacrosse. She plays midfield and defense for the Indians.
An honor roll student, she belongs to the Environmental Club at school. Plus, she performs community service, volunteering with the Meals On Wheels program.
Mia will pursue a business degree and golf at Seton Hall. In fact, she is only the second golfer from PT to ever achieve a full athletic scholarship.
Will she be on the LPGA after that? “We’ll see,” Mia said. “My plan is to get my masters degree and go from there.”
Aideen O’Donoghue
The All-American girl. That’s Aideen O’Donoghue. For this Canon-McMillan senior garnered that distinction twice.
She was voted an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as well at Top Drawer Soccer. She is also a NSCAA All-Region player. Additionally, Aideen claimed: Almanac Elite Eleven, All-WPIAL, All-Section, Big 56 Conference honors multiple times in her four years as a starter for the Lady Macs.
Last spring, Aideen was invited and called up to the United States Under-17 Women’s National Team Training Camp held in Carson, Calif. Last fall, she captained Canon-McMillan to its first-ever state championship. The Lady Macs finished ranked among the top teams in the nation by both MaxPreps (9th) and the NSCAA (11th).
Statistically, Aideen scored 27 goals and had 20 assists last season. For her career, she finished with 67 goals and 49 assists.
Aideen also plays for the Riverhounds where she captained her club team to the national semifinals in 2016. In 2015, her team was a regional champion and in 2014 they won the national title as well as the Atlantic Soccer League championship.
A four-year honor roll student, maintaining a 3.5 GPA, Aideen was a member of the homecoming court. She also belongs to Lead CM, the school’s student-mentoring program. Plus, she volunteers at St. Benedict’s and Riverhounds Academy camps.
According to her coach Dave Derrico, Aideen is committed to excellence. She is an extremely hard worker. She sets the proper example for her peers and she has uncanny ability to mitigate personality conflicts.
Aideen will continue her soccer career at the University of Pittsburgh. She plans to major in business or communications.
Kate Sramac
The wow factor. Kate Sramac has it.
At Mt. Lebanon, she does it all. Plays basketball, lacrosse, ice hockey, even the trumpet. She performs all these well and also excels in the classroom.
In hoops: Kate averaged 12 points, 6.3 assists & 6.8 rebounds a game. A four-year letterwinner, she captained Lebo to the Final Four in the WPIAL and Sweet Sixteen in the PIAA tournaments this winter while gaining All-Almanac and All-Section honors.
Kate ranks among the leading scorers on her lacrosse club. She has Lebo poised to defend its WPIAL title.
And, oh yes, Kate plays hockey. She competed with the boys until high school, then girls-only. She played for the Pittsburgh Predators and the Hornets. Additionally, Kate was selected to the U18 USA ice hockey development team. She was one of only three girls from the Mid-Am Region picked to attend a prestigious camp held in St. Cloud, Minn.
Academically, Kate maintains a 4.1 GPA. She plays the trumpet in the orchestra, belongs to Link Leaders, volunteers at Children’s Hospital and is a member of her church’s youth group. Kate also was selected to the Homecoming Court.
While her basketball coach noted “Kate was the engine that made the team go,” Dori Oldaker also pointed out other aspects that make her a successful person.
“She has the ‘it’ factor,” Oldaker said. “She has a gift of talent with her positive personality, her never say quit determination and her desire to be the best. She has been an excellent role model to her peers. They truly adore and respect here. She is a leader who looks for ways to help others excel and always leads by example.
“Personally,” Oldaker added, “I would be overjoyed if my own two daughters grew up to have the positive qualities that Kate displays each day. I know she will go on to impress the fortunate people who are lucky enough to get to know her. She will make a difference in this world.”
That world expands to New York next fall as Kate will play basketball at Cornell University. She plans to majoring in communications.
Cheyenne Trest
Double trouble. That’s what Cheyenne Trest is. See, she’s a talent in two sports. In soccer, Cheyenne is a state champion. She captained Canon-McMillan to the PIAA title. She also played on two WPIAL runner-up teams.
Cheyenne collected several honors on the pitch: All-section, All Big 56 Conference, All-Almanac and O-R All-District.
In basketball, Cheyenne’s a school record-holder. She set the mark for most points in a game with 33 and consecutive free throws with 38. She ranks third in school history in scoring with 1,242 points.
A two-time Almanac AOTY finalist, Cheyenne has been a two-year captain and four-year starter at point guard for the Lady Macs. She averaged 16 points and 5 rebounds this winter
Cheyenne earned acclaim. She’s a two-time Almanac Elite Eleven; three-time All-Section and Big 56 All-Conference selection. She also helped the Lady Macs to their first section title as well as playoff victory.
Outside the athletic arena, Cheyenne: maintains a 4.58 GPA; belongs to the National Honor Society, Student Council and Math League; volunteers at the Washington County Food Bank & Produce For People; tutors at the middle school; mentors fellow students; instructs at youth camps and clinics for basketball and soccer and plays AAU basketball for a nationally ranked team
Cheyenne takes her talents to Seton Hill University. She will play basketball for the Griffins and major in health science. She hopes to become a physician’s assistant.
Cheyenne will be missed, particularly by her soccer coach. Dave Derrico says that she is a highly-motivated individual of strong character, values and work ethic. She is constantly looking to improve. Her behavior, maturity and bearing command respect from everyone who comes in contact with her.”
Trinity Ward
Trinity Ward makes waves and headlines for Mt. Lebanon. And, she’s just a sophomore.
This winter, she shattered several school, pool & district records. At the WPIAL championships, she claimed three gold medals.
Trinity defended her title in the 100-yard butterfly. She led off the winning 200-yard medley relay. Then she anchored the record-breaking 400 free relay. She also smashed the WPIAL record for the 100 free. But, Trinity was touched out at the wall and settled for silver.
Trinity’s collection of medals did not stop there. She went on to win a state title in the 100 fly.
She added a bronze in the 100 free at the PIAA championships.
Trinity led Lebo to back-to-back runner-up WPIAL team trophies. Lebo also took third overall in the state.
Out of the water, Trinity hits the books with equal determination. She owns a 4.2 QPA. Plus, she helps teach and train younger swimmers.
But none will be exactly like her. “She’s one of the best that I have ever coached,” said Lebo head coach Tom Donati.
Kayte Zeiler
An inspiration. That’s Kayte Zeiler. For this Bethel Park senior motivates everyone around her.
According to her lacrosse coach Becky Luzier, Kayte is always hustling and making everyone around her better. She is a master at managing team personnel. She knows what each player needs. Luzier added that it is not often that you come across a high school player who knows when her teammates need to be pushed and when they need to be propped up. In fact, in her 16 years of coaching, Luzier has never come across a player who has the work ethic, desire to lead and athletic ability that Kayte possesses.
Kayte demonstrated those talents in both lacrosse and volleyball.
She’s been a three-year captain in lacrosse as well as all-section performer. Plus, she has captured her team’s Hustle Award and MVP honors and is on target to do the same this season.
While she fell in love with lacrosse, at the end of seventh grade, Kayte played volleyball first. She’s gained equal acclaim for leading the Black Hawks to the WPIAL playoffs. Kayte is a three-time all-section performer, two-time all-WPIAL selection, All-Big 56 Conference choice as well as team MVP and captain.
Kayte is an honors student. She writes and takes pictures for the school newspaper.
She will take all her talents to IUP. There she will play lacrosse for the Crimson Hawks, who are ranked in the top 12 in Division II of the NCAA.