Westmoreland athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Markello Apodiakos, Penn-Trafford’s Hannah Nguyen

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | 10:24 PM

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Markello Apodiakos

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Soccer

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Apodiakos, who has 16 goals and three assists this season, scored four goals to lead Belle Vernon (5-1, 2-1) to a 7-0 win over Trinity in Section 3 action Sept. 16. Apodiakos scored twice for the Leopards in a 5-0 win over Uniontown on Sept. 14.

“Our first game against Laurel Highlands, we lost our goalkeeper and lost 2-1. After the loss, we talked with our coach. We moved the ball around well against Uniontown, and we moved the ball around well again against Trinity,” Apodiakos said.

How can you build off your all-WPIAL and Section 3 Player of the Year honors from last season?

I need to keep doing what I'm doing now. I need to keep working hard and keep performing.

How important were the wins over Uniontown and Trinity after the close loss to Laurel Highlands?

It was important to get those two wins because we play(ed) Ringgold this week. In order to be ready for that game, we needed to get back on our feet. We also play Laurel Highlands this Saturday so we need as much momentum as possible.

What did the team learn after the first round loss to West Allegheny last season?

We learned to not underestimate any team at all. We didn't think they were really a good team. We weren't prepared, and we came out slow. It didn't go our way.

How have things gone with new coach Rob Miele?

I feel our new coach has a lot of passion for the sport. He's back where he played. He has high goals for us. We have to work hard to please him. We need to play hard as a unit and accomplish all the goals he has set for us.

Who is your role model?

Cristiano Ronaldo. He is arguably one of the best players in the world. He's humble and works hard. He is a good role model that everyone should strive to be like.

Hannah Nguyen

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Soccer

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Nguyen, a Duquesne commit, had a goal and two assists to lead Penn-Trafford (4-2, 2-0) to a 5-1 win over Connellsville in Section 4-AAAA action Sept. 11. Nguyen, who has five goals and 10 assists, had a goal and four assists in a 7-1 win over Hempfield in Section 4 on Sept. 13.

“We win by helping each other. If we play our game, we will win,” Nguyen said.

What made you commit to Duquesne?

I have grown up in Pittsburgh, and I have known the coaches from an early age. When I went to the campus, I just fell in love, and I got the feeling that I wanted to be there.

How would you describe your style of play?

I would describe myself as a hard worker and a leader. I might not have the most goals in the season, but I will lead the team to success.

What did the team learn from the WPIAL quarterfinal loss to Mt. Lebanon last season?

It was a tough loss. It wasn't the way we wanted to end our season. We have been more determined this season, and we want to make sure we make it further.

What is it like to play alongside Mackenzie Aunkst, Lauren Stovar and Brady Tramuta?

I love playing with them. When you play with the top players, your level of play comes up. A lot of the girls on the team look up to us. We are leaders for our team, and that helps us guide the team to wins.

What do you like about soccer more than any other sport?

Soccer was always fun and something to do. I was always good at it. Therefore, I always wanted to play. Soccer teaches you to work hard, and that helps you in the real world.

— Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Penn-Trafford