Westmoreland athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Shane Piper, Franklin Regional’s Sydney Caldwell

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 | 10:00 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Shane Piper

School: Mt. Pleasant

Sport: Soccer

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Piper, who collected 13 saves last week, extended his shutout streak to five games in a row as Mt. Pleasant (8-2, 7-0) defeated Southmoreland, Derry and Deer Lakes last week. Piper's shutout streak started Sept. 14 against Valley and followed it up with a shutout against Freeport.

“It was kind of a tough match in the past two matches. But our defense was very strong and we ended up getting shutouts,” Piper said.

Why have you been more vocal in your second year?

I'm a returning starting varsity player, and I have more confidence.

How do you keep yourself engaged in the game when the action is on the other end?

I just keep watching after the play, and I'm trying to think how I can help my teammates know if the pressure is on.

What did the team learn from the losses to South Park and Latrobe?

Those two losses were learning experiences because they got to see how teams in other sections play. They will look to see what they can do to improve the team for the rest of the season.

What made you decide to play goalkeeper?

I've done it since my young years playing soccer. I liked playing in the field, but I thought goalkeeper for the high school team would be my best option to get on the field.

What adjective best describes you?

Outgoing. I try to be the best I can be, and I try to improve myself as I go.

Sydney Caldwell

School: Franklin Regional

Sport: Soccer

Class: Freshman

Claim to fame: Caldwell posted her fifth shutout of the season to lead No. 5 Franklin Regional (6-2, 4-1) to a 1-0 win over Knoch in Section 1-AAA action Sept. 18. Caldwell recorded shutouts against Elizabeth Forward, Indiana, Hampton and Gateway.

“I think the defense has helped me out a lot. Whenever I make a mistake, they help me out and clear the ball out,” Caldwell said.

How does it feel to have this type of success as a freshman?

It feels pretty great knowing I accomplished all of my goals so far.

What can you learn from the 4-0 loss to Mars last week?

We learned we had to work on our corners. But we worked on it, and we are improving as a team.

What is your favorite thing about being the goalkeeper?

It's really fun and really competitive. I really don't want to let the team down.

What has been the best piece of advice you have received this season?

Coach (Rich) Garland told me I'm stepping up as a leader and helping out the team. It just makes me feel good inside.

What is your favorite subject?

I like math because I like to try to solve the problem.

— Andrew John

Tags: Franklin Regional, Mt. Pleasant