Alle-Kiski Valley athletes of the week: Fox Chapel’s Maddie Grimsley, Plum’s Chase Eber

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 8:55 PM

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Maddie Grimsley

School: Fox Chapel

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Grimsley had a goal and an assist in Fox Chapel’s PIAA first-round 5-1 win over Hollidaysburg on Tuesday night. She was tough to defend on one-on-ones and had a hand in each of the Foxes’ five goals, whether it was stealing the ball to start a counter attack or finding teammates with a slotted pass.

Take me through the goal you scored.

It was a cross from Alyssa Quakenbush, and I flicked it off the outside of my right foot into the back post.

Tell me about the assist you had.

The assist was to Emily McKee, and I took it down the right wing into the corner and I made a cross on the ground and she hit it in.

Coach Prati said that even though it won’t show up on the stat sheet, you were involved in each of the five goals. Take me through what your night was like?

It would have been the last night for us seniors, and I didn’t want the season to end on a bad note. I thought I would play my hardest and whatever happens, happens, and I ended up having a really good game.

Were you surprised that the team was able to have the room you wanted to do whatever you liked that Tuesday night?

I was surprised because they were the higher seed and were a very good team. I wasn’t expecting us to have as many opportunities as we did. We were heavily motivated by our loss against South Fayette in the WPIAL final match.

How tough was the loss to South Fayette?

It was hard because we knew we had the ability to win based off our win last year against North Allegheny. It was just one of those days where things just didn’t go our way. South Fayette played really well, and I hope we get to face them in states for a rematch. We know how each other’s plays, and we want them to catch us on one of our good days.

Do you think having to prepare for the PIAAs on a quick turnaround helped you guys to refocus?

It was the motivation we needed. We decided to start over, get a clean sheet and it was now a new goal that we are working towards.

What was your most memorable goal you scored this season?

Our second round against Montour. It was off of a cross, and I volleyed it into the net.

Most memorable goal in your career?

My first goal in my first season on varsity. It was a cross form the corner to the six.

What gets you in the zone prior to a game?

I think about the impact of the game and the bigger picture. How each win is one step closer for us winning a state title. I know our team can pull out any win if we put our minds to it.

Who’s the fastest on the team?

Alyssa Quakenbush.

Who can bend the ball the best?

Cassie Classen or Caylie Wilkinson.

Do you play any other sports at school?

I used to play lacrosse, but I’m strictly soccer now.

Do you play any club soccer?

Yes, I’ve played club soccer since I was in third grade. I currently play for Steel City FC.

Participate in any clubs or other activities at school besides sports?

I’m a part of the Ski Club, Best Buddies and National Honor Society.

Favorite subject?

Biology.

What is your favorite hobby?

Going to the gym and working out.

Favorite meal?

Pepperoni pizza.

Any pets?

I have a Labrador.

People would be surprised to know that …

I’ve never traveled outside of the United States.

If you could share a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Taylor Swift.

What will you miss most about high school soccer?

I will miss the people and the atmosphere because we are like one big family.

What are you looking forward to in your last six months of your senior year?

Embracing all the lasts. Last prom, last homecoming and spending time with the people I’ve gotten to know throughout my time at Fox Chapel.

What are your future plans?

I plan on attending college for biology on the pre-med track and I’m unsure if I’ll play soccer in college, but we’ll see how it goes.

Chase Eber

School: Plum

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Eber made an unbelievable save in the seventh round of a shootout against McDowell on Tuesday night in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs.

What were your nerves like at the start of the shootout?

I was pretty nervous. I didn’t want it to be the last game playing with my brother, so definitely some added pressure on me.

What’s it been like to play with your brother, senior defender Mason Eber, over these last two years?

It’s been really fun. I’ve grown up playing with him my entire life. Playing together on the bigger stage has been a lot of fun, and I hope it continues.

Any advice he’s given you?

Just to remain level-headed even in situations when we go down a goal. He’s taught me to stay calm and learn to trust my team and know that they have my back.

What do you do to get in the right frame of mind for those shootouts?

Stay calm and trust that my teammates are going to have my back and make their PKs.

Take me through what was going through your head on McDowell’s last kicker.

He was walking real slow to the ball, and I felt like he was getting into his own head a little. He showed his hand a little early, and I guessed correctly and made the save.

In the highlight, it looked like you took a step to the right, trying to fake him out?

Yeah, I was trying to get in his head just a little.

You played very well in the WPIAL title game, although it was a tough 1-0 loss to Fox Chapel. What were you seeing during that game from your vantage point?

We came out pretty strong but started to lose our heads. We made a coupe of mistakes and let them get to us. We really couldn’t work anything up offensively, we were in our own end so it was tough on our defense.

How quickly did you guys flush that loss to prepare for McDowell?

It took a couple of days. At our team banquet on Sunday, coaches gave a couple great speeches and I think the team recuperated then and we got back to work on Monday.

Do you think the quick turnaround helped to forget about it, at least for a little while?

It really helped. The loss couldn’t sit with us for too long, and we knew we had to keep going, keep looking forward.

Do you have any pregame routine or superstitions?

Not really, I just listen to music.

What do you listen to?

Rap both before and after the game, if we win.

Favorite musical artist?

Kendrick Lamar.

What were your goals for the year?

Do my best to play my part on the team and not make as many mistakes as I think I might. As a team, we wanted to win WPIALs, that’s what we looked forward to all year, but now we’re looking at making a run in states.

What are your thoughts on how the season has gone up to this point?

I’m really proud of the team. I know a bunch of people thought we weren’t going to be that good because we lost a pretty good senior class. We’ve played some very tough teams so far, have gone down a goal in a lot of them and have fought back to win.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?

I hope to win on Saturday and hopefully get another shot at Fox Chapel next Tuesday.

Which team has been the toughest you’ve faced?

I think Fox Chapel. They’re a very good team, and they were our toughest test this season when we played in the WPIAL final.

Who on your team has the hardest shot?

Gage Adinolfi.

Who can bend it the best?

Andy Strasser.

Who’s the best defender?

My brother Mason.

Any particular reason for the number 41?

It was the smallest sized goalie jersey that we had.

If you weren’t a goalkeeper, what position would you like to play?

Winger.

Who is your favorite pro soccer player?

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Munchen.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math.

Favorite hobby other than soccer?

Playing the violin, been playing it for six years.

Tags: Fox Chapel, Plum