They’re not in the spotlight, but team players play key roles in success

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, November 17, 2017 | 10:00 AM

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There is usually one on every team.

The player who doesn't appear often — or at least regularly — in the limelight.

But it's also the players who quietly go about their business at every practice and in games, doing their best to help the team achieve success.

And these players do it admirably; almost unflinchingly.

There were a variety of these unsung high school athletes scattered throughout the South Hills this season. Here are some:

• Ty Folk — junior defender, Thomas Jefferson boys soccer team.

“There is often very little glory in playing defense except for those who play the position,” said Michael “Doc” Kulish, Thomas Jefferson's coach. “By that I mean, Ty just plays his position so well because he loves the game and enjoys shutting down an opponent's offense.”

“Ty plays with confidence, is extremely technical with great skills and is very aggressive, which are all important qualities of a defensive player. He goes on the field each game and plays to the best of his ability. Ty is always focused on the game, and never complains. He strives to accomplish what needs to be done. Ty exhibits exemplary leadership qualities. It is because of this (that) his teammates return respect to him. This was made obvious when at the end of the season Ty's teammates voted him Defensive MVP.”

The Jaguars' veteran field boss also lauded Folk's leadership abilities.

“Ty displays emotional toughness during each competitive game. He is an inspirational athlete who demonstrates an excellent attitude both on and off the field. This year Ty has been recognized by our fellow coaches in Section 4. He was a selection for the Finest Fifteen. For all the … mentioned reasons, I have chosen Ty to be a captain for the 2018 season.”

• Brittany Stewart — senior right-side hitter/defensive specialist, Brentwood girls volleyball team.

“Right-side, otherwise known as opposite-side hitters, do not always get the same recognition as a middle or outside hitter might get, and I think they can be underestimated,” said Kayla Hubsch, Brentwood's coach. “Brittany's athletic ability makes it easy as a coach to put her in any position that is going to work best for the team.

Stewart also competes in basketball and softball at Brentwood. However, Hubsch admired her dedication to the sport of volleyball.

“Throughout high school, Brittany hardly, if ever, missed any open gyms, team workouts and training, or team fund-raisers over the offseason — while also competing in two other varsity sports,” Hubsch said. “Her hard work and dedication never went unnoticed by any of her coaches and teammates.”

• Julia Fiedor — junior setter/defender, Thomas Jefferson girls volleyball team.

“We were thinking about running a ‘two-setter' offense early in the season but changed our minds. Julia could have been out of a job; that did not stop her,” said Ron Kelly, TJ's coach. “She worked hard on her defense and her serve, earning a spot as a starting back-row specialist. Her defense and communication on the court were keys to some of our biggest wins.”

• Kyle Killen — junior defender, Seton LaSalle boys soccer team.

“Kyle played almost every minute of our last 15 games, and had a lot to do with the 12 shutouts we had this season,” said Ryan Kelly, Seton LaSalle's coach. “He's played in about 60 games over his career, and his performance never falls short of consistent. He's a teammate you wish you had 20 of on your team. We're very happy to have him back for next season.”

• Haley Huber — senior midfielder, Baldwin girls soccer team.

“Haley never complained regardless of where we needed her to play each game, or what we asked her to do in order for us to be prepared and have success going into the match,” Kelly Shoplik, Baldwin's coach, said. “She continuously battled, getting stuck in hard tackles and winning 50/50 balls, and became a link to the transition from defense to offense.

“Haley loves the game and it showed each day; she came out on the field ready to work with a smile on her face. She was one of our captains this year, and she was really able to flourish in the leadership position. Haley was a great role model because of her demeanor on and off the field, and she truly deserves recognition for the hard work and effort she exemplified throughout her high school career.”

• Dominic Dudiak — junior defender, Brentwood boys soccer team.

“Dom is usually a midfielder,” said Ron DiNardo, Brentwood's coach. “This year, he started all 17 games as a defender at the sweeper position, and was one of the strongest defenders we had. Dominic is a third-year starter and third-year letter winner, and made first-team all-section. He is a great leader and one of our team captains.”

• Mia Hampsay — sophomore setter, Baldwin girls volleyball team.

“Mia has the hardest job on the team and never complains,” said Chris Kelly, Baldwin's coach. “She didn't get credit in terms of being named to an all-section team, but she works so hard every match. She gives her hitters a hittable ball almost every time, regardless of how good or bad the pass is. She rarely leaves the court as she plays all six rotations. And she rarely gets called for lifts or double contacts.”

• Kayla Polakovic — senior defender, Thomas Jefferson girls soccer team.

“Kayla has been our starting center back for three years,” said Jason Vozar, TJ's coach,. “Her tremendous athletic ability, speed and quickness, and her ability to mark and run down the opponent's faster players, kept us in many games during her playing career at TJ. She really saved us multiple times this season.

“Also, she was one of the hardest working members of our team, not only during games but also during every training session.”

• Mikaela Small — freshman midfielder, Seton LaSalle girls soccer team.

“Mikaela was given the task of playing holding center midfield,” said Brooke Mangis, Seton LaSalle's coach. “At that position, she is expected to win 50/50 balls, control the ball and distribute to her teammates, and often play defense against the others team's top playmaker. It is such an important position, and we asked a lot of her.

“Mikaela covers so much ground. She probably did the most running on the team all year. She doesn't have the stats that show up on paper, but she did everything we needed her to. And since she is only a freshman, we expect great things from her the next three years.”

• John Ziegler — junior defender, Baldwin boys soccer team.

“John is a player (who) a coach enjoys having on the team,” said Allen Duda, Baldwin's coach. “He has great passion for the game, but is compassionate and has great sportsmanship. He is all about school spirit.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin, Brentwood, Thomas Jefferson