Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Taylor Doppelheuer, Yough’s Isaac Pacacha

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 | 12:15 AM

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Taylor Doppelheuer

School: Southmoreland

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: Doppelheuer has been a dominant force on the front line for the undefeated Scotties (11-0), who are tearing past opponents.

They are No. 6 in the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A rankings.

The 6-foot middle hitter had 15 kills and six blocks in a 3-0 win over Brownsville, then added seven kills and four blocks in a 3-0 sweep of Beth-Center.

She leads the Scotties with 89 kills and 40 blocks.

Did you expect the team to be undefeated this far into the season?

Coming off of last season, I definitely had high hopes. I also knew we were going to be faced with some really good teams like Yough and Brownsville. But knowing how well we work as a team, I never doubted that we couldn’t do what we’ve already accomplished.

What did you think the team would be best at?

With the size and power we have, I always believed our offense would lead us, but really it’s our defense that has helped us come this far.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

Since seventh grade.

What other sports do you play?

I actually don’t play basketball anymore. I just play softball and volleyball.

Any sports you wish you would have tried earlier that you think you might be good at?

No, I’ve always just wanted to play softball and volleyball.

You’ve had success in softball, too, with some of the same girls. Is there a correlation from sport to sport?

Yes, we all have grown up together and have always had such a great connection that I think really helps us succeed in both sports.

What was your best personal game this season?

My best game so far this season was our second game against Brownsville.

Have you always been the tallest girl in the room?

I grew up the same height as everyone else until I hit middle school, that’s when I really shot up.

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to play on the back row?

Sometimes when I get to serve I play the back row for a rotation, so I’ve had some back row experience. It’s just not my thing.

Do you want to play a sport in college? Any offers to play?

I’ve been very indecisive about playing a sport in college, so I’ve never really put myself out there to get any recognition, but recently I’ve been very interested in playing at the next level.

How many ways have you seen you last name misspelled?

A countless number of times.

Any interesting hobbies or talents?

I’m really good a juggling.

What is your favorite book?

“Ugly Love,” by Colleen Hoover, and “Every Summer After,” by Carley Fortune.

What is your favorite movie?

“10 Things I Hate About You.”

What is your favorite Starbucks drink?

Pink Drink.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Buffalo chicken dip.

Who is your hero?

Both of my parents.

What makes you happy?

My friends and volleyball.

What makes you sad?

Underperforming in sports.

If you could choose to do anything for one day, what would it be?

I would live with Drake.

Isaac Pacacha

School: Yough

Class: Freshman

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: The 14-year-old has become one of the top scorers for the Cougars. He had the only goal in Yough’s 1-0 victory against Waynesburg, and he scored two goals Thursday in the Cougars’ 4-0 victory against Southmoreland.

“Isaac is a good player and a better person,” Yough coach Ron Duschak said.

How old were you when you started playing soccer?

I was 2. I started at Happy Feet in Murrysville.

Do you play club soccer?

I play for BVB International Academy out of Pittsburgh.

Are you surprised how well your season has gone?

Yes. We’re starting to get a lot better as a team, and I’m getting to know more of the seniors. Sometimes we struggle, but we’re still in the WPIAL playoff hunt.

How do you feel your season as gone?

I’m surprised that I’ve done well against the older kids. I’ve scored 10 goals, and fellow freshman Noah Jurcevich and I are playing well.

Do you have a memorable moment this season?

The goal I scored when we beat Waynesburg was big, but the two goals against Southmoreland were just as big.

Does playing soccer come natural for you?

It comes natural for me. I just love playing the game.

Is there something you feel you must improve in your game?

I need to get stronger and bigger. I’m playing against bigger players in high school.

Do you have a favorite soccer player?

I like two players, Neymar and Messi, because they play forward like me.

Do you have a favorite soccer team?

I don’t have a favorite team.

What is your favorite meal your mom makes?

I love spaghetti.

What is your go-to snack when you’re home?

I like cookies. Any kind.

What’s the last movie you watched?

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I like the beach at Biloxi, Miss.

What is you favorite class in high school?

I like social studies.

What are the team goals and your goals?

We want to make the WPIAL playoffs as a team, and I’d like to break the all-time goal record at the school.

What is your favorite pizza place?

I like Mama Pepino’s pepperoni pizza.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Southmoreland