A-K Valley athletes of the week: Freeport’s Camryn Woods, Deer Lakes’ Collin Rodgers

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 10:54 PM

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Camryn Woods

Class: Freshman

School: Freeport

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Woods made quite a debut for the Yellowjackets on Thursday, scoring twice to help Freeport (2-0, 1-0) earn a 3-1 Section 2-2A victory over Deer Lakes. She also scored twice Saturday in a 6-0 win over Steel Valley. The freshman midfielder and her Yellowjackets teammates are back in action this weekend at their host tournament.

How did the team play against Deer Lakes on Thursday?

I thought, right out of the gate, we played amazing. We’re a young team, and we haven’t had much experience together other than a few scrimmages and practices. I was really proud of all of us to come together and play together. We had a lot of chances on goal. I thought we played really well.

What was the key to victory?

Our midfield and defense was locked down. We were clicking in transitions. We were able to break their defense and find through balls and take 1 v. 1 chances to goal.

How were your goals set up?

My first one, Sam Liput was dribbling and passed it to me around the top of the box. I took a touch and shot it with my right foot. My second goal, Natalia Urik stepped in and won the ball. It bounced to me, and I turned and shot it with my right foot.

How did it feel to get started on such a high note?

It felt amazing. I wasn’t nervous. I knew I could do it. I just wanted to play as hard as I could. It felt good to be in the moment and score two goals for the team.

What are the team’s goals this season?

All of us are competitive. We want to come together. Obviously, we want to win the WPIAL championship as a team. One of my teammates came back from an ACL tear and tore it again. We all want to win for her, and we want to play this season for her.

What is your role on this team?

As a young freshman, I felt like I can come in — they’ve been needing a goal scorer — I want to step in and contribute to the team as a goal scorer and create more opportunities for the team and be able to help on offense and be flexible to play where I need to go for the team.

How has the adjustment to varsity been?

It’s actually been quite easy and smooth because our captains, Ava (Slaughenhoupt) and Lorelei (Buterbaugh), have been really welcoming. I feel like our team has bonded really well. It’s easy to connect with the girls and be on the field together and be all best friends.

How did you get started playing soccer?

When I was really young, I was trying all the sports. I was like 4 years old and in gymnastics, basketball, dance, soccer. I just fell in love with soccer. I started in the community. Then I started club. I just love it.

Are you involved in any other sports or activities?

I played basketball my whole life.

What is something people might not know about you?

Ever since I was little, I’ve had this coach by my side, Brittni Grenninger. She’s like a second mom to me. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am without her. Along with my parents and my family, she’s my No. 1 supporter. She’s helped me with so much in soccer. She’s made me so much better. I appreciate her more than anything.

Collin Rodgers

Class: Sophomore

School: Deer Lakes

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Rodgers scored four times Thursday to lead Deer Lakes (3-0, 2-0) to a Section 2-2A boys soccer victory. He also scored in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Knoch. The sophomore left wing/midfielder is in his second year as a starter after helping the Lancers capture the WPIAL Class 2A title last fall.

How did the team play against Jeannette on Thursday?

I think we played well. There’s always room for improvement. We’re starting to get better and better when we roll the ball as a team.

What was the key to victory?

Working as a team specifically and, obviously, finishing the opportunities we had.

Have you scored four goals in a game before?

No, the most I had was two last year.

What was that feeling like?

It was nice, a first-half hat trick. That doesn’t typically happen. It was shocking. But it was fun.

What did it take to do that?

Just finishing the opportunities that came my way. I got two great balls by my teammates that came across the byline that I just had to tap in for the most part. The other one was a breakaway with the left foot. And the other one I stole off the goalie, and it was a tap in.

What are the team’s goals this season?

The goals are the same as last year, to repeat what we did last year. It will be tough after losing six starting seniors, but we have a core group coming back. The dude (Jacob Orseno) who won it last year for us in the WPIAL championship is back. We’re capable of everything we put our minds to.

What is your role on this team?

Probably score goals, make assists and make plays. That’s what my coach wants me to do. Whatever it takes to get the job done.

How did you get started playing soccer?

Both my brothers played. We have a youth organization here, and I played in that when I was younger. I just loved it and continued with it.

Are you involved in any other sports or activities?

I play basketball, point guard/shooting guard.

Do you have a favorite streaming show?

I like to watch the Premier League. I like Manchester United.

Are you interested in other sports?

I like watching golf.

What is something people might not know about you?

I write with my left hand. That typically trips people up because I’m righty with almost everything else.

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Freeport