Ligonier Valley’s Lexie Petrof named Westmoreland Girls Athlete of the Year

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, July 7, 2018 | 8:11 PM

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Lexie Petrof is one of those rare athletes who plays multiple sports and plays them well.

She was the goalkeeper for the girls soccer team at Ligonier Valley, the leading scorer on the basketball team and one of the area's top softball players.

And she had a senior season unmatched by any other athlete in Westmoreland County, which is why Petrof is the Tribune-Review Girls Athlete of the Year.

She is the second Ligonier Valley female to win the award. The first was Maddy Grimm, a three-time winner.

Petrof excelled no matter the sport.

“It's going to be weird in college just focusing on one sport because I worried about three before,” Petrof said. “I never specialized in one sport. It's going to be different, and I can't wait.”

Petrof will play softball at Akron.

“I liked all the sports I participated in,” Petrof said. “If I had to pick one, it was softball.”

Ligonier Valley softball coach Mark Zimmerman said Petrof is “a player that every team would love to have. We have really enjoyed the ride with her so far, and she's not done yet.”

Petrof shared pitching duties with Jane Garver. When she didn't pitch, she played shortstop.

The Akron recruit was one of top hitter/pitcher combos in District 6. She hit .485 (33 for 68) with 31 runs scored, 20 RBIs, 10 doubles and four home runs. As a pitcher, she finished 5-1 with a 0.93 ERA and 50 strikeouts with seven walks.

In basketball, Petrof finished with more than 1,000 points and 600 rebounds in her three-year career. She missed her junior season with an injury. She averaged 17.3 points and 10.2 rebounds.

And in soccer, Petrof helped the Rams to their first playoff victory.

What part of your game must you improve in college?

All aspects of my game need work. I've never been particularly fast, so probably my speed on the base paths and en route to the ball. Especially in college, the speed of the game is a lot faster than in high school.

What is your most memorable moment in high school?

My favorite moment is playing (softball) at Beard Field at Penn State in the D6 championship game my junior year. The environment at the stadium and just playing under the lights was an extraordinary experience.

Did you have any pregame rituals?

Each sport of mine was always different for pregame rituals. In soccer, I usually warmed up with the forwards and wings with drills and just tried to stay loose. Basketball, I would eat a ton of food; a full pizza or a bunch of sandwiches. Softball, I either eat sour gummy worms or Twizzlers.

Who was your favorite athlete or person?

Maddy Grimm. I always looked up to her growing up. She was always an awesome athlete and a true inspiration to me. Watching her play at Kent State was always enjoyable, especially when they played Akron, but she has always been super supportive of me, and that means the world as she is someone I look up to a ton.

What appealed to you most about Akron?

As cliche as it sounds, it was the perfect fit for me. The school is a great academic fit for me and has great support for the athletes. Everyone I have met there loves the school and has a large amount of school pride. The athletics are great, and the facilities are top notch.

OK, you're in Belize on vacation. Is there another place you want to visit? Or is Belize your favorite place?

Belize is a beautiful with wonderful people. I really enjoy traveling, and my goal is to travel all over the world. I think Alaska is top of my list right now. It looks absolutely gorgeous there.

Outside of athletics, is there something you do that would surprise people?

I hate staying up late. I am usually in bed and asleep by 8 or 9. I enjoy getting my sleep, and I think it's too important to sacrifice.

What's your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?

My mom is Italian so anything she cooks is amazing, but her lasagna is probably top of my list.

What's the last movie you've seen? Did you like or dislike it?

“The Kissing Booth.” I loved it. It was completely different than any other movie I have ever watched, and the plot was really good. I enjoyed the ending so I hope they make a sequel.

If there was one person you'd like to meet, who would it be and why?

Former Penn State and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. He is an unbelievable athlete, and he has accomplished so much in his career already. He's going to do great in the NFL.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Ligonier Valley