A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Burrell’s Andi Householder

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, September 11, 2023 | 12:05 PM

Leadership is one of the most sought-after qualities in a team sport.

It takes a certain type of individual who can develop the skills necessary to be a leader. Those individuals either learn by example or have the qualities fostered by a coach or mentor.

Others, such as Burrell’s Andi Householder, are naturally born to be leaders. She has been doing so since she first kicked a soccer ball.

Her coach, Frank Nesko, has witnessed it first-hand. He has been her coach almost her entire life.

“She’s been this way since she was 8 years old,” said Nesko. “She’s the type of leader you want on the team both on the field and off of it. She just took on that role.”

Andi, an all-section midfielder last year, is honored to embrace the role as a team leader but feels the title should not be exclusive to her or her fellow seniors.

“It’s really nice knowing that I have the official stance of being a leader,” she said. “But I’m a big believer that a title doesn’t really define you.”

She also believes leadership isn’t something that should be laid on one person or a select few. She fully embraces the thought that all her teammates are, or could be, leaders at any point in the year.

“I think a great team is full of leaders, not just a few, or a group,” she said. “I want all the girls this year to have a chance to be leaders. I’ve always tried to send the positive energy out that encourages others to be leaders.”

Householder’s leadership extends beyond game day. She commands a lot from her teammates during practice and pushes everyone to be focused.

“She’s very vocal,” Nesko said. “She organizes the group and makes sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing the way they’re supposed to be doing it.”

Off the field, Householder’s leadership takes no days off. Nesko, also a teacher at Burrell, has also seen her guidance of fellow students in school.

“She’s a kind-hearted person,” he said. “She cares about how others are doing before herself. She’s that kid that makes sure the whole group is included in whatever they’re doing.”

Those are the qualities one looks for in a leader: encouragement, coaching and setting a positive example.

Householder embodies all those qualities and hopes she can leave an impression on her teammates as they look forward to another successful season.

Last season ended too quickly for the team’s liking. The Bucs finished the regular season 8-2-2, ended up third in their section, secured the No. 9 seed in the playoffs and lost a close first-round match to Beaver, 1-0.

The team started the 2023 season with two nonsection wins: a 2-1 defeat of McDowell and a 3-2 victory over Fort LeBeouf at the South Hills Classic.

Householder took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A session:

Last year you were named to the all-section team. How did it feel to be honored that way?

It was really nice. I feel like one of the greatest accomplishments was getting named as a midfielder. My coach moved me from defense my freshman, sophomore years to midfield last year, so it was an honor to get the opportunity to get myself out there more on offense.

When did you get started playing soccer?

I got started playing in U8. I did cheerleading, gymnastics and dance. Everything young girls typically get into. Then my dad introduced me to soccer, and I thought it was just for boys. But then I played it, and I realized how much I loved the game and the team aspect. I’ve stuck with it ever since.

Your coach told me that he moved you to center back. What’s it like to play that position?

Center back has always been a comfortable position for me. It might be a little awkward for some, but I always liked the pressure in certain situations. Coach has moved me out to the left side, and I’ve been able to step up and attack from the outside and it’s more fun for me. I have a teammate, freshman Parker Moore, who has stepped up to center mid and we work really well together.

What have you learned from playing multiple positions?

I’ve learned the defensive mindset and finding ways to implement it everywhere else on the field. I was able to take the skills I’ve developed and use them at outside back and still play more defensively than I did as a defensive midfielder.

What are your thoughts about last year’s loss in the playoffs, and is there anything you’ve learned from last season?

That loss was heartbreaking, especially the bus ride back. I think it taught us not everything is guaranteed. We knew going in that Beaver was going to be a highly skilled team and that we were going to be neck and neck. It was another humbling moment where we got to know what our strengths and weaknesses were.

What are you looking to improve on for this year?

As an individual, I want to improve on my patience and creating more opportunities, and I think playing at outside back is going to help a lot more. As a team, our goal is to get as far as possible and to play with heart and play for each other.

What are your impressions of this year’s team?

This is definitely the most skilled team we’ve had my entire time here at Burrell. I’m so excited. I think the freshmen that came up play the game so beautifully that it’s really nice and humbling to see them come in. They’re a very talented group.

What would you say is your greatest strength?

My defensive mindset. It’s very hard for me to just give up. I just one of the biggest things is just to push my teammates. I biggest thing I emphasize is taking the next step forward even if we do have a bad game or a bad play, that they just get back up.

Do you play any other sports besides soccer?

I ran track my freshman year. Did a little jumping my sophomore year. Took a break last year to focus on college planning and doubling up on sports was just a little too much. I sprained my hip flexor, so I needed a break as it was. I’m considering going back to track in the spring.

What’s the on-field relationship like between you and your sister, Lily?

Honestly, it depends on the day. I have to admit I’m very hard on her. I know her potential, and I absolutely love playing with her. We both hold each other to a higher standard. When we both play together, we have that strong sister connection, and its great playing defense together.

What would be one piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates?

Leave your mark. I believe each and every girl has their own special skills or values to add to the team. Also, stick up for each other. It’s a team thing we’ve been emphasizing this year. Not many teams get far if they don’t have good chemistry.

Do you have any hobbies?

I absolutely love thrifting. I also love volunteering. I found multiple churches where I get to do both. I volunteer, and, in return, I get to pick out a couple of items to take home.

You’re committed to Pitt-Greensburg. What was the recruiting process like?

It was really awesome. Pitt-Greensburg was the first place that reached out to me when I was just in the beginning stages of looking for schools. They invited me to visit, and I got to meet the girls on the team and learn more about the team culture and the campus. It felt like home right away.

What do you plan on majoring in at UPG?

Psychology.

Any specific reason you chose that field?

I’ve always been a huge advocate for mental health, and I just think it’s very important, especially for student athletes. It’s something I really want to pursue.

Tags: Burrell