Penn Hills goalkeeper happy to give teammates a helping hand

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Atheena Burnett had a busy job for the Penn Hills girls soccer team this season. When things broke down for the Indians, she was tasked with keeping the ball out of the net.

There were many matches where Burnett was asked to do a lot of work. Burnett saved 40 shots in one loss earlier this season.

“You never really notice that you only had 40 saves until the end of the game, but it feels amazing once you know,” Burnett said.

Burnett was named honorable mention all-section. Penn Hills had a difficult season overall, finishing 1-16-1. The Indians’ young roster had a hard time keeping up with the attacks of opposing teams. That led to a lot of busy nights for Burnett.

She just wanted to be a part of helping everyone be more comfortable. Penn Hills had a lot of first-time players on the roster who needed to grow into new roles.

“Despite having a young team with many new players, we grew stronger together by overcoming challenges and supporting each other,” Burnett said.

Burnett picked up a shutout in Penn Hills’ 1-0 win over Obama Academy on Sept. 11.

The Indians didn’t have a big roster and were in a difficult section that included the defending WPIAL Class 4A champions Fox Chapel and perennial powerhouse Mars.

Burnett is proud to be in school as the same time as her brother, Donovan. A senior, Donovan plays both sides of the ball for the Penn Hills football team.

Atheena said that her brother has always pushed her to be better.

“My brother and I are very competitive in sports,” Atheena said. “We are even competitive at home — who can cook better, who’s better at basketball, football, soccer and just about anything. But we are each other’s biggest supporters.”

Atheena said she enjoys going to her brother’s games and supporting him every week. Penn Hills’ football team is headed to the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs this season.

“It’s even crazier that he does the same thing for me at my games,” Atheena said. “I’m going to miss having him with me for next season.”

Tags: Penn Hills