Shaler inducts latest class into Athletic Hall of Fame

By: Triblive
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Shaler Area School District welcomed the 2025 class into its Athletic Hall of Fame during a ceremony Oct. 4.

Julia Bernesser (volleyball, track and field), Bri Dobson (softball), former superintendent Don Lee, and Tim Giel (wrestling) and the 2005 softball team were honored with a reception and induction ceremony. The inductees also were recognized during the Titans’ football game Oct. 3.

• Bernesser, who earned eight varsity letters, was a two-time all-section volleyball player. She won a WPIAL shot put title in 2016 and set a school record (41 feet, 0.5 inches). She played volleyball at Washington & Jefferson and now coaches the Pitt United volleyball team.

• Dobson was a four-time all-section selection in softball and helped the Titans win the 2014 WPIAL title. As a senior in 2016, she had 19 wins, a 1.11 ERA and 102 strikeouts while also batting .543 and leading the WPIAL with 12 homers.

• Lee spent 14 years as Shaler’s superintendent and helped upgrade the district’s facilities, including Biles Field for lacrosse in 1999, Matulevic Field for baseball in 2000 and Hilltop (now Palmer) Field for softball.

• Giel won two section wrestling championships and was a WPIAL runner-up. He was part of Shaler’s 1974 WPIAL championship wrestling team. He compiled 322 wins as a coach at Shady Side Academy, including a WPIAL championship in 2001.

• The 2005 Shaler softball team finished 22-4 and won section and WPIAL championships before finishing as PIAA runner-up. The team was coached by Rich Massucci and assistants Skip Palmer, Tom Hauser and Jenn Rowe. The team’s captains were Ashley Scanga and Jennifer Popinski. The rest of the roster included Angela Mastrean, Brittany Morgan, Katelyn Kline, Laura Litwin, Kelly Keenan, Julie Stampfle, Lia Sorce, Megan Lynch, Kristen Lynch, Val Smolter, Melissa McQuade, Jen Simile, Heather Elster, Erin Fieldhouse, Lisa Huber and Amber King.

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