Veteran coach aims to get most out of Deer Lakes girls

By: Jerin Steele
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Dana Petruska feels back at home for a couple of reasons.

Being in a high school gym working with high school basketball players is a natural environment for Petruska, who’s amassed more than 500 wins in her 35-year career, and she’s doing so in a familiar spot.

After taking some time off following a successful stint at Mars, Petruska has returned to Deer Lakes.

She spent eight seasons at Deer Lakes from 2006-15.

Petruska was a volunteer assistant for her son Jimmy Petruska, who’s the head coach at Saint Vincent, last year.

“I just feel that I’m a better high school coach because I’m really big on fundamentals,” Petruska said. “If you have your fundamentals down, it’s a lot easier to play and coach. I didn’t think I’d be back coaching (high school), but I love it. It keeps me young and as long as these kids try to the best of their ability, if we lose, in my book it’s a win. It’s not only about a piece of paper with your wins and losses on them. It’s about preparing these kids for the rest of their lives.

“I’m really big on those lifetime lessons you learn not only from the coaching staff, but the game they play.”

Petruska has been getting to know her new players during open gyms.

She’s taking over a program that’s struggled over the last two seasons. The Lancers won nine games in that span.

She’ll have four seniors on the roster: Anna Clark, Rowan Kelly, Sophia Laurenza and Olivia Ryan. Clark is a transfer from Burrell.

It’s been a learning experience, but she’ll know more once the Lancers’ regular practice schedule starts ramping up next week.

“It’s been a good process,” Petruska said. “I think it comes down to trust. Nobody likes to lose, so a lot of them were really disappointed with their outcomes last year. That’s what they’ve conveyed to me. My attitude is you have to work harder sometimes, and they are definitely doing that. I held everybody accountable, evaluated them and told everyone what I thought their weaknesses were. I’m definitely seeing some improvement during our open gyms.”

The Lancers are in Section 2-3A and will rack up some mileage this winter.

Avonworth, East Allegheny, Greensburg Central Catholic, Ligonier Valley, Shady Side Academy, South Allegheny and Steel Valley are the other teams in Section 2-3A.

Outside of Shady Side Academy and Avonworth, all other section road games are 40-plus minutes away with some more than an hour.

It’ll be a stout section featuring the last two WPIAL 3A champs, Shady Side Academy and Avonworth, and defending Class 2A champ Greensburg Central Catholic.

“We have three of the top five teams (in Class 3A) in our section, so it’s going to be tough,” Petruska said. “I can only ask our girls to give me what they are capable of giving me. We’ll see what happens.”

Deer Lakes girls at a glance

Coach: Dana Petruska

Last year’s record: 4-17 (0-10 Section 3-3A)

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Deer Lakes