Westmoreland/Alle-Kiski Valley athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Taylor Doppelheuer, Latrobe’s Joey Crimboli

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 4:50 PM

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The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.

Taylor Doppelheuer

School: Southmoreland

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: A 6-foot hitter, Doppelheuer led the Scotties to their first PIAA playoff win in program history, a 3-1 victory over North Star in the Class 2A first round.

She put down 20 kills for the Scotties, who made the WPIAL semifinals and finished fourth in the district.

What was it like being part of the first state playoff win in program history?

It’s truly an unreal feeling. I’ve never been more proud of all the hard work and dedication we have put in to get this far.

What was the key to overcoming nerves in a new environment?

Just knowing what we are capable of and knowing we are going to do whatever it takes to get it done.

Did you think this team would make a run in the PIAA tournament?

Absolutely. I believe this team has the ability to compete with anyone.

What is more exciting, a set-clinching kill or a walk-off home run in softball?

I think a set-clinching kill in the fifth set and a walk-off are both extremely exciting.

Do you have any college plans yet?

I have not made my decision yet, but I’ve decided to major in criminology.

You’re a 6-footer. Are you done growing?

I don’t want to say for sure. Every time I do, I seem to grow another inch or two.

Are you still going to play basketball this season?

I will not be playing basketball this season. I will be using the time to rest and prepare for softball season.

Are you still good at juggling? Do you ever show off to your teammates?

I am still good. I occasionally will juggle volleyballs at practice when we have down time.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

I met my favorite Pittsburgh Steelers player, T.J. Watt, at a preseason game.

Did you go to a lot of Southmoreland football games this season? What did you think of the team?

I’ve never missed a Southmoreland football game in my four years of high school. I think they started off very strong and had a great season. Unfortunately, injuries and sickness cut their season shorter than expected.

Who is the best volleyball player you’ve played against?

Amalia McDonald of Quaker Valley.

Before a volleyball game I must …?

Get my hair down by my teammates, Riley Puckey and Morgan Riddle.

Who is your favorite pro or college athlete?

Saquon Barkley.

What’s the best sports advice you’ve ever received?

Take what you can out of a bad performance. Don’t dwell on it, instead realign your focus and figure out what you can do to improve.

You get an NIL deal for $1 million. What’s the first thing you would buy?

I’d buy my parents whatever they wanted.

What volleyball rule would you change?

If the ball is shanked outside the antenna on the other side of the court, you should be able to go after it and bring it back in play and hit over.

People would be surprised to know that I …?

I am a really good cook and baker.

What is your most popular dish?

I love making any kind of breakfast food. I’d say breakfast is my specialty.

Joey Crimboli

School: Latrobe

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Ice hockey

Claim to fame: The Latrobe right wing scored two goals and added three assists to help the Wildcats outscore rival Hempfield, 7-2, in a PIHL Class 2A game. The Wildcats are 3-2, and both losses were to Erie Cathedral Prep. Crimboli has a team-high nine goals and has scored 13 points.

How old were you when you started to skate?

It was probably 11 years ago, and it was during a free skate. I did one lap, and my dad (Frank) carried me the rest of the way.

When did you start playing hockey?

I played American Development Model (ADM) hockey. We played a game called Cross Ice.

Was the game against Hempfield your most memorable in high school?

It was the most enjoyable because I helped beat our rival school. It was a lot of fun.

How has the season gone so far?

So far pretty good. We are 3-2 and in fourth or fifth place. We are improving, and we still have games left. Penn-Trafford is probably the best team.

Did last year’s playoff loss to Franklin Regional motivate the team?

That game hurt. We were leading after two periods and could not hold.

How are the new faces in the lineup working out?

We lost six guys from last year’s team, and the new guys are doing their job. A couple scored goals against Hempfield.

What are the team goals?

It would be a failure to ourselves if we didn’t make the playoffs.

What are the team’s strengths?

Our offensive ability to score goals. We do a great job creating scoring opportunities.

What is your strength of your game?

My ability to finish around the net.

When you are not playing for the Wildcats, what travel team do you play for?

I play for the Pittsburgh Stars 16-U team. We’re playing in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend.

Who is your favorite hockey player?

Sidney Crosby.

Who is your favorite hockey team?

The Penguins.

Where do you and your team head to for a snack after practice or a game?

I like Chipotle. I would get a burrito bowl with steak, rice and queso.

If your mom or dad were making you your favorite meal, what would it be?

Beef tacos.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

My family goes to Brigantine Beach, N.J.

Do you have a dream vacation spot?

I’d like to go to Las Vegas.

The last movie I watched was ….?

Mighty Ducks.

What is your favorite type of movie?

I like action movies that keep my attention.

What type of music do you listen to?

I listen to all types. I have no preference, whatever the mood I’m in.

Do you have a pregame ritual?

I get a ball and do a stick handling drill to get my hands warm.

If you were to have dinner or lunch with someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk about?

It would be Connor Bedard, and I’d ask him what he did to get so good and what I can do to get to the NHL.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Southmoreland