Westmoreland athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Amelia Droste, Belle Vernon’s Parker Lind

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 7:42 PM

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Amelia Droste

School: Hempfield

Class: Junior

Sport: Bowling

Claim to fame: Droste won the Pennsylvania girls singles championship last weekend at Bowlero in Pittsburgh. She rolled a six-game qualifying average of 219, then posted a 248 in the finals to defeat Taylor Miller of Warwick.

Her 1,317 series was the best of the event, and it included a high game of 256.

Droste later helped Hempfield win the state team title, its fourth since 2002.

How do your 219 average and 1,317 series compare to your expectations?

I expected the conditions of the lanes to be more challenging, which may have made it more difficult to score higher, but I made sure to focus and I ended up doing really well.

Did you do anything different or unique to prepare for the state meet?

I practiced on different sport patterns and worked on making my spares.

Did you expect the team to win a state title, as well?

I told myself I would do even better this year than last year since I have improved my form and lane play, which allowed me to preform better on more challenging lane conditions. As for the team, we have worked hard all season and we have been highly competitive, which helped with our success.

What is the team’s strength?

We work really well together and are able to make up for someone that may not be bowling their best that day.

Why is Hempfield so good at bowling?

We have a group of naturally talented individuals that have a passion for the sport, and most of us practice and bowl in competitions outside of high school.

Do you have a lucky bowling ball?

My new Hammer 3D-offset and Black Widow Mania have helped me find a line that I’m comfortable with on the lanes.

Do you have a pre-meet routine? Pre-shot routine?

Before I bowl, I resurface my bowling balls with abralon pads. Before making a shot, I make sure I’m lined up, make any adjustments based on the last shot and focus on my mark.

Where is your favorite place to bowl?

The National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, that held Team USA Trials back in January.

What is your career-best score competing at the high school level?

During practice I shot a 300 game, but I’m not sure of during a match.

What do you like most about bowling?

It’s a way of me showing you don’t need to be like everyone else, you can be good at your own thing and bowling is one of those sports not everyone supports, so I like to show I can be my own person with it.

What is your favorite song to play on your electric guitar?

Von Dutch by Charli XCX.

What genre of music to you listen to?

Pop, Rap and R and B.

Who is your favorite band or artist?

I like to listen to Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX, SZA and The Weeknd.

Are you still playing softball?

Yes, I play sub in for the Pittsburgh Predators when I’m available.

Parker Lind

School: Belle Vernon

Year: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Claim to fame: The Belle Vernon senior could not have scripted a better start to the season. Lind tossed a five-inning no-hitter. He struck out 11 and walked three. He also singled home two runs. He is committed to play baseball for Kent State.

What great way to open the season.

It was not all me. We had a lot of hitting, and we played good defense. Shortstop Jack Edwards and I picked off a runner at second base, and third baseman Connor Bergman made a good play to preserve the no-hitter.

What’s the most memorable game you’ve played in?

The no-hitter is up there, but the 14-inning game against Latrobe last year was something. It was a long game filled with big plays.

What do you like most about pitching?

You control the game. You are in every play. It is the hardest position.

What pitches do you throw?

I have a two-seam and four-seam fastball, a slider, knuckle-curve and a changeup.

What is your out pitch?

My fastball.

How disappointing was the first-round loss to Blackhawk last year?

We were surprised to be No. 1, but we never expected to lose. Blackhawk has a great program, but we’re motivated to be better this season. That is our goal.

What did you like most about Kent State?

It is a great baseball school and has great coaches. It is sort of a small school, and the town has great restaurants. It is a good fit for me.

What is Belle Vernon’s biggest rival in baseball?

Latrobe was, but now it has to be Ringgold and Elizabeth Forward.

How old were you when you started playing baseball?

I did not play T-ball. I played coach-pitch in Perryopolis. We moved to Fairhope in third grade. My dad (Eric) was a pitcher for Belle Vernon.

What’s your favorite pizza shop in the BVA school district?

I don’t know. I like Jake’s and Italian Village.

Where do you and your teammate head for snacks after a game or practice?

Foster House, and I get the King Chicken sandwich with Cole slaw on it.

What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?

I like a New York Strip, medium rare with mashed potatoes and corn.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like rock music.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I like Miami Beach, Fla.

Is there a dream vacation spot you’d like to visit?

I’d like to go to the Islands (Puerto Rico or Hawaii).

Do you have a dream car you’d like to own?

A Ferrari.

Do you have a favorite class in school?

Outdoor adventure. It’s a lot of fun. It teaches you cooking, fishing and bow shooting.

Who is your favorite athlete?

I like Paul Skenes. He’s so down to earth.

Who is your favorite Pittsburgh pro team?

The Pirates.

If you could have lunch or dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you talk about?

It would be my grandfather (Roger Lind), and we talked about baseball. He loved baseball and never really got to see me play.

Tags: Hempfield