Westmoreland athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Preslee Horchak, Mt. Pleasant’s Damien Ohler

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 5:08 PM

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Preslee Horchak

School: Hempfield

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: Horchak is always in the mood to help her teammates. The setter recently reached 1,000 career assists while helping Hempfield to a 10-3 record and a first-place tie with Penn-Trafford.

She had 32 assists in a 3-2 win over Penn-Trafford that saw the senior-led Spartans reel off 17 straight points to win the fourth set. She also had 29 helpers in a 3-0 win over Connellsville. Horchak holds the program’s career record with 1,114 assists.

What was it like to reach 1,000 assists, and what does the milestone represent to you?

Reaching my 1,000th assist was a huge thing for me and my team. I was so proud to accomplish that surrounded by my best friends. My whole family was there to support me and cheer me on when I hit it. This milestone represents the time and work that my team and I put in throughout my whole high school career.

What are the most assists you’ve had in a game?

I’ve had 43 in a game. I’ve hit that two times this year, and it all goes out to my teammates.

The team is playing well and nearing a playoff spot. What are the strengths of the rotation?

Our chemistry on and off the court. We all are best friends so it makes playing together so much more enjoyable. We know what each other needs to be picked up when down.

What is your main role?

To be a good teammate and captain. I want my teammates to be able to look at me and see that I am level-headed at all times. I try to stay calm during games so they know that I am focused and ready to play.

What makes a good setter?

A good setter needs a high volleyball IQ. One needs to see where the big block is, where the open spots are, who is in the right head space to score, communicate and to be a strong leader. The setter is like the quarterback on the court because they run an offense and need to have quick decision-making skills.

What was the 17-point run like against Penn-Trafford?

The 17-point run was the most crucial turning point in that whole match against Penn-Trafford. Nella Bompiani changes the whole motion of the game. We were down by a few points and sets so it was a game changer. Without that run it would have been a completely different game.

Do you play club volleyball?

Yes. I played at Westmoreland Elite from seventh grade to 10th grade, then went to Sky Elite for one year, and now I’m going back to Westmoreland Elite for my last year. I’m super excited to finish my club years where it all started.

How do you manage being a four-sport athlete (volleyball, softball, track, basketball)?

I was a four-sport athlete in middle school, and it was a very stressful time. I was always missing something from each sport. It was hard to manage my time with sports, school, and a social life during that time. But as I got older, I realized which sports were my favorite. Freshman year I stopped playing basketball to do volleyball, indoor track, and outdoor track for the school, while also doing club volleyball and softball.

Do the softball girls on the team bring a winning mentality to the court?

They definitely bring a great mentality to the court. Our winning mentality comes from the whole team. Most of us have been playing together since freshman year, and a group of my class has been playing varsity since sophomore year. Every year we come in and talk about our goals for the season, and it is always the same: to win.

Who is the best player you’ve played against?

Canon-Mac had the most athletic players.

What is something unique about yourself?

My laugh. Many people have said to me that my laugh is contagious. I find comfort in knowing that I can make others laugh and be happy.

Is there any back story to your first name?

With my mom being a teacher, she wanted an uncommon name for me and both of my parents agreed on Preslee.

What do you think of the newly painted gym floor?

The gym floor definitely added to the season. It has made my senior year more special because we were the first sport to actually play on it.

What’s your favorite subject in school and why?

Probably math. My mom is a math teacher, and I’ve grown up helping her grade papers and putting stickers on the A’s. I loved trying to be better than her high school students when I was younger. I always wanted to try and be smarter than them.

Dunkin’ or Starbucks?

I prefer Starbucks because they have more fun drinks. I love their strawberry acai and pumpkin chai. And their grilled cheese is the best thing ever.

Sheetz or GetGo?

Sheetz because they have so much more things to choose from. Their appetizer sampler is a staple.

Before every game I must ______?

Pray with my friends. It is something that we’ve done for a couple years now. Our shared faith in God has brought us closer together as friends and team.

What’s your can’t-miss TV show?

I love so many TV shows. My favorites are “Criminal Minds” and “911.” I love re-watching “Criminal Minds” because it was something me and my sister watched together.

What rule would you change in volleyball?

I would say doubles, but that has changed this year, which is amazing. I’d probably change the role to permit jewelry because it is always something that a player forgets to do before a game. It is such a little thing that some forget it’s a rule.

If Hempfield gets flag football, will you play?

I would definitely be interested because I’m sure all of my friends would want to play. It would just be something fun that we could all do together. We all played when we were younger, and it was so much fun to do.

What would be your ideal NIL deal?

My ideal NIL deal would be with Alani because I drink them so often. Not every day but pretty close to it. They are always coming out with great flavors that I always want to try.

Damien Ohler

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: You will not see Ohler on the scoresheet. That is because the senior plays center back on defense. His role is to prevent scoring opportunities. The Vikings have allowed one goal in the past six games. “Damien’s job is not score, his job is to prevent goals,” Mt. Pleasant coach Floyd Snyder said. “He is a great leader and captain. He is an organizer, and he is smart. He is strong and physical.”

What is your job?

To make goaltender Grayson Gardner’s job boring.

When did you start playing soccer?

I was 5. My parents (Josh and Ashley) got me started.

Even though you play defense, you did score a goal this year. How did that happen?

It was the first game of the season against Brownsville, and coach allowed me to play up. It was my first career high school goal. I was glad he allowed me to do it. It is something I will never forget. It was special.”

Do you plan to play soccer in college?

I am open to it. I will focus on my degree if I attend West Virginia. But if I go to Pitt-Greensburg or Seton Hill, I will do both. I am planning to study finance.

You have a first-place showdown with Charleroi on Tuesday. They won the first meeting, what will be different?

We did not show up in the first meeting. But we have grown since that game, and we are more consistent. I know Charleroi will be better, but we are more of a complete team.

What is your most memorable moment in high school?

When we defeated Charleroi, 3-2, in overtime last year. I got named player of the game.

What are your goals?

We want to keep winning and see how far we can advance in the WPIAL playoffs. We are a solid team, and we keep each other accountable.

Who is the toughest opponent you have faced in high school?

Latrobe’s Warren Agostino. He is currently playing in Texas.

After practice or a game, where do you and your friends head for a snack and what do you get?

We go to Applebee’s. It is a staple for the team. We go and eat boneless wings, and I am the reigning champion. I ate 34 boneless wings.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes you?

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Florida. I love the beach, and I love Disney. I hope to visit Universal.

What is your favorite local theme park? Kennywood, Hersheypark or Cedar Point?

Cedar Point. I like the height and speed of the thrill rides.

Do you have a dream vacation?

I want to take a cruise in the south.

What type of music do you listen to?

If I listen to anything, it is rap. Usually, I do not listen to music.

What type of movies do you watch?

I like horror and comedies.

Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh sports team?

I like the Riverhounds. I like the atmosphere and the standing section. I also like the Penguins. I hope they continue to play well.

Have you ever met someone famous?

No.

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

Kevin De Bruyne. He is a great passer, and I would like to find out how he sees the field. I love passing the ball.

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

Tags: Hempfield