Westmoreland athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Alexis Brown, Franklin Regional’s Colin Holt

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 7:23 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.

Alexis Brown

School: Penn-Trafford

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Brown, a Cal (Pa.) commit and standout midfielder, has helped Penn-Trafford take over first place in Section 1-4A. The Warriors (11-3, 8-0) will look to clinch the section title Monday against rival Norwin.

Brown, who has come back strong from a knee injury that cost her most of last season, had two goals in a 3-0 win over Hempfield, then added a hat trick as Penn-Trafford blanked Woodland Hills, 8-0.

She also kicks for the football team. In last week’s 34-10 victory over Plum, Brown made two extra points with Jodie Polk in attendance. Polk in 1994 became the first female to score a point in WPIAL history when she made an extra point for Penn-Trafford.

What has this season been like, especially for you, coming back from injury?

The season has been good, and the team has come together, especially after some major injuries of key players. Coming back from injury for me has had its ups and downs, but I focused on strengthening my knee to be at the top of my game.

How does the season so far compare to your expectations?

We have a lot of good players on the team, so I felt we had a good chance to compete for the section and make a playoff run.

Did you think Penn-Trafford could compete for a section title right away after moving to 4A?

In the past couple years we have played against most of the teams in our section. So I thought we would have a good chance to compete for the section title.

What are your team’s strengths?

We work well together as a team. The defense has always pushed our offense to be better. So I would say our goalkeeper (Rease Solomon) and defense are our strengths.

How long have you been playing soccer, and what got you started?

I have been playing soccer for the past 13 years. I was always an active kid, so my parents thought it would be good for me to play soccer.

What’s it like having your dad, Dennis, on the coaching staff?

He has always been my coach. When I was younger, he would get on my nerves because he was always correcting me on the field, but I appreciate it now. I’m able to reflect on the game with him, and it helps me with learning the game better.

What do you think your role will be at Cal?

I’m just happy to be playing the game I love at the next level. I will play wherever I’m needed to help the team.

What are some of your hobbies?

Football, quad-riding, fishing and hanging out with friends.

What was it like meeting Jodie Polk, and how inspired were you by her story?

Jodie was very nice to me when I met her. She showed me that it’s OK to do things that people say you can’t do.

What made you want to be a kicker?

My freshman year at soccer camp, the coaches asked if anyone wanted to kick. I kicked a couple field goals and liked it. It took me a couple years to get the courage to try out for the team, but I did my junior year.

Is there any comparison to kicking a football and a soccer ball?

They are two totally different styles of kicking.

What’s the longest field goal you’ve made in a game or practice?

I have made a 40-yard field goal in practice.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

History.

What kind of music do you like?

I listen to everything.

People would be surprised to know I ______?

I love to get muddy quad-riding.

What do you think you’ll be doing in five years?

I look to be in school going for my physical therapy degree. Plus I would like to start coaching soccer.

Who is the best player you’ve gone against?

We had a scrimmage game, and I was matched up against Sofia Harrison from the Philippines National team.

In general, what makes you happy? Sad?

Playing soccer makes me happy, but I do love to go to the pet store and see all the animals there. There are a lot of things that make me sad, but I like to look at the positive things instead of the sad ones.

What rule in WPIAL soccer would you most like to change?

Overtime rule. Sometimes the bus ride to games is long and when there is overtime we get home later. It makes it hard to get your homework done and get a good night’s sleep.

Colin Holt

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Junior

Sport: Golf

Claim to fame: Holt helped Franklin Regional to a tie for the Section 4-3A title. The Panthers begin team playoff action Tuesday at Champion Lakes Golf Course with seven other teams. Holt also placed seventh in the WPIAL Class 3A individual championship Oct. 1 at Oakmont Country Club. He followed his 75 at Southpointe Golf Club on Sept. 24 with a 76 at Oakmont to advance to the PIAA championships Oct. 21-22 at Penn State.

Talk about how you played in the individual championship?

Obviously, I’m happy to qualify for the PIAA championships. I am happy with the result and my scores.

You caddie at Oakmont. How did that help you?

It helped a lot. I knew where to attack the greens and what were the best areas on the greens.

What do you expect Tuesday at the team semifinals?

It’s going to be tough because there are a lot of good teams. Fox Chapel, Central Catholic, Plum, North Allegheny, Latrobe, Indiana and Connellsville will be there. Champion Lakes is a very good course, and the greens can be tough. If we play like I know we can play, we should move on.

What is your goal at the PIAA championship?

I just want to play my best, have fun and enjoy the experience. I feel my two rounds in the WPIALs will help me at Penn State.

What is the strength of your game?

I drive the ball well, and if I am in the fairway, that allows me to attack the greens with my wedges. If I do that, I will eliminate three putts.

How well do you know former Franklin Regional golfer Palmer Jackson?

I followed his career at Notre Dame, and I know he was a PIAA champion his senior year. I was able to talk to him after my round at Oakmont. Our sisters played basketball together, and he gave me his driver’s head cover a couple of years ago. It would be great to follow Palmer’s path.

Have you won any big tournaments?

I won a couple PGA Isaly events this summer, and I placed fourth in the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association (tournament).

What type of driver is in your bag?

I have a PingG-430. It is super forgiving. It helps me key my ball in the fairway.

What is your favorite club?

My sand wedge (Cleveland Zipcore).

What golf courses are on your bucket list to play?

I’d love to love play Augusta National and Pebble Beach.

Other than Oakmont, what is the best course you’ve played?

The Omni at Bedford Springs Resort.

After your practice round Friday, where did you and your teammates go to eat?

We went to Applebee’s, and I got Buffalo boneless wings and mozzarella sticks.

Moe’s or Chipotle?

Chipotle. I get a burrito bowl with chicken, rice, sour cream and cheese.

What is your favorite meal your mom makes?

I love her spaghetti and meatballs.

Do you play any other sport?

I play basketball.

Do you have a most memorable moment in golf?

When I shot a 69 in the WPIAL qualifier at Meadowink Golf Course. I shot a 67 at Rolling Hills.

What is your favorite golf movie?

“Happy Gilmore.”

Who is your favorite golfer?

Jordan Spieth.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Steph Curry.

Who should be the Steelers’ quarterback? Russell Wilson and Justin Fields?

I really like Russell Wilson, but Justin Fields is playing great. I would stick with Fields.

What type of music do you listen to?

I’ll listen to anything.

Favorite vacation spot?

Hilton Head, S.C.

Is there a dream vacation spot?

I’d love to explore Europe, especially the southern Mediterranean (Greece and Italy).

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

Jordan Spieth, and we would talk about golf.

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

Tags: Penn-Trafford