Westmoreland athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Torrie DeStefano, Derry’s Jake Hauser
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Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 4:46 PM
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.
Torrie DeStefano
School: Penn-Trafford
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Perhaps the missing piece to a championship puzzle, DeStefano returned from a knee injury that cost her most of her sophomore season. She has been a key all-around talent for the undefeated Warriors (17-0).
DeStefano had 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals in a 61-45 win over Latrobe, then followed up with a game-high 16 points in a 56-25 win over West Mifflin to move Penn-Trafford to 9-0 in Section 2-5A.
DeStefano is one of seven children.
What has this run of 17 straight wins been like?
It has honestly been amazing. I love this team so much, and everyone has worked so hard. We have done a lot of good things and still have a lot to improve on as we get deeper into the season.
Did you think an undefeated season was possible?
It wasn’t really a thought before the season to be completely honest. I just wanted to come out and win the section first. But once we beat Norwin, I did think that there was a chance for us to do something like this.
What do you see as your role on the team?
I do whatever the coaches ask me to do before the game. I control the ball a lot for us, though, and try to create for everyone along with myself. For defense, I take pride in that and try to shut down whoever I’m guarding that night.
When you were injured last year, were you taking mental notes for your comeback?
Yes, I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to come back that season so I wanted to be ready for this one. I was grateful enough the coaches let me join them and become a partial assistant last year, which helped a lot and let me see the game from a different perspective.
How tough would it be to game plan for Penn-Trafford?
I think it is pretty hard for teams to game plan against us. Our bench is so deep, and everyone can contribute. Matching up with Kam and Lauren is a hard thing to do and when you get to our guards and bench, Hanna, Liv, Izzie, Raya, and Bella can all shoot, Paige and Ava will get you hustle points and Arabelle gives us size off the bench. Anyone can go off on any night.
What is it like having six siblings? What are their ages?
It is really amazing to have that many siblings. God has blessed all of us.
We are all each other’s best friends and push one another to be the best we can be. Hunter is 24, Taylor is 22, Rocco is 20, Tanner is 15, Palmer is 13 and Trenton is 8.
Do you like remote learning? What did you do on the snow days?
I love remote learning. I wish I was homeschooled. I did school for a little but mostly basketball and hung out with friends and family.
Did you shovel snow last week?
I did not.
Why do you wear No. 24?
I wear number 24 because my mom and some of my siblings wore it. When I was growing up I always looked up to them, and it has just stuck with me since. My parents and siblings are my biggest supporters.
Do you see yourself as more of a point guard or shooting guard?
I think it depends on the point in the game and the plays we choose to run, but for most of the time I am more of a point guard I’d say.
What do you like about lacrosse, and does it help at all with basketball?
It is just a fun sport to play, and it does help with basketball, actually. You can get in shape and some, if not most, of the rules are the same or similar to those of basketball.
Which sport do you want to play in college?
I am going to play basketball.
Who has been the most challenging team opponent this season?
Norwin.
What about the most opposing player?
I don’t know about this season yet, but all-time, probably Maddie Webber.
How much has your brother, Hunter, helped you with your game?
He has truly helped me so much along with all of my siblings, dad, and mom. They all work with me when we come up to shoot. Hunter and Tanner will play defense on me and just going to their games and seeing how they play has helped me a lot, too. Having such a big cheering section of all my relatives at each game means a lot as well.
What are some of your off-the-court hobbies?
I like to work out, hang out with my friends and family, go to basketball games and church.
What career do you want to chase after high school?
I want to be a NICU nurse or an orthopedic surgeon.
Who is going to win the Super Bowl?
I honestly don’t even know who is playing. That’s a question for my pappy or uncle Jimmy. They love football.
Who is the bookworm, prankster, and “mom” on your team?
Our coaches fit these roles pretty perfectly, I think. Coach O is the bookworm, Coach Fontana is the prankster and Coach G is the “mom” (dad).
If you could change one rule in high school basketball, what would it be?
I would let our jerseys be untucked or add a shot clock.
Jake Hauser
School: Derry
Class: Senior
Sport: Diver
Claim to fame: Hauser won his third consecutive Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association diving title with a career-best 458.50 score. He won by more than 100 points. It was an 11-dive series. He finished second as a freshman. He also competed in two relays for the Trojans. He is a three-time PIAA qualifier.
What does it mean to be a three-time county champion?
It feels good. It’s a very nice achievement. It’s nice to know that the hard work is paying off.
What’s the difference between the WPIAL and PIAA championships to the regular season?
You get to attempt 11 dives at the big meets and six during the regular season. I got to do 11 dives at counties, which help you prepare for the WPIALS.
Do you compete in any individual event?
No. I swim the 50 freestyle in a couple relays to help the team. We only have five guys on the team.
How are you ranked in WPIAL and PIAA?
Right now, I am second by a few points to a diver from Connellsville. He and I are neck and neck.
What are your goals?
I want to break the school record — I just missed it on Friday — and place in the 300 club, which I accomplished.
What is your favorite dive?
My front two-and-a half. I also like the inward double, my reverse double, and my back double. Those have higher difficulty.
What are your WPIAL and PIAA goals?
It’s going to be tough to win a PIAA title. I placed sixth last year, and last year’s champion is back. It would be insane if I won a PIAA title.
Do you plan on diving in college?
No. I plan to attend Pitt-Johnstown and major in mechanical engineering.
Who got you started in diving?
I enjoyed doing flips and a little gymnastics class, and then that translated to the diving board. Between doing stuff on the trampoline, I did a few flips off the diving board in gym class, and my gym teacher told me I should try to go for the diving team. I did in seventh grade.
Have you tried the higher platforms?
I tried seven meters, and it was a little scary at first. I have never tried the Olympic 10-meter yet.
What are your most memorable moments about high school?
Getting to compete at states and getting to hang out with your friends and teammates.
Who were the most influential people in your life?
Coach Jeff Kelly and my grandparents:Rex and Nancy Hauser and Margie and Tim Moore.
What type of movies do you like? Who is your favorite actor(s)?
I like comedies and Jim Carrey and Chevy Chase. My favorite movies are “Christmas Vacation,” “Three Amigos,” “The Mask” and “The Cable Guy.”
Where would you and your teammates go for a snack after practice or a match?
We like Mexican. We got to Dom Patron’s or Chipotle. I get a quesadilla or burrito.
What is your favorite meal your mom makes?
I would say steak.
Before you dive, do you listen to music to pump you up?
No, I just try to think of a song. At practice, the team has a mixture of songs. We listen to rap, country and rock. Anything upbeat.
Favorite vacation spot?
Garden City, S.C., which is south of Myrtle Beach.
Do you have a dream vacation spot?
I’d like to go to the Gulf of Mexico.
Who is your favorite Pittsburgh sports team?
I like football.
When you watched the Olympics, did you learn anything from the divers?
I watched the three-meter diving. It was crazy to watch their form. You can learn so much.
What is something you like to do away from school?
I like to ride dirt bikes or anything outdoors. I also like to hunt for small game.
If you were to have dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Coach Kelly. He is in Houston recovering from stem cell surgery. I would keep him informed about the team.
Tags: Derry Area, Penn-Trafford
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