Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Latrobe’s Belle Blossey

By: Anthony DiFilippo
Monday, November 27, 2023 | 10:24 AM

As the fall season wound down, many athletes were preparing to play their final games representing their high school in their respective sports.

That’s not the case for Latrobe’s Belle Blossey, who wrapped up her field hockey season just in time to start preparing for basketball.

On the field, the Wildcats finished 5-7-2, qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs before falling in the first round.

Blossey was content with how the season played out, given some circumstances.

“I think we surprised a lot of people because last year we had 17 seniors, and this year we had two,” Blossey said. “The younger girls really stepped up. We all showed so much effort every game, I never had to question whether everyone was giving 100% and their full effort in a game.”

Blossey, Latrobe’s leading scorer, was recognized as an all-WPIAL midfielder. It was an honor that took her by surprise.

“It was unexpected,” Blossey said. “It’s cool to see all the other coaches notice my hard work and all the time I put in, and it was cool to get acknowledged for that.”

Belle’s younger sister, Sara, played on the team this year, as well.

Latrobe’s girls basketball team has impressed the last couple of seasons, making it all the way to the WPIAL semifinals two years ago.

Blossey detailed how they’re able to stay successful year in and year out.

“I think our team has a really good bond. We’re always together. We do so many things together,” Blossey said. “We can take that and put it on the court, as well.”

The goal for the year is simple.

“The goal is to make the playoffs and get some playoff wins,” Blossey said. “Just go as far as we can, play hard every game and lead our team.”

When the Wildcats take the court for the first time in December, the team will be led by first-year coach Mackenzie Livingston.

Blossey wants to go to college to major in communications but has not decided where that will be yet.

During the transition between seasons, she took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A.

How did you get started with field hockey and basketball?

With field hockey, we don’t really have a youth program at our school. So I didn’t get to start until ninth grade. I had an aunt that played, and I felt like I wanted to give it a try. I tried it, and I ended up really loving it. I just stuck with it for high school. For basketball, I started in fourth grade. When I was younger, I tried a bunch of sports, but basketball was the one that stuck with me. I loved to play it, and I still do.

What was it like being teammates with your sister?

I know my whole team supports me, but me and her, it’s kind of a different level of support. I know she’s always there for me. I have her in my corner, on and off the field. We are always there to push each other. Maybe I pushed her a little too hard sometimes, but I was just looking for what’s best for her, and I know that she was always there to support me. She had my best interests at heart on the team. It was so much fun to play with her. It was a great experience. I loved it.

What’s your favorite memory from field hockey?

Last year during our first playoff game, we played Fox Chapel. We were losing 1-0, then I came down and scored a goal to tie the game. Last year, I didn’t do much scoring. I maybe had one or two goals before that. That was really cool in such a high-stakes game to get the tying goal. Then Josie Straigis, who was a senior last year, ended up scoring a goal in overtime and we won that game. That night was just really awesome. It was great to be with all of my friends and teammates and be a part of that win.

What does your new basketball coach bring to the table?

She’s going to bring a lot of energy to our team. She’s younger, so it’s kind of a different perspective, too. Also, being a (woman), we can relate to her, and she has a better idea of emotionally what we need. Confidence wise, I already feel more confident in myself. She’s shown that she’s confident in our team, and what we can do as a team, how far we can go. And myself personally, what I can do. It’s really nice to see a coach that believes in our team and our abilities.

What is one thing that people may not know about you?

I have a Squishmallow in my locker. It’s like a big fluffy stuffed animal, and I bring it to every away game on the bus with me. It’s kind of my ritual to bring to every game. I stick its face out on the bus so we know which bus is ours and we can find it.

Tags: Latrobe