Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Mt. Pleasant’s Maggie Piper

By: Anthony DiFilippo
Monday, October 2, 2023 | 10:26 AM

A trip to the PIAA semifinals obviously would be considered part of a successful season, but to make it that close and fall short can be crushing.

In the case of Mt. Pleasant’s girls soccer team, the Vikings are hungrier than ever to get back there and cross that threshold into the state finals.

They have many of the same players back from last year, losing very few starters.

In the case of attacking midfielder Maggie Piper, she was quick to hit the brakes on looking too far into the future.

“We are going to take it one game at a time and stay focused,” Piper said. “We are eager to get back into the playoffs.”

That eagerness has been seen on the field for the opening half of the year as the Vikings have outscored opponents 63-3, with a perfect section record of 5-0 and an overall record of 7-2.

The only two losses and goals allowed have been to bigger schools in Penn-Trafford and Moon.

Piper wasn’t upset but certainly not content about the results of those early-season contests.

“Having these big games early showed us where we are at,” Piper said. “It simulates what a playoff game would be like for us.”

Piper, who scored 11 goals in the first nine games of the season, knows a thing or two about performing well.

She was an all-WPIAL selection in Class 2A last year and comes into this year transitioning from defender to the middle attacker position.

With that kind of recognition comes a certain expectation to lead, and Piper sounds ready for the task.

“Being an all-WPIAL selection last year was an honor because I knew I was actually being seen,” Piper said. “This year, I am making sure we stay motivated and keep our intensity for every game and practice.”

Piper has not yet where she’s going to spend the years after high school, but she is planning on playing soccer and majoring in nursing.

This week, Piper took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

How did you get started with soccer?

I got started with soccer because my two older siblings played. I then joined the MP Magic travel team, which included some of us girls who still play together.

What is there to say about your team’s offensive firepower to this point?

We have power all over the field, but with our talent up top, we like to get creative and play tiki taka (a style of soccer that prioritizes short passing and movement).

Can you explain your role on the team?

This year, I have mainly been playing attacking mid. Being a versatile player helps the team in a situation that comes upon us. I can easily move to any position that will help the team the most.

What was it like playing for an elite travel team like the Riverhounds?

Playing cup soccer gives the opportunity to play competitively all year with a good group of girls. I also enjoy getting feedback from the coaches who work with me there.

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

I want to own a pet monkey.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant