Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Yough’s Grace Tomko

By: Anthony DiFilippo
Monday, September 16, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Senior defender Grace Tomko, who was a part of the Yough girls soccer team that won a playoff game two seasons ago, knows the Cougars have what it takes to do it again in her final season.

But that doesn’t mean last year, when the Cougars went 5-14, didn’t come with some positives.

“It was more of a team bonding experience,” Tomko said. “We knew we could turn that team bonding experience into even more of one with the incoming freshmen, ensuring that this season could be more of a positive one compared to last.”

Yough turned that team bonding into wins in three of its first four games this season, outscoring its opponents 25-1.

“It definitely boosted our morale,” Tomko said of the hot start. “I think it helped us have more confidence on the ball going into the season instead of overthinking it, and it helped us all bond as a team to make sure we were meshing well on the field.”

Coming back for his second season as coach is Robert Broadwater, who’s the third coach these senior girls have seen in their four years.

“He brings consistency and high hopes,” Tomko said. “He really makes sure that he boosts us up when we need it. He gives us all of the reassurance that we need. He really just makes sure that he’s always there for us and pushes us in the most positive direction that he can push us in.”

Four of the team’s five wins last season came against section opponents, a number Tomko would like to improve upon in this campaign.

“We’re definitely game planning before every game to make sure that we’re set up to be prepared to face the other team,” Tomko said. “We’ll do specific setups, lineups, specific subs.”

Tomko certainly knows what it takes to win at the varsity level as she was named an all-section defender at the end of last year.

She has not made a decision on what she’ll do after high school, but she’d like to put a focus on academics with an eye on opportunities to play soccer for an NCAA Division II or III program.

This week, Tomko took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How did you get started with soccer?

I’ve been playing soccer since I was little. Growing up, my older cousin always played soccer and I looked up to him, so I figured I’d start. Around then, I tried every other sport, and soccer was the only one that really stuck with me.

What are your team or personal goals for the season?

I just want to make sure that everyone feels included. I know growing up, through my high school career, that it wasn’t always the most welcoming atmosphere. My big push this season has really been team morale and making sure that everybody supports each other and making sure that no one feels left out or excluded. And that everyone feels like they deserve to be there.

What kind of a leadership role do you have this year?

I take more of a vocal leadership role. I’ve never been scared to talk on the field, and I feel like not everyone has the vocalness needed for a good team mesh. Not everyone has good communication. So, I feel like stepping up and making sure that no one else feels too afraid to speak, it helps everyone start communicating together. I like to make sure that if there are people that feel like they’re being left out, that I include them. That way, when we get on the field, everyone feels equal, and they don’t have any stress on the ball.

What have you done over the offseason to make sure it’s a successful final year?

I’ve really been putting in work. I’ve been going to the gym over the summer. I’ve really pushed lifting to make sure that I had the strength to be able to beat these people off the ball and use my body to my advantage. And I’ve been making sure I get conditioned well. I run on my own time all the time, and I really make sure that I get touches on the ball almost every day.

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

Usually people are really surprised to hear, people that know me from school, that I’m not only good at athletics, I’m good in school. I make sure I keep straight As and good grades. I go to all my club activities. I’m this year’s NHS president at Yough, and I like to make sure that I help my friends and family wherever I need to. So, I make sure that I can do things like hair and nails and cook to make sure that I keep my friends and family happy around me.

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