Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Greensburg Salem’s Bella Dinkel and Hempfield’s Guerin Gardner

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 7:19 PM

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Bella Dinkel

School: Greensburg Salem

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: Dinkel, a 5-foot-4 setter, has been a key facilitator for the Golden Lions (15-1), who could make some noise in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.

She had 64 assists in her last three games.

“She can put the ball anywhere on the court and turn a terrible pass into a beautiful set,” Greensburg Salem coach Rachel Brannigan said.

Dinkel was an all-section first-team player as a freshman.

The team is having one of its best seasons. Did you expect to be undefeated late in the year?

After last season’s success, we were very optimistic that we’d be able to achieve at a very high level this year.

What is your role on the team?

I’m a second-year starting setter. My No. 1 goal is to distribute the ball to my hitters. I work hard each point to better the ball and make good decisions.

What is the team best at on the court?

Our team has really connected this season; we have very good leadership. Our upperclassmen are wonderful role models. They help to keep us focused and point us in the right direction during matches.

What are you expecting from the WPIAL playoffs?

I expect a high level of competition and us rising to the challenges of WPIAL play.

Do you play club volleyball?

Yes, both me and my sister (Maria), who is our starting varsity freshman libero, play for A10 VBC out of Pittsburgh.

Do you play any other sports?

Yes, I play varsity basketball, and I run track where I qualified as a freshman for WPIAL in the 100 meters, 300-meter hurdles, and 4×100 (relay).

What makes a good setter?

Being able to communicate and have a good relationship with everyone on the team. A good setter is someone that can stay calm under pressure.

Your parents played volleyball. Where did they play in high school and college?

My dad, Chris Dinkel, played at York Suburban High School in York. My mom, Kristin Dinkel, played at Greensburg Salem. They both played volleyball at Juniata College.

Who is the best hitter you have gone against?

In these last two years, I have played against talented hitters in both club and high school. When I think of our section, I think of Paige Fisanich from Indiana, who really sticks out as a all-around great player with a powerful swing.

What is the best team you saw this season?

My top three are Kiski (Area), Waynesburg and Indiana.

Will you dress up for Halloween?

Yes, I am not sure what yet.

What was your best all-time Halloween costume?

In second grade, I was a “business monkey.” I had a gorilla costume on, top hat and a briefcase.

What is the best Halloween candy?

3 Musketeers.

Have you been impressed by the Steelers?

No, I have never been a big Steelers fan. My heart is with the Eagles.

What are some of your hobbies?

I have taught myself guitar. I also like to work out, hike and travel. My family and I have visited 15 national parks.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

My cousin, Olivia Damico, played soccer at Penn State and recently played for the Pittsburgh Riveters. She’s my celebrity.

Do you watch college volleyball? Who is your favorite player or team?

I’ve watched a lot of Pitt volleyball this year, but my favorite player is Emma Grone, a setter from Kentucky.

Before every game I must _______?

Eat spaghetti and/or gnocchi.

Guerin Gardner

School: Hempfield

Class: Junior

Sport: Ice hockey

Claim to fame: The junior right wing has scored four goals this season, including a hat trick Thursday against Baldwin. He had two assists and scored a goal against Latrobe. The Spartans are 2-0.

How old were you when you started to play hockey? What do you remember?

I was 2 years old. My mom (Jessica) got me started. I do remember I had a passion for the game at an early age.

What do you love about the game?

The friends I have made on the high school and travel teams (Pittsburgh Vengeance). I am surrounded by a good group of players.

What is your most memorable moment in hockey?

Last year when we made the PIHL playoffs. We lost a few games in a row but still got in. We played Latrobe. Even though we lost, it gave us motivation for this season.

What are the team goals?

We have a lot of players returning. We have lost in the playoffs the last two years. We want to win a playoff game and the Pens Cup.

What are your individual goals?

I scored 24 points last year, and I want to be the top scorer in Class 2A. I would like to score more than 40 points.

Who is your biggest rival?

Latrobe and Penn-Trafford. Both have tough teams.

What about Norwin?

I guess. We owe them. We whipped them the first time we played them last year, but they beat us in overtime. That was disappointing.

Who was the best player you played against?

Jake Stock from Thomas Jefferson. He was part of a ridiculous team.

Who is your favorite hockey player?

Logan Cooley. He is from Pittsburgh, and he plays for Utah Mammoth. I watched him play in Juniors.

Who is your favorite NHL team?

I like the Penguins. I want them to play well, but again, I would like them to play bad enough to get a shot at drafting Gavin McKenna. I also like Penn State.

Have you met anyone famous?

Former Penguins player and coach Bill Guerin. I am named after him.

What is our favorite hockey movie?

‘Miracle.’

Have you ever watched ‘Slap Shot’?

Yes. I like the entire movie. It is so funny.

What type of music do you listen to before a game?

I like rap. It helps me focus before a game.

Where do you and your teammates go for a snack after a game or practice?

Raising Cane’s. I get a combo (chicken tenders, Texas toast, fries with Cane’s sauce).

What is your favorite meal your mom makes you?

I like her spaghetti and meatballs.

Where did you go on vacation this summer?

I played a tournament in Boston. I liked the city.

Is there a vacation spot on your bucket list?

I want to go to the Turks and Caicos Islands. I like warm weather and the beach.

Do you play another sport?

I used to play lacrosse. I am on the fence about playing this year.

What is your favorite subject in school?

I like physics and math. I like being challenged.

What is your prediction about the Steelers’ season?

I hope they go 11-6.

If you could have lunch or dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?

God and Sidney Crosby. I would talk to Sid about his career and God about life.

Tags: Greensburg Salem