Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Olivia Kovach and Jeannette’s Markus McGowan

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 8:09 PM

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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.

Olivia Kovach

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Junior

Sport: Gymnastics

Claim to fame: Kovach narrowly won the all-around title at the WPIAL gymnastics championships, outscoring three-time champion Abby Rexrode of Baldwin by three-tenths of a point: 38.2 to 37.9.

Kovach, who has competed in the event for three years in row, won with a 9.8 score on the beam to take gold in the advanced division, adding a second place on bars (9.3), a fifth in vault (9.65) and sixth on floor exercise (9.45).

Last year, Kovach won the balance beam (9.575) and was second in the all-around (37.450) and bars (9.5).

What was it like to win the advanced division title this year?

It is definitely the highlight of my season, so far. It is something I wanted since coming up short last season and something I was determined to do this year. It was the best feeling when they announced my name as the winner.

What went into your performance that allowed you to overtake Rexrode?

It really all came down to the balance beam. I knew I needed a solid routine, probably my best ever, to win. I just kept telling myself to be confident and stay on the beam. The beam is my favorite event, so I knew it was possible, and as the beam champion last year, I wanted to win it again.

Did you think you had a chance to win, or was it a surprise?

I knew I had a chance if I landed my beam routine that I would be able to take first place. It was a really big accomplishment for me.

What do you like so much about the beam?

I love beam because it’s not just something that everyone can do. I love just learning new skills and challenging myself every time.

What is next on your gymnastics schedule?

I get to travel to Tennessee for my next meet.

Have you decided if you want to pursue gymnastics after high school?

I’m keeping my options open for now. While being part of a college gymnastics team would be an amazing opportunity, I’m aware of how competitive it is. For now, I’m really enjoying my automotive collision courses at CWCTC (vo-tech) and loving my time coaching the Level 3 team at Ultimate Gymnastics.

What do you like most about the vehicle repair program?

I’ve had the opportunity to work on several really cool projects, including a memorial bench for a student, which is now at Maxwell Elementary School, and a few of my own projects including restoring and painting a vintage gas pump for display at our farm.

How are things on your family’s alpaca farm?

They keep all of us busy. We have 16 alpacas. They are all females, and we have a baby due this July. But I love living on a farm, especially with open fields that I can ride my dirt bike through on my days off.

Do you have any clothing made with alpaca fur?

I have gloves and socks that are made from their fleeces. They’re very soft and warm.

What other animals are on the farm?

We also take care of Nigerian Dwarf goats, two standard donkeys and a flock of chicken and geese.

What are some of their names?

Most of our animals at our farm have Disney-themed names. Some of the alpacas are Elsa and Anna, Coco, Daisy, and Willow.

What is your favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner?

I love eggs for breakfast, either with toast on or a bagel. I’m a big fruit eater. I make my own smoothies or fruit salads, and I love chicken on just about anything.

Where do you get your competitiveness from?

I’m the only one in my family that does competitive sports, but my dad owns his own company and is a very hard worker, so I get my drive to succeed from him.

What other sport are you secretly good at?

I love lifting weights and training in the gym. I am usually at the gym conditioning after practice at least three to four times a week.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

I’m definitely a country girl. I love Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason, Koe Wetzel and so many others. We spend our summers attending as many concerts as we can.

Markus McGowan

School: Jeannette

Year: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: McGowan has played a key role in helping the Jayhawks to a 19-2 record and consecutive wins against Clairton and Bentworth. The 6-foot-3 guard scored 17 points in each game and is averaging 16.1 points. The Jayhawks are seeded No. 3 in the Class 2A playoffs and open the playoffs Monday at home against Brentwood.

Talk about how the season has gone so far?

We played well as a team. We play well defensively, and we are unselfish. We are looking forward to the playoffs.

Your only losses were to Greensburg Central Catholic. What will it take to defeat them?

They are a very good team. To beat them we must play better defense, rebound and pass the ball. It’s going to take a great effort.

What makes the Jayhawks special?

Jace (Powell), Kymon’e (Brown) and I have played well together for years. We know each other’s styles. We also have three good seniors: Lonnie (Green), Jerry (Davis) and Scott (Markham).

What is your most memorable game in high school?

When we defeated Greensburg Central in the 2024 PIAA playoffs at Norwin. Then we beat them in football at Norwin.

Who is the toughest opponent that you have faced?

Derry Area’s Stanley Rajkovich. He is big and talented.

What part of your game do you need to improve?

I need to be more consistent. I’m a pretty good shooter, but I must continue to work on my defense and rebounding.

Do you plan on playing basketball in college?

I want to play basketball in college when I get older.

What does it mean to be a Jayhawk?

It means the world. I grew up watching all the great players before, and now I’m part of the rich history of Jeannette athletics.

Who is your favorite basketball player?

LeBron James. He’s my GOAT.

Do you have a favorite team?

The Lakers because of LeBron.

Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh sports team?

No, I like the Eagles. I was very happy they won the Super Bowl. I like the way they play, and I like the players. I also like Duke basketball and Pitt.

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

We go to Buffalo Wild Wings, and I get boneless BBQ wings.

What is your favorite meal your mom makes?

I like my mom’s spaghetti and garlic toast.

What type of movies do you like?

I like the comedies movies, but I really like TV shows. My favorite are All-American and Cobra Kai. I also like Denzel Washington.

Are there any rituals you do before a game?

I take a nap after school. I watch the JV game, listen to rapper Rod Wave and then I loosen up. Then we’d talk about the game plan. I also get a chicken teriyaki sub from either Subway or GetGo.

Favorite vacation spot?

Tampa, Florida.

What type of music do you like?

I listen to rap. I like Drake.

What AAU team do you play for?

The Runnin Rebels.

If you were to have dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?

LeBron James and we’d talk about basketball and life.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant