Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Aubrey Seder and Mt. Pleasant’s Aiden Johnson

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 4:17 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.

Aubrey Seder

School: Southmoreland

Sport: Soccer

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Seder helped the Scotties to three consecutive wins last week. She had two goals in a 6-2 win over Hempfield, knocked had two more in an 8-1 victory against East Allegheny, then notched a goal as the Scotties defeated Uniontown, 8-3. Seder, a Slippery Rock commit, has a team-high 20 goals this season and 44 for her career.

How has the season gone so far?

We have had our ups and downs during games, but we are looking forward to the rest of section play coming up. I appreciate the teamwork and effort that everyone is contributing.

You’re playing a different position than in the beginning of your high school career. What’s that been like?

I like it a lot. I am having fun playing center midfield. I enjoy being able to get into the attack, score goals and help create scoring opportunities for my teammates.

What position do you want to play at Slippery Rock?

I will play any position that my coach needs. I am just happy to have the opportunity to play for coach (Jessica) Giegucz.

Can Southmoreland be a sleeper team in the playoffs? Why?

The competition is going to be tough, but if we continue to work as a team, I think we will have a chance.

What is the highlight of the season so far?

Scoring the winning goal against Yough when we were in double overtime.

Do you play any other sports?

I am hoping to get back to basketball, but I have to see how my cup soccer schedule works out.

Who is the best player you’ve gone against?

I have played against a lot of good players and this year, Mt. Pleasant is very strong again with (Rylin) Bugosh, (Maddie) Barrick and (Morgan) Gesinski.

Before a game I must _______?

I don’t really have a routine before a game. My mind is always focused on the game.

Do you have any good luck charms or superstitions?

I put my right cleat on before my left then I put my shin guards in.

People would be surprised to know I ______?

Like to bake. … I make good chocolate chip cookies.

Who inspires you?

When I was younger, I always looked up to Olivia Cernuto.

Who is the fastest player on the team?

Megan Mehall.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

Brett Keisel and Scott Blasey from The Clarks.

Who is your favorite pro athlete?

Carli Lloyd.

Why do you wear No. 13?

I wear it because of Alex Morgan.

If someone has never been to Southmoreland, what would you tell them about your school and town?

The town has a nice soccer development program that prepares kids for middle school and high school games.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen this year?

“Inside Out 2” or “Twisters.”

Male Athlete of the Week

Aiden Johnson

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to Fame: Johnson, a forward, scored five goals and had two assists to lead the Vikings to easy wins against Derry (6-0) and Brownsville (5-1) and improve to 9-4 overall and 7-1 in the section. The Vikings are in second place behind Charleroi in Section 4-2A. An injury and a red card forced Johnson to miss numerous games, including the first meeting against Charleroi on Sept. 19. Despite missing time, he leads the Vikings with 13 goals and five assists.

What type of injury did you suffer this season?

I was hip-checked in the game against Belle Vernon. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance because I had no feeling below my knee. I’m OK now. My knee is a little sore, not bad enough to keep me from playing.

Talk about your two games this week?

My teammates trust me, and they got the ball to me in good position and I took advantage of my opportunities. Really, the competition wasn’t that good.

What is your job as team captain?

My main job is to keep the team straight, pick them up when their heads are down and keep them thinking about the next play.

Do you have a memorable game?

Not really. I did score four goals against Derry Area.

Are you looking forward to any game?

The rematch against Charleroi on Oct. 15. I didn’t get the play the first time, and I’m sure I can make the difference. It’s a game we can win.

What is special about the team?

Everyone has their jobs on the field, and when we execute, we’re tough to beat. Our freshman goalie, Grayson Gardner, has played outstanding.

When did you start playing soccer?

I was 5 years old when I started, and I was excited to be playing a sport and having fun. It was not about winning or losing, just playing.

Do you have a favorite soccer player?

Not really. I don’t watch much sports, but I guess it would be Lionel Messi because he’s so energetic.

Do you play in other sport?

I play basketball, golf and track and field. I’m a power forward on the basketball team, and I run the hurdles and compete in the jumps in track and field.

Do you plan to play soccer in college?

I’d like to. I’m talking with Penn State Greater Allegheny.

After a game or practice, where do you and your teammates head for a snack?

We go to Applebee’s for endless, boneless wings. We try to see who can eat the most. Damien Ohler ate 38 one time. The most I’ve eaten was 24.

What is your favorite meal you mom makes?

I like her stir-fry beef.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

I went to Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina with some friends. It was a lot of fun. There were a lot of things to do.

Is there a place you’d love to go on vacation?

I’d like to go to Las Vegas or Hawaii.

Do you have a dream car?

No. I like what ever can get me places.

What type pf music to you like?

I like mainly rap, but I’ll listen to what ever my teammates want to play as long as it has a clean version.

Do you have a favorite class in school?

I like physics. I plan to study mathematics in college.

What is the last movie you’ve seen?

Dune Part 2.

Do you have a favorite movie type?

I like anything that is entertaining.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

I say Ryan Reynolds.

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

It would be Lamine Yamal, and we’d talk about the World Cup he played in. It’s amazing that he got the opportunity at the age of 17.

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

Tags: Southmoreland