Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Sarah Podkul and Latrobe’s Brock Pflugh

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 21, 2023 | 5:40 PM

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Sarah Podkul

School: Hempfield

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: Podkul has helped lead the Spartans on a four-game winning streak and to a WPIAL Class 4A playoff appearance.

Podkul, a third-year libero, had 30 digs in a 3-1 victory against Shaler. She added 18 digs in a 3-0 win over Fox Chapel.

In 14 matches, she has 326 digs and 22 aces.

Wins over Bethel Park and Fox Chapel propelled Hempfield back into the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association rankings (No. 10). Podkul was a WPVCA 4A player of the week.

A three-sport athlete (basketball, softball), she also was named homecoming queen Oct. 13.

“She’s the hardest worker in the room day in and day out,” Hempfield volleyball coach Ashten Flynn said. “She’s been a leading force for us the past two seasons. She really stepped into a leading role last year as a junior and has thrived in the position as co-captain this season.”

What do you like most about playing defensive specialist?

Being a defensive specialist is fun for me because I enjoy making the diving plays, getting a good dig, and extending the play so my team can win the point.

What makes Hempfield a WPIAL playoff team?

Well, we’re a pretty young team, but what’s been most encouraging is that we’ve continued to improve throughout the season. I think we have earned the right to compete in the playoffs. We are all really excited about that.

Do you ever play in the front row?

No. While I have always wanted to have my moment as a hitter, I have never played in the front row. I definitely feel more comfortable on the defensive end, being that I am 5-5.

There are a lot of basketball players on the volleyball roster. Does this help with team chemistry?

Yeah, there are several of us that play multiple sports with each other. We spend a lot of time together, so we are all definitely close. It always helps when you’re playing with your friends.

What was it like winning homecoming queen?

It was very unexpected. I had an awesome night with some of my best friends, and it was fun to be a part of the experience.

What is more exciting: A home run in softball, a steal-and-layup in basketball or a set-extending dig in volleyball?

Probably the home run. While I love getting a steal-and-layup in basketball and a set-extending dig in volleyball, I can’t say that I did those two in a state semifinal game at Saint Francis University. It was one of the most memorable moments for me in sports.

What colleges have you been visiting for basketball?

I have visited a number of schools so far: a couple in the (Presidents’ Athletic Conference) and a couple in the (Ohio Athletic Conference). I have also talked to a couple schools about the prospect of playing volleyball as well.

Is basketball the sport you want to play most in college?

As of right now, basketball is my No. 1 option to play in college. However, I am definitely keeping my options open for volleyball.

What makes you a good co-captain?

I really try to lead by example. I feel I have a strong work ethic, I am vocal on the court and I am always supportive of my teammates. Being a senior, I know how Ashten wants us to operate, and I do my best to help guide us in the right direction.

Is there a story behind your red shoes in softball?

Actually my older sister, Allison, wore red shoes when she played high school softball, so I thought I’d carry on the family tradition. Plus, my parents told me that it’s easy for them to find me on the field with my bright red shoes since we all look alike in our softball uniforms. Fun fact: I added the color red to my volleyball and basketball shoes also.

You wear No. 5 in all three sports. What is the significance of that number?

To be honest, it was my first number I had in 8-under softball, so it just stuck with me throughout the years.

If you played football, what position would you want to play?

I would probably pick outside linebacker like T.J. Watt. I really like him as a player.

Who is your favorite pro sports team?

I like the Pittsburgh Penguins because my dad used to take me to their games.

Who is your favorite pro athlete?

Well, there is only one answer, and that is Michael Jordan.

What is your best subject in school?

I am really enjoying my psychology class this year.

Any hidden talents?

I am not sure if this is a hidden talent, but I am going to be in my school’s fall play. My character’s name is “Cookie” in this year’s production of “Rumors” by Neil Simon.

If you could sign an NIL deal right now, what would you want to endorse?

I would love to endorse Nike Air Jordans (P.S. I’m a size 9).

How do you want Hempfield fans to remember Sarah Podkul?

As someone who was a good person, a great teammate and a player that always gave 100%.

Brock Pflugh

School: Latrobe

Class: Junior

Sport: Hockey

Claim to Fame: The 6-foot-2, 165-pound goaltender allowed two goals as Latrobe defeated Penn-Trafford, 5-2. The Wildcats are off to a 3-1 start, and Pflugh has been a big reason, allowing just eight goals on 82 shots in four games. This is his first season on the varsity team.

How old were you when you started to play hockey?

I started late. I was in fourth grade. I played Dek-Hockey before I put on skates.

Did you start as a goalie?

No. But I knew I wanted to try it, and once I did, I loved it and never went back.

What do you like about playing goalie?

How I feel like how much control I have in a game. Once we score a goal, I feel it’s my job to win the game. Also I like how you can see the entire ice really well.

How big was the win against Franklin Regional in the season opener?

It was huge. People around hockey were telling us we’d be lucky to win three games. It set the tone for the season. That gave us a lot of confidence.

What did you learn from the goalies last year?

I learned a lot by watching them play. I saw how they prepared and how they handled things. I wanted to be ready when I got my shot.

Who is your favorite player?

I like Marc-Andre Fleury. I watched him when he played for the Penguins. He was aggressive, quick and flexible.

What do you think about the Penguins?

Some games they look good. I think they’ll be a playoff team, but I don’t know if they’ll make a deep run. I worry about their core players’ speed.

Do you have any personal goals?

Personally, I just want to continue to work hard and be prepared as best as I can for every game. You can’t afford to take a game off. It could cost you a good position in the playoffs.

What are the team goals?

We want to make the playoffs. I think we can if we continue to play as well as we’ve been playing. I feel we can make a deep run.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

We go to the Outer Banks.

Is there a dream vacation spot?

Alaska.

Is there a place you’d like to visit?

Probably the Hockey Hall of Fame. That would be cool.

What is your favorite hockey movie?

I like “Slap Shot,” but “Miracle” is my favorite. It reminds me of our team: underdogs that aren’t given a chance.

If your mom was making you your favorite meal, what would it be?

Her rigatoni. I didn’t eat it before the Hempfield game, and we lost. I’m going to eat rigatoni before every game for the rest of the year.

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

Sheetz. I like the sample or a grilled chicken hoagie with provolone cheese, veggies and Buffalo sauce.

Do you have any pregame rituals?

I like to stretch with my teammates, and when they go in before the game I stay out and stretch more. Once I go in, I don’t sit down. I like to stand and move around.

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

Marc-Andre Fleury, and we’d talk about how he prepared for games and other hockey stories.

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

Tags: Hempfield