Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Kayla Williams, Mt. Pleasant’s Joseph Gardner

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 6:43 PM

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Kayla Williams

School: Latrobe

Class: Senior

Sport: Softball

Claim to fame: Williams sprinted out of the gates to open the season. The Slippery Rock commit earned her first pitching win of the season, striking out nine, and helped her cause with a big day at the plate in an 11-3 win over Pine-Richland.

Williams connected on two home runs, including a grand slam, for a five-RBI day.

You’re off to a fast start. Did you expect to have such a strong opener?

Going into the game, I was a little nervous because we had two scrimmages the week before, and we didn’t do as well as we wanted to. Our first official game, we played as a team. I pitched really well, we had no errors and we started to hit the ball.

How many multi-home run games do you have in your high school career?

I only had one other one. I hit two last year in the same game when we played Mt. Pleasant.

What did you work on most in the offseason?

Leading up to the season, I really worked on drive and using more of my legs while pitching. I also focused on my spin pitches so they would move more. For hitting, I worked on bat speed and hitting different speeds. I also went to the gym a lot to get stronger.

You’ve been starting for four years. What do you most want to accomplish in Year 4?

To be a leader and mentor the younger players. I would like to be in contention for the section title. Also to make the playoffs and win multiple rounds.

How much of an advantage is it to have a turf field at Graham-Sobota?

I think it is a big advantage because we can go outside and practice when it is cold and rainy out, while other teams can’t.

What will be the strengths of this Latrobe team?

Pitching and defense, and the closeness of our team. Everyone enjoys playing with each other and being with each other at practice.

What did you like most about Slippery Rock?

I really liked the campus at Slippery Rock. It wasn’t too big, and it wasn’t too small. I really liked the coaches and the girls on the team. They made me feel welcomed when I went up for visits, talked with them and spent time with them.

Do you play any other sports?

This year, I decided to come back and play basketball my senior year.

What sport are you secretly good at?

Pickleball. During the summer, my family and I always play pickleball in the driveway.

Before a game I have to ______?

Do my hair, whether I do braids or bubbles.

What is your favorite TV show?

“The Vampire Diaries.”

What is your favorite movie?

Toy Story.

What is your go-to meal at Dino’s?

Almost all the time, I get chicken fingers and french fries.

What do you always order at Starbucks?

The pink drink.

Do you attend Pittsburgh Steelers training camp?

No, even though I live less than 5 minutes away, I have never gone to a Steelers training camp.

Who is your favorite pro athlete?

Megan Faraimo, who plays for Athletes Unlimited. She used to play for UCLA as a pitcher.

What makes you happy?

Being around friends and family makes me the happiest.

What makes you sad?

TV commercials about dogs and cats who need rescuing.

People would be surprised to know I ______?

I used to take tennis lessons when I was younger.

Joseph Gardner

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Junior

Sport: Swimming

Claim to fame: Gardner put on quite a performance at the PIAA Class 2A swimming and diving championships March 15 and 16 at Bucknell. Gardner won two individual gold medals (200 IM, 100 breaststroke). He broke his PIAA record in the 100 breaststroke. He also was on the winning 200 medley relay team with Logan Snively, David Mutter and Gunnar Probst. The 400 freestyle relay finished third. He swam with Snively, Mutter and Seth Painter. Both relays set school records. He was named swimmer of the meet for his achievements. He has won four PIAA gold medals.

What did it mean to win more gold medals?

Coming into the meet, we knew we had a chance at winning the state team title if we wrestled well. When I won the 200 IM on Friday, it set us up to win it. I energized the team, and we all performed well. Even though we came up short and finished second to Indiana, I was proud how I swam. Swimming to three gold medals was neat. I knew winning the 100 breaststroke was a lock.

What did it mean to break the 100 breaststroke record?

It was my own record. I knew it would be a close race. There were a lot of good swimmers in the race.

Were you surprised you won the 200 IM?

Not really. I didn’t have a good prelim, but I knocked off 4 seconds in the finals and I defeated last year’s champion.

What’s special about the Gardner family in swimming?

I grew up watching them (Heather and Sara Jo) compete at a high level. I did it for fun. I focused on wrestling and football until I was a freshman. Then I decided to focus on swimming, and I worked hard to get good. I didn’t realize my potential. My sisters are talented. I feel blessed. My parents and sisters are so supportive.

When did you start swimming?

I started when I was seven years old. I did it on and off until high school.

Do you plan on swimming in college?

I’m not ready to announce my decision yet. It’s down to two schools, and I’ll be making my decision soon.

Who would play you in a movie?

Brad Pitt. It would be an action movie.

Who is your favorite swimmer?

I like Michael Phelps and Leon Marshand.

Would it be a dream to swim in the Olympics?

Well, I have to get faster. I guess that would be a dream. Hopefully, I get there.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like rap and hip-hop. I listen to Kanye West.

Does the team do anything special before a meet?

I pray and try to get my mind focused.

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

We go to Dino’s for barbeque wings.

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

I like her cheeseburgers.

What’s the last movie you watched?

I’m not sure.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I liked to camp and go to the beach.

Is there a place you’d like to visit?

I’d like to go hiking in the Rockies.

What did you think about the Steelers’ deals?

I like what they are doing. It looks bright. I hope Justin Fields gets mentored by Russell Wilson.

If you were the Steelers general manager, what type of player would you draft?

I’d draft a middle linebacker.

How do you think the Pirates will do?

Every year they say they’ve going to be good. Hopefully, they’ll surprise us and be good.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t talk, I’d listen.

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

Tags: Latrobe