STUDENT-ATHLETES INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION outh Fayette SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Success in athletics is not simply measured by wins and championships, especially at the high school level. At South Fayette, our student-athletes have learned that their roles as Lions include the lasting impact they have on the younger students who look up to them every day.
This year has been nothing short of historic. The girls basketball and girls soccer teams both captured state championships, the boys golf team earned a WPIAL title, Angela Zeng claimed the girls cross-country WPIAL championship as a sophomore, and Ella Trahan won her second straight WPIAL girls wrestling title. Drew Welhorsky broke the boys lacrosse WPIAL points record that had stood since 2005, and DJ Poe, also a sophomore, had a WPIAL sweep in boys swimming, qualifying to compete at the championship level in every event.
But beyond the trophies and accolades, what stands out most is how these high school athletes are shaping the culture of the entire district, especially among its youngest learners.
“ I definitely see who I can be when I get older,” said second grader Everett Spice in regards to watching the high school athletes.“ It’ s interesting. I want to try tackle football now because of watching them.” Everett already participates in lacrosse, basketball, baseball, and flag football, and is planning to be a ball boy for the high school boys lacrosse team.
In the days leading up to the girls soccer and basketball state championship games this year, the district organized send-off parades that turned into unforgettable moments for both athletes and elementary students. Lining the sidewalks, hundreds of K – 5 students waved handmade signs, cheered loudly, and reached out for fist bumps as the buses rolled by and players jumped off to greet their fans.
“ It was so fun,” said kindergartener Adeline Amrhein( on cover) about the girls basketball send-off parade.“ They high-fived my big foam finger!”
After winning the state championship games, young Lions were requesting autographs from the athletes.“ It is incredible to see,” said Mark Keener, South Fayette’ s athletic director.“ The younger students aren’ t just cheering for a team, they are cheering for their role models. Our athletes understand that they represent something bigger than themselves, and when they interact with younger students, it reinforces how meaningful their actions are, both on and off the field.”
For many high school athletes, the realization that they are being watched and admired by younger students is both humbling and motivating.
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“ We need to set an example in our behavior and academics because younger students look at who we are now, just like how we looked up to the big guys before us,” said Braeden Plasko, a junior football and basketball player.“ I hope we inspire them to represent the green and white.”
“ It’ s great when the kids come up and want a hug or an autograph,” said Juliette Leroux, a senior star on the basketball and volleyball courts.“ Some of them made us bracelets with our names on them. A lot of the kids are playing youth basketball and sometimes the whole team comes to our games. It’ s so powerful to hear their support when they’ re cheering in the stands.”
A sense of responsibility carries outside of gametime for the student-athletes as well. Many South Fayette student-athletes are members of Best Buddies, Special Olympics, and other groups in which they spend time with and support peers of all ages with special needs. Additionally, members of the football team have made it a priority to connect with elementary students throughout the year by greeting students as they step off the bus in the morning to participating in Read Across America Week by reading in classrooms. Friday night football is a family event in South Fayette and many young Lions line the stands to cheer for the team and their favorite players.
“ Being asked for autographs during Read Across America was awesome,” expressed Caden McShane, a junior who plays both football and lacrosse.“ It’ s hard to put into words how that feels.”
Coaches also see the powerful ripple effect that student-athletes have across grade levels.
“ Our players know they’ re being watched,” said Nick Rosser, coach of the girls soccer team.“ We talk about leadership all the time, particularly about how it’ s not just about what you do in a game, but how you carry yourself in school and in the community. When younger students see that, it sets a standard. It shows them what’ s possible.”
Whether pushing through adversity, maintaining focus under pressure, or achieving personal and school records, South Fayette athletes demonstrate dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship. For the younger students, those moments leave a lasting impression, and the combination of talent and character is exactly what the district hopes to cultivate.
“ Our goal is to develop well-rounded individuals,” Mr. Keener added.“ Athletics provide a platform, but it’ s the character, leadership, and sense of community that truly define success. When our younger students see that, it creates a cycle of inspiration that benefits everyone. It’ s all about being future-focused.”