Sports

Three senior women got the recognition they deserve by signing for college sports programs.

“I was very excited because I got another shot at playing the sport I love at the next level,” said Anna Kreinbrook '24. 

Many people attended the college signing.  Jamie Noonan, Julie Spinelli, and Anna Kreinbrook were honored in a way they will never forget.  All of their friends and family attended the signing day, and even some former players and coaches came to watch them commit to their team. 

This event is a big deal for student athletes and a nice touch of what SJHS is really about. The student body loves to see their teammates get these opportunities and be the best version of themselves.

Kreinbrook said,  “Committing was a very difficult process because I had to pick what was best for me and consider how it will impact me in the future.”  

Kreinbrook will play basketball for Catholic University of America.

The recruiting process for both Noonan and Kreinbrook started during their junior year. Kreinbrook said she would meet with scouts and even find them in the crowds at the games.  

Meanwhile, Noonan met college coaches and other players at the Waynesburg University softball camp. 

Noonan said, "Committing to Waynesburg was easy because it was my top offer, so I took it immediately with no hesitation.” 

Senior night is a time to recognize the senior athletes and the great accomplishments they have made throughout their sports career. Some of the winter athletes have been playing sports for over 12 years.

During the week of senior night, the gym was decorated with a poster of each senior basketball player. The underclassmen of the women’s basketball team and the cheerleaders decorated each senior athlete’s locker with pictures of the players and their favorite candy. 

The first senior night was held for the women’s basketball team, the stream team, and cheer. 

The stands were filled with family and friends who came to support the seniors, and the student section was decked out in their best country outfits. Nick Sarno '24 announced each senior. 

The starting line up consisted of five seniors, and the sixth senior was put in shortly after the start of the game. The seniors all played the majority of the game and defeated the Leechburg Blue Devils 79 to 11. 

Senior Montana Geibel said, "Senior night was so special and really brought everyone closer as a team, especially since it really started to hit us that it was our final year playing together as a senior group."

The seven seniors on the team, Maggie Bernat, Montana Geibel, Anna Kreinbrook, Kalyda O’Connor, Julie Spinelli, Emma Sweirczewski, and Amelia Wygonik, all received a blanket, candy, and hand written notes from each of the underclassmen on the team. 

“That night felt surreal to me because I have been with the seniors since my freshman year, and I felt like we started to get closer too late,” said junior Knij'e Middlebrook. "I was sad to see their time end because they are all destined for greatness.  I’m sad that they can’t be with us any longer because it will not be the same without them.”

The two senior members of the Spartan stream team were also recognized. The stream team was developed during the height of covid and they are now broadcasting St. Joe’s games every chance they get. Nicholas Sarno and Donovan Polito make sure that everything is in place and running smoothly. 

"Senior night was amazing," Sarno said, "I am thankful that Saint Joes has given me a wonderful opportunity to start my broadcasting career. I am so proud of what the streaming department has accomplished and I will always miss announcing for Saint Joes."

The lone cheer senior was recognized as the team held signs high. Kylie Krzewinski has been a cheerleader for all four years while she has been at St. Joe’s. She shows her Spartan pride loud and proud while leading the rest of her cheer squad as the captain. 

“It was really great to see my whole team support me. I don't think I have ever heard louder cheers than when they called my name, and it all came from my coach and team. It was definitely a surreal experience. Even when you do the sport all four years, you never think that one day it will be you walking down the gym floor," Krzewinski said.  "It snuck up on me so quickly.” 

The second senior night recognized the men’s basketball team. The two seniors, Charlie Ross and Cole Spencer started at the Neighborhood Academy game. It was a hard fought battle, but sadly the night did not end with a victory. 

"Senior night was something special that I have been anticipating for years. Seeing my teammates who came before me move onto the next part of their lives impacted me and made me value the time I had left, so I hope that I was able to make that same sort of impact on my teammates." 

The two seniors received a blanket, ChapStick, and candy as a gift from the underclassmen. 

Although it is sad to see the seniors leave their teams, the underclassmen are grateful for the time that they had with the seniors, whether it be a couple months or a couple years.

"Through the wins and the losses I have learned a lot," freshman Max Shehab said. "I’m very grateful for the seniors and all they have done for me."

Gannon graduate, Allie Domer is thriving as she enters the stretch of her third year as our athletic trainer. 

Domer ran cross country during her college experience, while also participating in the Gannon 3+2 program earning her master’s degree. 

“I decided to become an athletic trainer my sophomore year of college. I was a Biology major and then I went into the athletic training program,” Domer said.

Frequently being around the athletic training room sparked her interest due to the comfortable atmosphere as well as her interest in sports.

Domer graduated with her bachelor's degree in 2020 and her master's degree in 2021. This is her first athletic training job, working for UPMC while bringing needed help to SJHS athletics. 

Domer said, “Two to three mornings a week I work at the Rooney Clinic on the south side of Pittsburgh. I work either in the bracing area of the durable medical equipment center, or the concussion center.”

After mornings in the clinic, Domer travels to SJHS, assisting our athletes to keep them healthy and ready for the next game. She is at every game preparing athletes and is ready in case any injuries occur. 

“My favorite part is seeing the injuries happen and seeing it through till the end. I also like working with athletes because they are motivated to get better,” Domer said.

One disadvantage of athletic training is the hours of the games which often take place in the late evening. 

 “But, having my summer mostly off is worth it,” Domer said.