Quaker Valley is well-versed in the athletic landscape with an array of multi-sport student-athletes in attendance at the Leetsdale high school.
The four captains on the QV girls flag football team — freshmen Mia Duckstein (HB/QB/S) and Ava Hajok (C/WR/S), sophomore Maya Sidani (WR/LB) and junior Willa Herman (QB/LB) — are prime examples.
“Our captains are outstanding student-athletes. They all have a high level of compete and respond well to coaching,” QV coach Giuseppe Rosselli said. “Ava and Mia can make big plays anytime they touch the ball. They are skilled athletes who demand the attention of the defense anytime we take the field. Maya immediately established herself as one of our best flag pullers. She is rarely in the wrong place and anchors us on the defensive side of the ball.
“Willa is improving every opportunity she gets to play the most difficult position on the field. She is smart and understands what we are trying to do on the offensive side of the ball. With time and repetition, I believe she can be an exceptional field general. On defense, she has done a great job of creating turnovers.”
Duckstein competes for the QV girls soccer team in the fall and plays club soccer with the Riverhounds. She’s also participated in basketball, softball, lacrosse and volleyball.
She was a starting midfielder last fall when the Quakers captured the WPIAL Class 2A girls soccer championship, advanced to the PIAA semifinal round, and finished 19-3-2 overall.
Hajok was the team’s starting goalkeeper during the championship run. Herman was a reserve as a midfielder/defender for the Quakers; she also plays club soccer.
Sidani’s second sport is volleyball. She is a defensive specialist at QV. The QV netters won the first WPIAL title in girls volleyball in school history by rolling past Hopewell, 3-0, in the district finals. The Quakers finished first in their section with a 14-0 record.
This spring, Duckstein, Hajok, Sidani and Herman are helping make history at their school by playing on QV’s first-ever girls flag football team. They will long be remembered as the team’s first captains.
“I’ve always loved sports and trying new things, and when I heard QV was starting a flag football team, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Duckstein said. “It seemed like a great way to challenge myself and learn a new game. I had no idea how much fun it would be. I love the game and I’m having so much fun with my teammates and coaches.
“It’s been such a fun and exciting experience. Being part of something new and helping build it from the ground up has been really special. The energy and support from everyone — our coaches, teammates and school — has been amazing. It’s been a great way to represent our school in a new way, in a sport that is growing and gaining momentum in Pittsburgh and all over the country.”
Sidani was intrigued by the idea of tackling the concept of flag football; it didn’t take her long to follow her craving.
“I was looking for a spring sport that was a little bit different,” Sidani said, “and when I saw the opportunity to play flag football with my friends, I wanted to join.
“I think it’s cool to be playing on the first QV flag football team. I’m happy to be a part of QV history, and I hope maybe more girls will consider joining next year.”
Herman had watched some of her friends at Ambridge compete on the gridiron and became convinced flag football was for her.
“I went to one of their games and it looked so fun. They convinced me to join and I’m really glad I did,” she said. “I think it’s really awesome to be playing on the first flag football team at Quaker Valley. We have a lot of very talented girls and it’s been really fun so far. I’ve enjoyed getting a new skill set and improving every time we play.
“I’m really excited for next school year; we are going to have a great team. I think the only thing we need to work on is getting more people. We have really good coaches, and I would love for more people to play next year.”
The Quakers won their season-opening game March 30 against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and have been in playoff contention all season.
Hajok scored the first touchdown in program history on an interception return against OLSH and was awarded the game ball.
“Being part of this team has shown me how strong and capable we are as female athletes,” Hajok said, “and I hope it inspires more girls to get involved and chase what they love, whether it’s on the field or beyond.”
Other QV flag football team members include seniors Ava Savage (WR/LB) and Mae Kruawangmon (LB); juniors Ana Luiza Bacchi (WR) and Ella Palmer (WR/QB/CB); sophomores Maggie Watson (C/LB) and Mila Harrison (WR/LB); and freshmen Alayna Gill (WR/CB), River Zaccone (WR), Auden Cerniglia (CB) and Natalie Minnock (WR/QB/S), a goalkeeper in the girls soccer program.
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“I’m really grateful for all the support from my coaches, my teammates and our parents,” Duckstein said. “It’s been amazing to see how much we’ve grown as a team and how quickly flag football is taking off.
“I hope more QV girls join in the future. It’s such a fun sport, and I really believe this is just the start of something special. It’s exciting to be part of the beginning of something that’s only going to get bigger and better in the next few years.”
The Quakers’ brain trust consists of Rosselli, assistant head coach Tyrone Gilliard, and assistants Jordan Grassel and Susan Bauduin.
“We do not have a set starting lineup,” Rosselli said. “We adjust based on the game plan. It is important that kids can be flexible and play multiple positions.”