A-K Valley athletes of the week: Leechburg’s Brenna Callahan, Deer Lakes’ Michael Sullivan

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 | 9:24 PM

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Brenna Callahan

School: Leechburg

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Report card: In her first year as a starter, the 5-foot-9 Callahan has blossomed into a threat from her outside hitter position. She leads Leechburg (8-3, 7-3) in kills (95) through 11 matches. Callahan’s tallied 64 digs, 29 aces and 137 service points so far this season. Callahan is also a member of the Allegheny Volleyball Club.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

Since seventh grade.

What do you like about volleyball?

I like that there’s healthy competition between the teammates. I like that we’re our own cheerleaders and we bring each other up.

Have the Blue Devils peaked yet?

We have a lot of room for improvement. I know recently, we’ve been struggling a lot with serve-receive.

What did this team learn from last season’s playoff appearance?

I think we learned a lot about teamwork because you have to be there for each other on the court.

What’s your role on the team?

The purpose of me being on the court is to get kills, bring my teammates up, and I’m a passer also.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Ellen DeGeneres, John F. Kennedy and Antonio Brown.

What three words best describe you?

Competitive. Focused. Passionate.

What is your favorite thing about the fall months?

Football games.

What’s your favorite school lunch?

Italian dunkers. It’s breadsticks and meat sauce. Everybody goes crazy for them.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I’m a cheeseburger connoisseur. I’m obsessed with them.

Which restaurant has the best cheeseburgers around?

I would say Applebee’s. That’s my favorite cheeseburger, if they make it right.

What do you like on your burger?

Ketchup, mustard, onions and extra pickles.

Michael Sullivan

School: Deer Lakes

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Sullivan scored twice and notched an assist in the Lancers’ 11-1 win over Section 2-AA rival Derry last week. A two-year starter at the midfielder spot, he ranks second in goals (8) and assists (6) for Deer Lakes (12-0-1, 9-0-1). Sullivan is also a member of Arsenal FC .

How long have you been playing soccer?

Since I was 4, 11 years.

Did you always play midfielder?

Yes, pretty much. I fill in where it’s needed (too).

What’s been the secret behind the Lancers’ success this season?

We’re one big family, and everyone is working for each other. It’s that family atmosphere that keeps us going.

Has the pressure to win grown as the season has moved forward?

The stakes get higher, but we always have that sense within the team that we know what we’re capable of, and if we play our game we’ll be all right.

How much better can this team get before the postseason?

In the time left, we can continue to grow as a team, players continue to develop and we’ll be hitting 100 percent when the time rolls around.

Where can this team improve heading into the playoffs?

There’s always new things after every game that we try and improve.

How much film study do you do as a team?

We do a decent bit the day after the game to watch the team we’re going to play or the game the day before.

What did this team learn from last season’s postseason loss?

We learned that no matter how good we think we are, there’s always room to get better.

Who is your favorite soccer player?

Cristiano Ronaldo.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo and Adam Sandler.

Do you have a favorite Adam Sandler movie?

It would have to be “Happy Gilmore.”

What three words best describe you?

Hardworking. Passionate. Skillful.

What’s your favorite school lunch?

A panini. I usually do a buffalo chicken or pizza.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Anything math related.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I’m an avid fisherman. I like to fish Bull Creek and Deer Lakes is good, too.

— William Whalen

Tags: Deer Lakes, Leechburg