New coach sees potential to reach new heights in Pine-Richland girls soccer

By: Jerin Steele
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

After four years at the helm of the Pine-Richland boys soccer program, Jordan Wiegand has decided to pull double duty this fall and coach the Rams’ girls program as well.

It’ll be a unique challenge to balance, which Wiegand has a plan for, but how impressive the Rams girls have been in his short time with them has made it easier.

He’s been pleased with their work rate, knowledge and senses that they have the potential to be a factor in WPIAL Class 4A.

“They are all very high performers and the way they can dissect the game and read it showed me early on that we can do a lot more with this team than any basic system or formation,” Wiegand said. “They can read a game and adjust on the fly. I think they are eager for the opportunity and can turn some heads if they are in good form.”

There was a large group of underclassmen that saw a ton of playing time and ended up just falling short of making the postseason.

Goalkeeper Shea Best, defenders Riley White and Elle Cassidy, midfielder Emme Kline and forward Lilly De Jesus all started as sophomores.

Charlie Ozelski, a defender, is a senior that is a four-year starter at defender.

Wiegand said each player’s eagerness to work has made for a pretty smooth transition.

“I think they’ve appreciated some structure and system in place and I think they see that our main goal is to take them to new heights both individually and as a team,” Wiegand said.

Wiegand has found his leadership group.

Ozelski, Cassidy and De Jesus are the team’s captains.

Each player brings a unique trait to the table.

“Charlie was an easy pick,” Wiegand said. “Once you meet her, you’d understand. She’s motivated and understands the greater goal of team spirit and understands what we need to do. She wants to make the playoffs and go from there. Elle is an amazing personality that enjoys the game and training. She’s a joy to be around and is extremely intelligent when it comes to breaking down an opponent. Lilly may not have as much to say, but she packs a punch with her work rate and leads by example out on the field.”

WPIAL Class 4A is split into three sections after being two for the last cycle.

Pine-Richland is in Section 3-4A with Allderdice, Butler, North Allegheny, North Hills and Seneca Valley.

“I’m interested to see what the quality is for our opponents, but obviously there’s a lot of talent in the north,” Wiegand said. “I know Fox Chapel was the champion and dropped down to 3A, but North Allegheny is a perennial powerhouse. The same with Seneca Valley and Butler is always in the mix too. You can almost compare it to the boys side a little bit.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Pine-Richland