By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, November 21, 2021 | 11:01 AM

They are two of a kind.

As 17-year-old athletes, both hail from long-standing soccer families, and both are super talented on the pitch.

Quaker Valley cousins Rowan and Chase Kriebel displayed their senior leadership skills admirably throughout the fall soccer season.

Rowan Kriebel, a 6-foot forward and captain on the boys team, led the Quakers in scoring in the regular season with 32 goals and 19 assists. He was complemented offensively by Keller Chamovitz, also a senior forward.

“Rowan is a consistently hard worker and someone that always tries to do everything in a professional manner,” boys coach J.J. Veshio said. “Whether it’s his demeanor or his play on the field, he is a tremendous leader and someone that represents our program with integrity.

“He holds a high place among the many top players that have come through here. To be able to see him succeed at such a high level and help those around him is very nice to see.”

Rowan was a four-year varsity player who ranks in the top five in career points at CV. He has been named All-WPIAL twice and was voted all-state this season by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association.

Rowan also was lauded as the co-player of the year in Section 4-2A.

“He has performed as good as anyone in the history of our storied program,” Veshio said, “and his contributions have certainly been a big part of our success. He found a way to elevate everyone around him with his strong play and positive work ethic.

“I’m very proud of everything Rowan has done as an individual and for the team. I thank him for continuing the legacy of this program.”

Chase Kriebel, a 5-7 senior striker/midfielder and one of four co-captains on the Quaker Valley girls squad, ended the regular season with a team-high nine goals after finishing with seven goals in 2020.

“Chase’s perseverance, physical and mental strength and confidence on and off the field are just a few attributes to describe the type of player she is,” said Maggie Behun, co-coach of the girls team with Rachel Loudermilk. “Chase is a hard-working and gifted athlete. She’s always been willing to adjust where she’s on the field depending on what the team needed. Chase played defense and midfield when we needed her to. But most of all, she has a nose for the goal and for the past two years has been one of our leading goal scorers.

“Alongside her many accomplishments, she is extremely kind-hearted and down-to-earth.”

Loudermilk said Chase has been a prominent presence in Quaker Valley’s girls program since day one.

“Chase made an impact from the first day she stepped on the field as a freshman,” Loudermilk said. “It is rare to have a freshman come in with such confidence, skill, relentless drive and leadership, and she has carried that throughout her career. As a freshman, if we were down, it was Chase we looked to in order to motivate the other girls and raise our level of play. That is a lot to put on a freshman, but she handled it and that hasn’t changed for four years. I think that speaks to just how much Chase has impacted this program.

“The hope is that from her example, others can step up and continue to elevate the program.”

Prior to the boys’ state playoff game against section rival North Catholic, Rowan Kriebel had racked up 40 goals and 24 assists in 2021, boosting his career totals to 93 goals and 61 assists. He scored eight goals as a freshman, 20 as a sophomore and 25 last season in a pandemic-shortened fall schedule.

“Chase and I have always been great friends,” Rowan said. “We have supported each other and have a great bond. We live about 10 minutes away from each other and, yes, we did grow up playing soccer together. We see each other pretty often to play games and have family dinners. My dad and uncle both played soccer.” 

Chase Kriebel said the cousins are competitive by nature but also believe it’s important to encourage and support one another.

“Rowan and I have a good relationship,” Chase said. “We are good friends and are very competitive with each other. In sports, school or when we play fun games, we’re always trying to win. We live very close to one another. I live near town and he lives in the heights. Our families try to get together at least once a month for a family dinner.

“Growing up, we would play soccer together at his house, sometimes with our whole family. We both joke around with each other. We’re also very encouraging and supportive, always trying to motivate each other.”

Chase, who began playing soccer around the time she was in kindergarten, said competing on the pitch runs in both families.

“Pretty much everyone in our families have played soccer,” she said. “Both of our dads played soccer. My mom did play in high school, too. But our dads are probably where we both get our passion for soccer.”

Chase’s sister McAuley and brother Nick grew up competing on area soccer fields.

“My sister stopped playing soccer in high school to pursue volleyball while my brother continued through high school,” Chase said. “Rowan and Nick were lucky to have the opportunity to play together (at QV), and even win WPIAL and state championships in 2019. That was Rowan’s sophomore year and Nick’s senior year. It was super fun watching them play and win together. I was so proud for both of them.”

Loudermilk believes Chase’s motivation to succeed comes from her siblings.

“Chase attributes her drive to her brother,” Loudermilk said. “She looks up to both of her siblings and says both have been an inspiration to her when it comes to sports.”

Chase said her dad, who competed on the pitch at Fox Chapel, has been her No. 1 fan.

“The biggest influencers have been all of my family, especially my dad,” she said, “and each coach I’ve had in my career. I’ve played with so many different teams, and every coach I’ve had has taught me something new to help me improve. If it weren’t for my coaches, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”

Chase discussed the special bond she has developed with her father.

“My dad has been my No. 1 supporter,” she said. “He’s taken me to every game, tournament and practice until I was able to myself. We constantly talk about soccer and are always on the same page when it comes to talking about my games.

“He inspires me to do better and push myself. I’m so grateful for his support and trust.”

Chase Kriebel has been an all-section selection the past two yearsand was named All-WPIAL this season, leading the Quakers to a WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinal appearance and a 7-9-2 record.

“I’m sad our season ended shorter than we wanted it to,” she said, “but I’m super proud of every one of my teammates. I’m excited for the spring to come to start lacrosse season and hope to succeed there, as well.”

A four-year varsity starter at QV, Chase plays lacrosse in the spring and has been a starter at the varsity level in that sport since her freshman season.

Rowan Kriebel, meanwhile, has experienced many big individual moments in his soccer career at QV including a few this season.

He netted two goals against Ambridge to lift the Quakers to a 3-2 win in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals. Tied 2-2 in the early minutes of overtime, Kriebel delivered a clutch game-winning goal off a pass from Chamovitz.

No. 2 Quaker Valley went on to defeat ninth-seeded North Catholic, 5-0, in the finals to claim its 10th WPIAL title in school history.

Early in the season, Rowan peppered in five goals in an 11-0 victory against Freedom. He achieved three hat tricks at Freedom over the past three seasons.

On Nov. 16, the Quakers blanked North Catholic for a fourth time in 2021, winning a 2-0 decision in the PIAA quarterfinals. It was the 700th win in program history and upped QV’s record to 22-2 on the year.

QV, which won by scores of 3-0, 7-0, 5-0 and 2-0 against the Trojans this season, advanced to the PIAA finals Nov. 19 in Hershey to play District 4 winner Lewisburg.

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, November 21, 2021 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley strung together a winning record in the second half of the girls soccer season.

The QV girls blanked Ambridge and Riverside at the end of September en route to a 5-4-1 mark that included five shutouts down the season’s home stretch.

The Quakers achieved their season-long goal of qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs, landing the 13th seed in Class 2A.

QV edged No. 4 Elizabeth Forward, 2-1, in overtime in the first round then lost to No. 5 Shady Side Academy, 1-0.

“Any coach or player hopes to succeed and progress in the playoffs,” said Maggie Behun, QV’s co-coach with Rachel Loudermilk. “We knew we were underrated because we play in such a tough section, which worked in our favor. We won our first game, which many people didn’t expect. We were able to pull off a first-round win. The girls looked great and cohesive.” 

Behun and Loudermilk were particularly proud of the team’s first-round effort. The Quakers pummeled EF with 26 shots on goal.

“We went down to EF, 1-0, but we knew our girls were controlling the game,” Behun said. “At halftime, we stressed to the girls that they just needed to shoot the ball. Don’t wait for the perfect shot. Shoot. Nora Johns did just that and put in our first goal to tie the game.

“Going into overtime, we were confident but also aware that one mistake could be the end. The girls came out strong and got it done early. A bouncing ball in the box was flicked on by Clare Elste with Nikita Venkatasamy blasting it into the corner past the keeper. Those are the moments you live for. Every girl on the team will remember that moment for the rest of their lives.”

Quaker Valley ended up 4-5-1 in Section 1-2A, good for fourth place behind North Catholic (9-1), Avonworth (8-1-1) and Beaver (6-4), and finished 7-9-2 overall. The QV coaches believe the team displayed weekly improvement.

“Our record doesn’t really speak to the talent and effort our girls put forth this season,” Loudermilk said. “We were competitive in every game, which is promising. There were several games this season that we dominated but didn’t execute. We won the games we had to, but as coaches and as a team, we would like to win some of the games we aren’t expected to. That is what we feel will really progress the program and elevate our players.

“Our biggest loss was 3-0 to (WPIAL champion) Avonworth, and they will probably go on to be state champion. The second time we played them, we were ready and held them to 0-0.

Quaker Valley’s soccer teams sat out the postseason in 2020 because of coronavirus protocols. The QV girls had advanced to the playoffs in each of the four previous years.

The Quakers’ starting lineup this season included senior co-captains Chase Kriebel (forward), Eleanor Burns (midfielder), Anna Licasto (midfielder/defender) and Clare Elste (defender); junior midfielders Nikita Venkatasamy, Keira Currier, Tia Pethel and Nora Johns; sophomore defenders Mia Strelec and Megan Campbell; plus freshmen Anna Hanley (F/M) and Mia Modrovich (M).

Junior Anjo Pagbeleguem was the starter at the goalkeeper position. She allowed only 15 goals and posted eight shutouts.

Two of the team’s reserves were Bella Benge (M/F) and Zea Juarez-Safran (F), both seniors.

Kriebel wrapped up the regular season as the team’s leading goal scorer, as the QV girls secured a 22-15 overall scoring advantage.

“I am very proud and happy with our team’s performance this year,” Kriebel said. “We proved our potential to many other teams and to ourselves. The environment our new co-head coaches and assistants have created is different from previous years. We all learned how to play together. I’m proud of every player on my team. We knew when we needed to be tough and when to step things up. I want to give a huge shout-out to our coaches for making us tough.”

“I am sad to leave this group of girls. I think we all got close this year and created a great chemistry with each other that wasn’t there in previous years.”

QV should be well-stocked with talented and experience players next season thanks to 10 returning starters.

“The girls were truly a team this year, and it showed in the way they played on the field,” Behun said. “The team spirit was stronger than ever, and the transparency between coaches and players to better develop as a team helped tremendously. Accountability and playing as a unit were huge parts of our success this year. 

“Next year will be about not just controlling the game but putting the ball in the back of the net and capitalizing on opportunities. We are losing four (senior) starters. As coaches, it is always hard to lose starting players and say good-bye to your seniors. But we are confident the girls who have been working hard to earn varsity minutes will be ready to step up and fill those starting roles.”

Hanley and Modrovich are two of the younger players expected to have bigger roles on the team next season.

“It is always nice when you have freshmen come in and immediately impact the team,” Loudermilk said. “We found that in Mia Modrovich and Anna Hanley. It’s exciting because you know you have three more years with them.

“We also have players who have developed through the program and made an impact, such as Morgan Persuit and Shannon Von Kaenel. It is fun to have them as freshmen on the JV team and watch them progress and earn time on the varsity team.”

Finally, both first-year co-head coaches look forward working together at QV in the near and distant future.

“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Behun said. “We complement each other, have similar philosophies and are passionate about this team. We look forward to co-coaching for many seasons to come.

“It’s funny because we often get asked how it’s going and people seem to be waiting for a negative response. We couldn’t be happier and more proud to be doing this together.”

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 24, 2021 | 11:01 AM

The Quaker Valley girls focused firmly on one thing this soccer season.

“Our goal from the start was to make the playoffs, and the girls got that done,” said Maggie Behun, QV’s co-coach with Rachel Loudermilk. “We were able to win the games we needed to and our losses were all close and hard fought. We learned from those losses and adjusted.

“Our last section game was a tie against Avonworth, one of the strongest teams in our section. We think that shows what we’re capable of accomplishing and that we are hitting our stride at the right time.”

Quaker Valley’s girls soccer team ended up 4-5-1 in Section 1-2A, good for fourth place behind North Catholic (9-1), Avonworth (8-1-1) and Beaver (6-4).

“By going back to the basics and capitalizing on each player’s strengths, we’ve been able to execute more technical, tactical play,” Behun said. “We have seen great changes in the program thus far and look forward to participating in the playoffs. We’re ready.”

The Quakers (4-3-1) won four of eight games down the season’s home stretch and posted five shutouts during that span. They were scheduled to play No. 4 Elizabeth Forward on Tuesday.

QV’s game-day lineup has included seniors Chase Kriebel (forward), Eleanor Burns (midfielder), Anna Licasto (midfielder/defender) and Clare Elste (defender); junior midfielders Nikita Venkatasamy, Keira Currier, Tia Pethel and Nora Johns; sophomore defenders Mia Strelec and Megan Campbell; plus freshman prospects Mia Modrovich and Anna Hanley.

Junior Anjo Pagbeleguem is the starter at the goalkeeper position.

Two of the team’s reserves include midfielder/forward Bella Benge and forward Zea Juarez-Safran, both seniors.

Kriebel finished the regular season as QV’s leading goal-scorer, while Pagbeleguem was credited with eight shutouts.

“Our starting lineup changes game-by-game based on what players we have available and our opponent,” Loudermilk said. “For the playoffs, we want to take it one step at a time. We have a saying on our team: ‘Winning is fun. Let’s have fun.’ Especially with missing the playoffs last year due to covid, we’re excited to have a run this year.”

Quaker Valley’s soccer teams were absent from the WPIAL playoffs in 2020 because of coronavirus protocols. The QV girls had advanced to the postseason the previous four years.

“We encourage the girls to focus on activities on and off the pitch,” Behun said. “We’re particularly impressed with the family mentality and support the girls offer each other.

“We have had some girls really step up their play on the field this year and that has been really fun to watch. As a coaching staff we couldn’t be more pleased.”

By: Jerin Steele 
Sunday, July 18, 2021 | 9:01 AM

Former Quaker Valley girls soccer coach Jamie Birmingham knew he was going to step down at the end of last season, so he approached assistants Maggie Behun and Rachel Loudermilk and asked them if they wanted to step up into the role.

It didn’t take long for the pair to agree that if they were going to do so, it was going to be as a partnership.

“We both just looked at each other and said let’s do this together,” Loudermilk said. “We’re both very passionate about the team and passionate about soccer. Through the years we have co-coached together with the JV team, so it just seemed like a natural transition to do this together.”

Behun and Loudermilk interviewed for the job together and were recently named co-head coaches of the Quakers.

“We know it’s a unique situation to have co-head coaches, and we’re grateful that they felt strong enough with what we were bringing to the table that it was the right fit,” Behun said. 

“We’re thankful that they are going to give us this opportunity, because we really feel like with our knowledge of the girls and the program that this was the right fit at the right time. We feel we can take steps to further this team. It’s completely for them. Not for us. We’re just excited to see where we can go with them.”

Behun and Loudermilk have collaborated on a plan for every aspect of the program from how practices will run to eventually choosing the starting 11 for every match. They said their message during the interview process was that they have a “We” mentality and they’ve conveyed that to the players.

Their focus is accountability, team bonding and fitness.

They believe that if they show that they can work together in a coaching role that it will set an example for their players to use teamwork on and off the field.

“Everything will be Rachel and Maggie. Not Maggie doing something and Rachel doing something else,” Behun said. 

“We’re seeing that out in every way. For example, in any given practice or warm up, we are thinking about what will make the girls the most comfortable. If we split them up, they will always have a head coach with them. They’re always going to get constant attention to help them develop. Not in a political way at all, but our thought is that we’re two young women stepping up and making decisions together. We think that will be a good example for these young girls.”

Behun is a Quaker Valley graduate. She was an assistant with the Quakers the last eight years under the two previous head coaches, Michael Pastor and Birmingham. She met Loudermilk, a Columbus, Ohio native, through playing adult league club soccer.

They became fast friends, and when an assistant coaching position with the Quakers became available a few years ago, Behun recommended Loudermilk.

From there they coached the JV team together while also being varsity assistants.

They know the players well and said in becoming co-head coaches the relationship will alter some, but for the most part it is a seamless transition.

“It will be a little bit of a change, because an assistant’s role versus a head-coaching role, players look at you differently,” Loudermilk said. “This year they’ll know that they have the final decision makers’ eyes on them at all times even if we split the group up. I feel like that we’re always seeing that play out in pickup. The level of play has risen. They know how serious we are about them succeeding and playing together as a team.”

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, September 19, 2021 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley’s soccer teams were absent from the WPIAL playoffs last season because of coronavirus protocols.

After a covid-19 outbreak in the district last fall, QV’s athletic seasons were shut down.

The QV girls finished fourth in Section 1-2A after going 3-5-2 in league play and 3-7-2 overall. The Quakers had advanced to the playoffs the previous four years.

Jamie Birmingham stepped aside as coach after the season, leading to a unique situation for the Quakers this year.

Birmingham assistants Maggie Behun, a Quaker Valley graduate, and Rachel Loudermilk, a Columbus, Ohio, native, were hired as co-head coaches.

Together, the duo carved out its first win Sept. 8 in a 1-0 victory against Ambridge, which was followed by a 0-0 tie against West Allegheny. Through five matches, the Quakers were 1-1 in the section and 1-3-1 overall.

“We have been pleasantly surprised with the pride and poise of this year’s squad,” Behun said. “Coming off a very tough year due to the pandemic, losing the majority of our starters, a head coach change, and a not-so-ideal end to the 2020 season due to covid, the upperclassmen have come together and stepped up to the plate. They are anxious and ready to win, and we’re right there on the sideline with them.”

Quaker Valley opened the 2021 campaign with 32 girls on its roster: six seniors, 10 juniors, six sophomores and 10 freshmen.

“Our goal this season is to advance the QV girls soccer program to it’s true potential,” Loudermilk said. “We have a small senior class bringing a lot of leadership and camaraderie. Coupled with that small but mighty class, we have a good number of underclassmen who are eager to establish their role(s).

“‘Accountability, trust, respect and teamwork’ is our motto. We work hard, and we play hard.”

Forward Chase Kriebel, midfielder Eleanor Burns, midfielder/defender Anna Licastro and defender Clare Elste are senior co-captains.

Two other seniors on the team are midfielder/forward Bella Benge and forward Zea Juarez-Safran.

QV’s starting lineup early in the year included Kriebel, Burns, Licasto, Elste, junior midfielders Nikita Venkatasamy and Keira Currier, junior M/F Tia Pethel, freshmen Mia Modrovich and Anna Hanley and junior Nora Johns at midfield, sophomore defenders Mia Strelec and Megan Campbell, and junior goalkeeper Anjo Pagbeleguem. Kriebel, Elste, Johns and Pagbeleguem also were starters a year ago.

The Quakers coaches were familiar figures in the program before the 2021 season.

Behun was an assistant for eight years at QV under Michael Pastor and Birmingham. Loudermilk is in her fourth year coaching in the QV program. Both enjoyed successful playing careers.

A 2009 QV graduate, Behun was a four-year starter as a midfielder and two-time captain in high school. She then went on to play defense at The College of Wooster, but saw her career was cut short after two years because of a torn ACL.

Loudermilk was a four-year letterwinner, senior captain and an all-district selection at Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus. She played Division I soccer for four years as a midfielder at Butler.

She was named tournament MVP at the South Alabama Invitational.

Loudermilk relocated to the Sewickley area in 2016.