By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 9, 2022 | 11:01 AM

Both have been involved in Quaker Valley soccer since their freshman season.

Both have developed into accomplished high school athletes.

They are vocal and determined but also can be humorous and quick-witted at times.

The brother-sister duo of Isaac and Grace Waller are goalkeepers on the QV boys and girls soccer teams.

Isaac Waller, 18, is a senior and third-year starter who has sparked the Quakers to 10-2 record and No. 1 spot in 2A in the Trib HSSN WPIAL boys soccer rankings.

“He has started in some capacity for three years,” QV boys coach J.J. Veshio said. “He had some injuries that impacted his role, but he’s been a mainstay since he was a sophomore.

“Isaac has been excellent for us this season. His calm demeanor and ability to control his goalkeeper box is a big help to the team. He is very vocal and does a great job in organizing the defense.”

Grace Waller, a 16-year-old junior, has played soccer at QV since her freshman season. After two years of JV competition, she has taken over as the varsity starter this year.

“Grace has improved so much since her freshman year,” said Maggie Behun, who shares the coaching duties of the QV girls program with Rachel Loudermilk. “Grace is an incredibly enthusiastic player. She is vocal, determined and super-fast.

“It is just as important for goalkeepers to be as fit as the players on the field. Grace is just that and some. She is intense. She has much to offer, and we’re excited to see her excel in the coming years.”

The QV girls won four of their last five games in October, including via three shutouts, to improve to 5-4 overall.

“Our season has gone very well,” Grace said. “With our struggles with teammates getting hurt near the start of the season, we were able to jump back and adjust through it. We have grown greatly together as a team, and our goals are set high. I’m proud with how our team has done, and I’m excited to see how far we get this year.

“I’ve improved more than I expected this season. I think the keys to being a great goalkeeper are to perform at your highest, reach for every ball, have a strong mental game and communicate with your team.”

The 5-foot-4 keeper is supported by a defense that includes senior Nora Johns, juniors Mia Strelec and Megan Campbell, sophomore Mia Modrovich and freshmen Emma Currier and Lucy Roig. Strelec and Johns are the anchors on defense.

Through 12 games, Isaac Waller had allowed only four goals and posted eight shutouts while the Quakers amassed 53 goals on the offensive end. He had a 0.40 goals-against average.

“My brother has been amazing this season,” Grace said.

For his career, which includes one game as a freshman, the 5-11 keeper surrendered 15 goals and compiled a 0.56 GAA. Through Oct. 4, the Quakers had lost only three times with Waller in the net. He had a 26-3-1 career record that included 20 shutouts.

“Isaac is the exact type of person you want as a goalkeeper,” Veshio said. “He’s very focused and a great leader but also a little off-the-wall at times and brings some humor and levity to the group at just the right moments.

“He is wonderful to have on the team because he brings a unique outlook to the game and helps create a positive environment.”

Waller also has juggled his fall schedule to include kicking for the QV football team.

“This season has been a whirlwind,” he said, “but I’ve been relishing every moment of it as this is my only full year of soccer since my freshman year. I’m proud of my stats, but my goal is to leave my mark on this program. There is still much more to come.”

Waller is flanked by a stout defensive corps consisting of senior mainstays Colin Wood and Spencer Wiehe, junior Kiril Grin, a former midfielder, and sophomore Andrew Veshio.

“Our defensive unit is an impenetrable wall with a steel gate,” Waller said. “My four center backs — Colin, Spencer, Kiril and Andrew — have all been vital to our defense. Other players that drop back and also execute notably well on defense are Carter Turk, Ben Henry and Jack Karwoski.

Through 10 games, Grace Waller had allowed 17 goals and had three shutouts. Her teammates had scored 16 goals.

“Grace earned the starting JV goalkeeper position as a freshman but still had a lot to learn,” Loudermilk said. “Her sophomore year, it was like a whole new player had showed up. Grace and our starting varsity goalkeeper at the time, Anjo Pagbeleguem, formed a special bond and Anjo really took Grace under her wing.

“Additionally, we brought Jessica Gresko on as a goalkeeper coach. With Jess, Grace continued to make improvements. Grace took the initiative to join FC Pittsburgh, a local club soccer team where she spent all winter and spring training.”

The Quakers’ co-field bosses marveled at the improvement displayed by Waller this season.

“She had started to excel as a goalkeeper,” Loudermilk said. “but we were still anticipating she would be our backup for varsity. That all changed quickly. During preseason, our starting keeper Anjo, who is a senior, had a season-ending injury. We turned to Grace to step up and fill that role. We had seen improvements in Grace’s game, but until this point, she had only played in one varsity game.

“Now, we can honestly say that Grace has blown us away. She has turned into a leader, using her voice to direct the defense and encourage her teammates. And when it comes to saves, she owns the net. There are times at practice that someone shoots the ball and as a coach you think, ‘That’s a goal,’ and out of nowhere Grace makes the save. We can wholeheartedly say that Grace was not handed the starting varsity keeper position but has truly earned it.”

Her brother added, “Grace is a new goalkeeper and is increasing in skill at an impressive rate. She’s strong on the ball and is good at being positive.”

The older Waller sibling has played soccer his entire life. He said he started playing when he was first able to walk, participating in local games and just enjoying being on the pitch.

“Middle school is when I decided to become a goalkeeper,” Isaac said, “as I loved the thought of being able to direct and watch my teammates play almost as the backbone of the team. I went through my life in soccer not really getting serious about it until my freshman year when I played under coach (Andrew) Marshall.

“After seeing the 2019 team win states, it planted a seed in me, a burning desire to achieve a higher level in my play.”

As much as that desire existed, so did, it seemed, an unfortunate rash of injuries.

“As a goalkeeper, you have to have strong mental fortitude,” said Isaac, who competes in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds academy program in the offseason. “The keys to this are a positive growth mindset and to have passion and drive. Keep holding onto your goals and desires in the sport.”

Like her brother, Grace also has been participating in soccer for most of her life.

“I’ve been a goalkeeper since I was little,” Grace said. “The biggest influences in my career have been those who’ve taught me what I know about soccer today — past keepers, college coaches and my coaches at Quaker Valley and FCP. My friends, family and the community have also been big influences, cheering me on throughout my seasons.”

Big brother echoed his sister.

“My influences as a goalkeeper are countless,” he said, “as there are more people that have helped me with my soccer career than I would have ever thought. From coaches to peers, I have been blessed with so many people that helped me develop.”

When he’s not on the pitch, Isaac operates his lawn care business in Sewickley.

“I make money to buy soccer equipment,” he said.“I want soccer to be a part of my college journey.”

Grace competes for the FC Pittsburgh club program in the offseason.

“I love to ski during the winter and I love to hike,” she said.

Added Loudermilk: “J.J. Vescio helped out with goalkeeper training for the girls program during Grace’s freshman year. So both Waller goalies have been lucky enough to be trained by him.”

QV racks up goals

Quaker Valley’s boys team posted a 9-0 record in Section 4-2A through Oct. 4, outscoring the opposition by a commanding 52-2 margin in league play.

“The team is doing quite well,” coach Veshio said. “We are on the right path moving towards the playoffs and have three good nonsection games (Sewickley Academy, Moon, West Allegheny) in the next few weeks to prep us for the playoffs.”

The Quakers are scheduled to close out their section schedule against Hopewell (Oct. 11) and Ellwood City (Oct. 13).

“This season has been a blast,” Waller said. “Everyone on this team came with something to prove and an expectation to exceed.

“From us defeating Lebo to defeating Wilson for the first time since 1996, this group has exceeded what people thought would become of the boys soccer team after losing last year’s (senior) class.”

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 16, 2022 | 11:01 AM

Isaac Waller, who will graduate in the spring, has been surrounded by a dogged defensive corps in 2022.

The starters on defense are seniors Colin Wood and Spencer Wiehe, junior Kiril Grin and sophomore Andrew Veshio.

“I’m also extremely optimistic about the defense in the near future,” Waller said, “as many younger players have stepped up to keep our back line competitive and consistent.”

Top defenders on the QV girls team include senior Nora Johns, sophomore Mia Modrovich, juniors Mia Strelec and Megan Campbell and freshmen Emma Currier and Lucy Roig.

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 16, 2022 | 11:01 AM

Goalkeeping has been a focal point on the Quaker Valley girls soccer team, especially since senior Anjo Pagbeleguem is sitting out the season with an injury.

The Quakers’ starting goalkeeper in 2022 is 5-foot-4 junior Grace Waller.

“Our goalkeepers always seem to form a special bond,” coach Maggie Behun said. “It just seems to naturally happen that the upperclassman keeper takes the younger, upcoming keeper under her wing.

“Grace is paying it forward and has really stepped up as a leader this year doing just that for Clara Herrman, our freshman JV starting keeper. Grace runs Clara through her keeper warm-up before each JV game, getting Clara pumped and ready to play and offers advice and coaching during practice.”

QV co-head coach Rachel Loudermilk said Waller has progressed significantly since her freshman season.

“It has been fun watching her grow these past three years as a player and as a person,” Loudermilk said. “Grace has a fun, quirky personality that can always make us crack a smile.

“Ironically, she is a goalkeeper who loves to run. As a team, we do a running game where the objective is to catch the team in front of you. Grace is honestly the best at this game and all the players want her on their team. She sets her eyes on the person in front of her and just goes full force, always closing in on them, and earning the nickname ‘El Tigre.’”

Grace’s older brother, Isaac Waller, a senior goalkeeper on the QV boys soccer team, also has picked up a moniker. He’s known as Isaac “Stone” Waller.

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, November 13, 2022 | 11:01 AM

The Quaker Valley girls soccer team did not advance to the playoffs, but it did end the season on a winning note.

Thanks to senior Nora Johns’ goal late in the game, the Quakers slipped past Blackhawk, 1-0, on Oct. 19 to close out the season with a 7-8-1 record.

Johns, a three-sport standout, was assisted on the winning play by senior captain Tia Pethel.

“Nora Johns is the type of player who never stops working hard,” said Rachel Loudermilk, who coaches the team along with Maggie Behun. “She spent most of the season playing defense, but we knew with her speed she was capable of beating our opponent’s back line and scoring goals. In this game and all of our games, Nora never backed down or slowed down.”

Johns is a versatile three-sport athlete at QV, competing in soccer, basketball and track.

“Nora stands out on the field because of her speed and versatility as a player, which is what helps her make an immediate impact on the field,” Behun said. “Whether she was keeping the other team from being dangerous in our defensive end or creating opportunities in the offense, Nora was a force to be reckoned with.

“She is tough and plays with her heart. She letters in three sports, which benefits her on the pitch. That is what led her to our game-winning goal.”

In their final five games, the Quakers won two by shutout, lost twice by 1-0 scores and finished in a 0-0 tie with Beaver.

Modrovich honored

Mia Modrovich, a sophomore defender at Quaker Valley, was chosen to the All-WPIAL girls soccer team.

Ethan Morrison

Special to the Times

10/10/22

Girls Soccer

Tia Pethel, Quaker Valley

The Quakers had a rough start to the week as they fell to Hopewell on Wednesday by a final score of 5-0. But Pethel and Quaker Valley bounced back a day later as she netted two of her team's three goals in a 3-0 win over Ambridge on Thursday.

With deep senior class, Quaker Valley girls soccer in position for successful season

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, August 14, 2022 | 11:01 AM

Maggie Behun and Rachel Loudermilk are soccer aficionados.

Both are back again as co-head coaches of the Quaker Valley girls soccer program this season. Behun is in her ninth year as field boss; Loudermilk joined her on the sideline five years ago.

The QV coaches are excited for their team’s chances in 2022 as they welcomed nine returning starters to preseason practice.

“Our goal this season is to win,” Behun said. “We would like to have another shot in the playoffs and progress further than we did last season. We hope to better showcase what this group of girls has to offer and leave it out there on the field.

“We have a larger senior class than we have had in the past. This particular class brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team. They are close-knit and have been patiently waiting for years to establish their role as leaders for this QV squad.”

The Quakers ended up 4-5-1 in Section 1-2A last season, good for fourth place behind North Catholic (9-1), Avonworth (8-1-1) and Beaver (6-4).

QV edged Elizabeth Forward, 2-1, in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs before losing a 1-0 decision to Shady Side Academy in the quarterfinal round.

Returning starters include senior goalkeeper Anjo Pagbeleguem, senior midfielders Nora Johns, Nikita Venkatasamy, Keira Currier and Tia Pethel, junior defenders Megan Campbell and Mia Strelec and sophomore center back Mia Modrovich.

“We are excited to have Keira Currier returning to the starting lineup.” Loudermilk said. “She experienced an injury toward the end of last season and was not able to be on the field for our playoff run. She brings a lot of energy, dedication and leadership.

“Anjo Pagbeleguem and Mia Modrovich are our two players who received all-section accolades, in addition to team MVPs. Anjo is a solid force in the back as our keeper and we look to her to set the tone for the team, while Mia has solidified herself as one of our top younger players. We are looking to Mia to continue to raise our level of play, helping us compete with the top teams in our section.”

Modrovich is hoping the Quakers storm through the regular season and playoffs and advance to the WPIAL championship round.

“My expectation as a team would be to advance to the WPIAL finals,” Modrovich said. “Last year, we were able to make it to the second round of playoffs, but this year I expect us to make it even further. I feel like our team strength is our chemistry on and off the field. We are very team oriented and play for one another and I think that was a key part in all of our success last season.

“I am very excited for the upcoming season, and I think all the work our team is putting in during the offseason is really going to pay off.”

Modrovich started playing soccer when she was 5 and joined her first cup team at age 7. She also used to compete in basketball and track but upon entering high school she decided to make soccer her main priority along with academics.

“A personal goal of mine is to make the All-WPIAL team,” Modrovich said, “as well as put a few in the back of the net. Last year as a freshman, I was rather quiet both on and off the field. But this year I’d like to challenge myself to be more of vocal leader.

“I started out playing center mid last season then about halfway into the season, I moved to center back where I finished out the year. This year, I expect to be playing center back, but I am comfortable and willing to play anywhere that’s beneficial for the team.”

Currier is a three-sport athlete at Quaker Valley. She competes in soccer, swimming and track and has earned seven varsity letters (three for soccer, two for swimming and track).

She believes the girls soccer team can make a strong playoff run this season.

“I have pretty high expectations,” Currier said. “We have a lot of talent coming up from younger classes as well as some more seasoned players with the opportunity to step into leadership positions. My class gets along really well, so I think we’ll be able to maintain a good atmosphere on the team.

“One of our biggest strengths has always been playing as a team. We play the best when we’re working together, and I think that as we get into the preseason, we’re going to see that build back up. We have a really great group with a lot of hard workers and I can’t wait to see how we grow as a team. Maggie and Rachel lead us super well and I’m looking forward to their ideas for the team this year.”

Currier, who has played soccer for 13 years, will be a center midfielder for the Quakers this season.

“My personal goal is to be a strong player in the center midfield,” she said. “Last year, I played outside mid for most of the season, and while I love that position, being in the center gives a lot more opportunity to be in control of the play. Of course, I’ll be happy to play wherever will best benefit the team.

“Another goal is to get some time on the field with my younger sister Emma, an upcoming freshman who plays outside midfield or outside back. We haven’t gotten to play on the same team virtually ever, so that’s pretty exciting.”

Currier’s cumulative GPA is 4.70 (weighted). She plans to major in biology on the premed track in college.

The QV girls have been working on the basics in preparation for the regular season and use the preseason as a tryout session for this year’s team.

“We wholeheartedly agree that the focus for preseason is team bonding, fitness and developing each player’s game,” Behun said. “Losing the seniors from the previous year and welcoming in the new freshman class is like having a new team each year. Everyone starts on an even playing field.

“We use preseason as a chance for returning players to prove themselves and incoming players to show us what they’ve got. It is a fun and intense time to see which players are going to emerge as our impact players. We’re always looking for girls to step up into the starting lineup. Nothing is ever set in stone. We’re anxious to see who worked in the offseason hard enough to earn a starting spot.”

The Quakers had the opportunity to participate in the South Fayette futsal tournament earlier this year.

“The girls played great,” Behun said. “We won games against bigger schools with lots of talent, which was exciting for us as coaches to see.

“Most recently, seventeen of our players attended Edinboro University’s soccer camp. The girls who went had a great time and said it was a great experience for bringing the team together. We hope we can carry their enthusiasm coming from the camp into the start of the season.”

Quaker Valley is a member of Section 2-2A along with Ambridge, Avonworth, Beaver, Central Valley, Hopewell and North Catholic.

There are 26 teams this year in the WPIAL Class 2A division.

“We are in one of the toughest sections in the state, having two teams, Avonworth and North Catholic, that both made a run for the state title in 2021,” Loudermilk said. “We added Central Valley to our section, which raises the level of competition and makes the playoff spots even more coveted.

“Every section game will be a fight for a playoff spot, but we like it that way. It makes the season that much more intense and meaningful when every game matters.”

Quaker Valley ended up 7-9-2 last season and outscored the opposition 23-16. Pagbeleguem was credited with eight shutouts and allowed just one goal in eight other games.

“We’re excited to see what this season brings and how the seniors drive their teammates to having a memorable season,” Behun said. “As always, ‘accountability, trust, respect and teamwork’ is our motto. We work hard and we play hard.”

QV 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.