Kyle Thomas

Steel Valley

Last week: Thomas, a forward on the soccer team, had three goals in a 7-0 victory Tuesday against South Allegheny. He had one in a 2-0 victory Monday against Keystone Oaks.

Check this out: Thomas, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior, is the WPIAL's fourth-leading scorer with 26 goals. Thomas did not play soccer last year but has helped Steel Valley to a 12-0-1 record this season. He was a starter on the basketball team and has been a four-year varsity member in baseball. A pitcher-first baseman, he has made a verbal commitment to play baseball at the University of Delaware.

Is it tough to be a three-sport athlete these days, and why? It is tough because you miss a lot of social events with your friends. But those are just the sacrifices you have to make.

You never played football? I did in eighth grade. But the third game of the season, I made a tackle and broke my right elbow. The fun of that sport kind of died right there.

Who is the best athlete in all of sports? I'd have to go with Tiger Woods or Roger Federer. I'm not really a golf watcher, but it's always fun to see Tiger play. With Federer, it's always fun to see someone hit a tennis ball 140 mph.

People might be surprised to know ... I'm very shy and not really an outgoing kind of person.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully with a job, and hopefully still playing baseball.

-- By Mike White

Cate Stewart

Quaker Valley

Last week: A left-hander, Stewart defeated Kimmy Borza of Beaver, 6-2, 6-0, Friday at Shady Side Academy to win a third consecutive WPIAL Class AA girls' singles title. She lost in the PIAA final to Wyomissing's Martha Blakely the past two years.

Check this out: Stewart, a senior, attended Shady Side Academy as a freshman before transferring. One of her teammates there was Lauren Greco, who won the AAA crown Friday. They play together in USTA tournaments during the summer. Stewart, a top-notch student, hopes to play at Brown University.

Did one title mean more than the others? I think the first one was the hardest. But this one finished it off. Three in a row feels good.

How did it feel finishing second in the state twice? I hate getting second. It feels more like "first loser." I'd rather be last.

Any superstitions? I always have to use a black scorecard. I feel like I'm going to lose if I use a red scorecard.

If not tennis, what would you do outside of school? I would definitely spend a lot of time with my friends and probably do some volunteer work in the community. I like to ski for fun.

People might be surprised to know ... I play the piano. I really like techno-music.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully living in a big city, around lot of people and still playing tennis.

-- By Rick Shrum