Shouting from the front row, senior Mason Riley cheers on West football. Riley has been attending football games, among others, at West for four years. “My favorite thing about sports at West is when everyone comes together to be one family and team, and the community atmosphere that the school brings together,” Riley said.
Shouting from the front row, senior Mason Riley cheers on West football. Riley has been attending football games, among others, at West for four years. “My favorite thing about sports at West is when everyone comes together to be one family and team, and the community atmosphere that the school brings together,” Riley said.
Abbi Vanvalkenburgh

Athletes to watch in the 2024-2025 season

There is no doubt that there are many talented athletes here at West, but four unique students will certainly stand out in the 2024-25 school year. The everyday grind of practice, getting home later and added stress can make it tough to be an athlete. But these students overcame all of these challenges and will be standout stars next year.

Junior Siena Snyder throws a softball before a game.  Snyder has played Varsity Softball for Parkway West throughout her whole high school tenure.  “I am very excited to play next year and get another shot at state,” Snyder said.
Junior Siena Snyder

A star softball player, junior Siena Snyder, has been a part of girls’ varsity softball for the past three years. She consistently hits the ball with power and was a huge reason behind the team’s venture to state in 2023.

“I’m excited to work off our great 2023 season because I think last season will motivate us to get to state again,” Snyder said. 

More recently, Snyder has committed to play Division I softball at Ohio State University. Snyder will certainly have a huge season this year and help the girls make a run to state again.  

“Softball has really meant a lot to me because it has given me some of my best friends and memories for life,” Snyder said.

Junior Siena Snyder throws a softball before a game. Snyder has played Varsity Softball for Parkway West throughout her whole high school tenure. “I am very excited to play next year and get another shot at state,” Snyder said. (Taylor Faintich)
Junior Tyler (Ty) Keuhl analyzes the defense before making his move. Keuhl has been in the Longhorn Basketball Program his entire time in highschool and has started on each team he has been on. “If we play together as a team, then we will have a lot of success,” Keuhl said.
Junior Tyler Kuehl

Junior Tyler “Ty” Kuehl has started every game for boys varsity basketball this season after starting for the JV and freshman teams in years before. As a knockdown shooter, Kuehl shines in his role and puts a lot of stress on opposing teams. 

“My love for basketball started whenever my brother and I battled in the driveway when we were younger, and me being a competitive kid, I always wanted to play again and again to try and beat him.  Now, I love basketball because it’s an outlet for any stress I am having. I can just pick up a ball and be in a different world,” Kuehl said.  

Parkway West is in the middle of a good season with great wins against teams such as Rockwood Summit, Parkway South and Parkway North. Look for Kuehl to have an excellent season in 2024, and come out and watch games while the season continues.

“I think our team is going to come together and battle, no matter what team we play. Our team chemistry is better than the majority of the teams we play,” Kuehl said. 

Junior Tyler (Ty) Keuhl analyzes the defense before making his move. Keuhl has been in the Longhorn Basketball Program his entire time in highschool and has started on each team he has been on. “If we play together as a team, then we will have a lot of success,” Keuhl said. (Alli VanValkenburgh)
Laser focused, sophomore Brett Ottensmeyer looks for an open receiver. Ottensmeyer has been Wests second-string varsity quarterback for two years. Its really fun being on a team and spending a lot of time with the guys, Ottensmeyer said.
Sophomore Brett Ottensmeyer

Sophomore Brett Ottensmeyer has been patiently waiting his turn to take up the reins as the Parkway West starting quarterback. Ottensmeyer has played in varsity games before but has never started a full game. 

“I’m really looking forward to throwing touchdowns and winning games. My favorite part about playing football is throwing it; I just love slinging the rock,” Ottensmeyer said. 

With a very talented senior class graduating, it is his time to lead the team to more wins. Come out to the Friday night lights to support the team, and watch Ottensmeyer throw some touchdowns.

“I love football because it’s fun to be on the team with all [of] my friends and win with them,” Ottensmeyer said.

Laser focused, sophomore Brett Ottensmeyer looks for an open receiver. Ottensmeyer has been West’s second-string varsity quarterback for two years. “It’s really fun being on a team and spending a lot of time with the guys,” Ottensmeyer said. (Shea O’Connell)
Beginning her approach to the ball, Sophomore Kate Hardy takes a free kick. Hardy plays varsity soccer for West and started for the Longhorns last year. “I’m excited about spending more time with my teammates and getting closer with my friends this season,” Hardy said.
Sophomore Kate Hardy

Sophomore Kate Hardy is a defender for girls’ soccer. Hardy started varsity her first year on the team and was a standout player and key component to the team. 

“I’ve grown up playing soccer. Both my sisters and my dad played soccer when they were younger, so I’ve always followed in their footsteps,” Hardy said. 

Hardy’s positive attitude and competitive spirit propel her and her teammates to success. Even when the team struggled, she would always keep trying.

“I have played ever since I was a kid, and it gave me a lot of friends and great experiences. I have really always loved soccer,” Hardy said.

Beginning her approach to the ball, Sophomore Kate Hardy takes a free kick. Hardy plays varsity soccer for West and started for the Longhorns last year. “I’m excited about spending more time with my teammates and getting closer with my friends this season,” Hardy said. (Matthew Thomas)
View Comments (1)
About the Contributors
Owen Ulmer
Owen Ulmer, Staff Writer
Pronouns: he/him Grade: 10 Years on staff: 2 What is your favorite piece of literature? "Harry Potter." Who is your hero? Michael Scott. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza.
Matthew Thomas
Matthew Thomas, Staff Writer
Pronouns: he/him Grade: 10 Years on staff: 2 What is your favorite piece of literature? "Charlotte's Web" Who is your hero? Peter Dinklage. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza.
Abbi Vanvalkenburgh
Abbi Vanvalkenburgh, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
Pronouns: she/her Grade: 12 Years on staff: 4 What is your favorite piece of literature? "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Who is your hero? My mom, she does so much for me and our family, and I look up to her a lot. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? I would eat pasta with olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh parmesan cheese.
Donate to Pathfinder
$190
$800
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Parkway West High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

Donate to Pathfinder
$190
$800
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (1)

Please use your own name and keep your comments respectful!
All Pathfinder Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • W

    Will GonsiorFeb 7, 2024 at 9:16 am

    OH AITCH!!!!

    Reply