Women's Soccer at Pitt Greensburg

(Photo by: S. Katzman)

 2006 Season Preview

Bobcats Hopeful for Another Successful Season

The 2006 Pitt-Greensburg Women’s Soccer Team will have many obstacles to overcome during the upcoming season.  Head Coach John Beatty will lead a team that lost five of its top players from a season ago, including four previous all-conference players.  On top of that, graduation took the program’s top two all-time leading scorers, and perhaps two of its best defensive players.  But, despite all the loss, Coach Beatty feels he has a team that by seasons end can be very good.

“This is a talented group of individuals whose success will depend on having patience with their own development.  I expect them to improve continuously over the course of the year as they gain experience,” commented Coach Beatty. 

By no means has the cupboard been left bare for the 2006 season.  The Bobcats return two all-conference players from a season ago, as well as many talented veterans.  Junior Jess Tintera (Harrison City, PA/Penn Trafford) and sophomore Briene Cole (Pittsburgh, PA/Chartiers Valley) both return after earning all-conference recognition a season ago.  Tintera is the captain of the defense, and established herself as one of the top sweepers in the conference.  Cole is a midfielder who has outstanding offensive ability, and has also become a solid defensive player. Both will be counted on to provide leadership at their positions, and both will be expected to improve on their outstanding seasons of a year ago. 

“Jessica is exhibiting the communication skills needed to reach the top level at her position.  Briene is a sparkplug on offense and is solid on defense; she is also an outstanding server on set pieces.  I look for both players to have solid seasons,” added Coach Beatty.  

Another reason for optimism is the return of junior goalkeeper Dana Huether (Jeannette, PA/Jeannette).  Huether has been a two-year starter for the Bobcats, and already has broken many of the school’s all-time marks for goalkeepers.  Huether is a rock in the net, and has established herself as one of the premiere goalkeepers in the conference.

“Dana Huether is a great leader by example, and is a stalwart in goal,” said Coach Beatty.

The forward position is in good hands as senior Ali Gray (Pittsburgh, PA/Brashear) and junior Amanda Kotvas (Verona, PA/Penn Hills) return this season.  Gray has been a steady force in each of her previous three seasons, and is a true leader for the Bobcats.  Kotvas has been one of the top scorers for the Bobcats in each of her first two seasons, and her experience around the net will be invaluable this year.

“Ali Gray has been a steady and versatile player throughout her career, and this year has stepped up as a leader, and Amanda Kotvas should again prove to be a top scorer in the AMCC,” said Coach Beatty.

Other returning starters include junior midfielder Maggie Samole (Berlin, PA/Berlin Brothersvalley) and sophomore midfielder Haley Gearhart (Apollo, PA/Kiski Area).  Both have established themselves as versatile players who are capable of playing both the inside and the outside midfield. 

The team also returns some experienced players who will look to expand their roles in 2006.  Juniors Janelle Castner (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua) and Danielle Hartner (South Park, PA/South Park) are two of those players who are expected to take on increased responsibilities in 2006. 

“Janelle Castner appears ready to excel in the defensive midfield, while Danielle Hartner has been a pleasant surprise, ascending from role player to starting forward by combining hard work with intelligence,” stated Coach Beatty.

A pair of newcomers will also provide immediate help for the Bobcats this season.  Senior Meg Gearhart (Apollo, PA/Kiski Area) will join the team this year and will provide an offensive spark.  Freshman Colleen Jumba (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin) will look to aid on the defensive end.

“Colleen Jumba will step in immediately on defense and adds an attacking dimension.  Meg Gearhart is a versatile attacker who is dangerous around the net,” added Coach Beatty.

Other members of this years team include sophomores Lisa Rendos (Slippery Rock, PA/Wilmington) and Brittany Putman (Stoystown, PA/North Star), and freshmen Kyra Elash (Mount Holly Springs, PA/Boiling Springs) and Courtney Nissley (Lancaster, PA/Hempfield)

With a small roster, Coach Beatty acknowledged that keeping the players healthy will go a long way in determining the success of the season.  However, with a talented group of players, it looks like the Bobcats could again make a run in the AMCC playoffs.

“Our initial goal is to qualify for the AMCC playoffs, and then take it from there.  We again feel we can contend for the AMCC Championship,” stated Coach Beatty. 

The women’s soccer team opens the 2006 season on Saturday, September 2, when they play Washington and Jefferson College in the opening round of the York College Tournament. 

Coach Profile

HEAD COACH - JOHN BEATTY

John Beatty begins his fifth season as Head Coach of the Bobcats for the 2006 season. His career record stands at 43-26-5 (.634 Winning Pct.).

A season ago, Beatty led the Bobcats to a 9-7-2 overall record, which was the team's fourth consecutive winning season. He also led the Bobcats to their fourth consecutive appearance in the AMCC Semi-Finals. In his initial campaign in 2002, he led UPG to an 11-6 record and was named the AMCC 'Co-Coach of the Year'.

"We have worked extremely hard to establish a solid program here at Pitt-Greensburg and feel that we are headed in the right direction," Beatty commented.

Prior to becoming the Head Women's Soccer Coach, Beatty served as a volunteer assistant coach for the UPG Men’s Soccer team in 2001. Before that, he was Head Coach of the Penn State New Kensington men's soccer club team. He has also coached junior high teams for both boys and girls for the Franklin Regional School District from 1996-1998.

A gifted teacher of the game, Beatty holds a US Soccer Federation “A” Coaching License and has more than 19 years of soccer coaching experience.

In addition to staying involved with soccer through coaching, Beatty has played for the past 16 years for Monroeville in the Masters League.

ASSISTANT COACH - MICHAEL TINTERA

Michael Tintera enters his second season as an assistant coach for the women's soccer team at Pitt-Greensburg. He is a great asset in teaching defensive play and overall soccer strategy.

Tintera is a graduate of Pitt-Greensburg, where he starred on the men's team for four seasons.  He was a four-year starter as a defender for the Bobcats, and was an integral part of the Bobcats' AMCC Championship teams of 2002 and 2004. Tintera was the AMCC's 'Newcomer of the Year' in 2001, and was named an all-conference performer in each of his four seasons at Pitt-Greensburg.  All told, Tintera is one of the most recognized and successful players in Bobcat history.

ASSISTANT COACH - KIRK ALBRECHT

Kirk Albrecht enters his third season as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Pitt Greensburg. He is responsible for coaching the goalkeepers.

Albrecht brings five seasons of high school coaching experience, including stints at McKeesport High School and most recently Norwin High School, in addition to two seasons of collegiate coaching experience.

He was also a letter-winner in soccer at Syracuse University and played club soccer in Amman, Jordan.

Roster (2006)  

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