Since Bailey Parshall suited up for Belle Vernon Area softball a decade ago, the standard has been extremely high for the Leopards, especially in the circle. Talia Ross helped carry on that tradition of excellence at BVA, however, and has been equally successful at the college ranks. Ross, a sophomore at Lock Haven University, is featured in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

When Ross was a freshman for the Leopards in 2021, Belle Vernon Area went 10-10 overall, including 6-6 in section play. As a result, BVA qualified for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, but lost to Burrell in the first round to conclude the campaign.

The next year, Belle Vernon Area went 12-8-1, including 8-4 in the section. Back in the WPIAL Class 4A postseason, the Leopards defeated New Castle, but fell to Burrell once again, this time in the quarterfinals.

The Leopards enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, and Ross was a key component of the success. In the circle, Ross went 8-3 with one save, compiling an ERA of 2.30, issuing 33 walks while racking up 102 strikeouts. At the plate, Ross hit .283 with nine RBIs and nine runs scored. The Leopards achieved a record of 19-5, including 10-2 in the section. In the playoffs, the Leopards defeated West Mifflin Area, and then upset Elizabeth Forward to reach the WPIAL Class 4A Championship. Playing at Lilley Field at California University of Pennsylvania, Belle Vernon edged Montour 8-7 to capture the district title. The Leopards proceeded into the PIAA playoffs, and knocked off Trinity (Camp Hill) before losing to Elizabeth Forward in the state quarterfinals.

In Ross’s senior campaign in 2024, she and the Leopards were off to a scorching start before she suffered a season-ending injury. In limited action, Ross went 5-0 with an ERA of 0.42 in 33 innings, with seven walks and 67 strikeouts, including a record-tying 20-strikeout game. In total, the Leopards compiled a mark of 13-7, including 8-4 in section action. Back in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, BVA fell to Blackhawk in the opening round.

After her graduation, Ross continued her softball career at Lock Haven University.

She joined the Bald Eagles as a pitcher in 2025, and immediately became a key part of the rotation. As a freshman, she appeared in 23 contests, all starts, going 8-11 with one save. She amassed an ERA of 4.68 in 104.2 innings, issuing 35 walks and compiling 87 strikeouts. The Bald Eagles went 15-27 overall, including 9-23 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Division, failing to qualify for the postseason tournament.

This year, Ross ascended to one of the best pitchers in the PSAC East, as she appeared in 29 games, including 23 starts, registering a record of 16-8 with a pair of saves. In 137 innings, she produced a 2.66 ERA with 45 walks and 167 strikeouts. The Bald Eagles enjoyed a resurgent season, going 29-21 overall, including 17-15 in the PSAC East. However, Lock Haven narrowly missed out on both the PSAC Tournament and the Atlantic Regional.

With her sophomore season in the rear view, Talia took time to answer questions about the biggest adjustments from high school to college softball, how she overcame serious injury, and the batter she’d most like to face.

Q: You emerged as one of the top pitchers in the PSAC this season. What were the biggest keys to that success?

A: My success this season came from staying consistent in every aspect of my routine. I made it a priority to take care of myself, stay disciplined in the gym, and focus on the small details like my spin so it would translate in-game. That consistency helped me stay confident and ready to compete at a high level throughout the season.

Q: What pitches do you throw, and which do you consider your "out pitch"?

A: I throw a few different pitches, but I’d say a curveball is my favorite.

Q: What was the biggest adjustment from high school to college softball?

A: The biggest adjustment from high school to college softball was the level of consistency. At this level, everyone is talented, so it comes down to staying focused, handling pressure, and showing up ready to compete every pitch.

Q: What team and individual goals did you achieve this season compared to your preseason expectations?

A: A big goal of mine this season was to focus on being better than I was the day before and simply doing my job for the team. It was a fresh, healthy start, and being surrounded by such a talented group pushed me to stay consistent and give my best every day. That mindset helped me grow individually while contributing to the team’s success.

Q: You are the only WPIAL player on the roster this season. Was it a challenge to acclimate with teammates who you likely hadn't known prior to Lock Haven?

A: Coming to Lock Haven quickly felt like a second home. Even though I didn’t know most of them beforehand, the welcoming environment and strong team culture made the transition smooth and allowed me to build amazing friendships right away.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Lock Haven?

A: I chose Lock Haven because of the culture rooted in accountability, discipline, and a genuine commitment to excellence. It’s a program where everyone is held to a high standard, and has a competitive, team-first mindset. On top of that, the smaller campus environment makes it easier to build strong relationships

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: My major is business finance and, ideally, I would like to be a financial advisor for companies.

Q: What has been your most challenging college course?

A: Financial accounting

Q: You suffered a significant injury during your senior season at Belle Vernon. How did you handle and overcome that adversity?

A: I handled it by trusting the process and continuing to work, even when it was difficult. I tried to embrace the struggles or bad days and used them to become better.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory at BVA?

A: Winning the WPIAL championship my junior year and celebrating with my teammates.

Q: You played for legendary head coach Tom Rodriguez. What did you like most about him?

A: What stood out most about Coach Rodriguez was his commitment to the program. He invests an incredible amount of time and energy into the team.

Q: If you could face one player, past or present, for one at-bat, who would you choose? What would be the outcome?

A: If I could face one player for an at-bat, it would be my current teammate Blaire Balestrini. She’s very competitive in the box, and I always enjoy the opportunity to compete beside her. I think it would be a great matchup, and no matter the outcome, it would be a fun and competitive at bat.

Q: To which movie or TV show can you recite nearly every line?

A: The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Q: What is your favorite social media app? Why?

A: Instagram because it has a good mix of everything.

Q: What is the best advice you ever received?

A: The best advice I’ve ever received is to focus on improving every day and being better than I was the day before.