In the past decade, Belle Vernon Area softball has captured four WPIAL crowns. While pitching was paramount in the first three crowns, the most recent title in 2023 was bolstered by a prolific offense. A crucial cog in the Leopards’ attack was Maren Metikosh. After initially continuing her softball career at the Division I level, Metikosh is now thriving at Ashland University. She’s under the magnifying glass in this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

As a freshman at Belle Vernon Area in 2020, Metikosh had her softball season wiped out due to COVID.

The next year, she helped the Leopards go 10-10 overall, including 6-6 in section play. In the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, Belle Vernon Area fell to Burrell in the first round to conclude the season.

The following season, Metikosh emerged as one of the top players in the entire state, and her play propelled the Leps. Metikosh batted .557 with five home runs and 32 RBIs. For her effort, she was selected as the PIAA Class 4A Player of the Year. Collectively, BVA went 12-8-1, including 8-4 in the section ledger. Back in the WPIAL Class 4A postseason, the Leopards defeated New Castle, but once again came up short against Burrell, this time in the quarterfinals.

In her senior campaign, Metikosh replicated her eye-popping statistics, while also helping Belle Vernon Area reach the pinnacle. She posted a .429 average with 37 runs, 28 RBIs, and five homers. As a result, Metikosh garnered First-Team All-State honors. The Leopards achieved a mark of 19-5, including 10-2 in the section. In the playoffs, BVA knocked off West Mifflin and then stunned Elizabeth Forward to reach the title game. In a classic tilt, the Leopards edged Montour 8-7 to capture the WPIAL Class 4A Championship. The Leopards followed with a state playoff win against Trinity (Camp Hill) before losing against EF in the PIAA quarterfinals.

With her Leopards’ career concluded, Metikosh decided to continue on the diamond at Central Connecticut State University in 2024. The outfielder was limited to just three games as a freshman, hitting .667 with an RBI. The Blue Devils compiled a mark of 28-19 overall, including 15-11 in the Northeast Conference (NEC). In the conference tournament, CCSU fell against Saint Francis University, but rebounded with victories against Long Island University and Sacred Heart University before being eliminated by the Red Flash.

In the offseason, Metikosh transferred to Ashland University. She’s played in 16 games, including 13 starts, hitting .459 with eight runs and nine RBIs. To this point, the Eagles have gone 15-9, including 5-1 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC).

Maren set aside time from her schedule to answer questions about the lessons she learned during her year of DI softball, the best qualities of her longtime coach at Belle Vernon Area, and a little-known fact about her.

Q: What have been the biggest keys to your stellar batting average this season?

A: Staying consistent every at-bat is key. Having confidence in myself and reminding myself of what I am capable of doing at the plate benefits my performance.

Q: What is an underrated aspect of your game?

A: I am a sneaky, powerful hitter who has speed. I am not afraid to ball out and do it with a smile!

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for 2025?

A: With it being a fresh start with new coaches and new teammates, I want my team to have a successful season and a run for the conference championship. Individually, I want to take full advantage of the opportunities that I am given and build back my confidence. Just prove them wrong!

Q: You started your career at the Division I level at Central Connecticut State. What did you learn during your time there?

A: I learned that even in the worst situations, I was still a great teammate. I also learned that some of the negative things that you hear about college-level sports are true. When I left CCSU, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to play softball anymore.

Q: What led to your decision to transfer to Ashland?

A: I was in the transfer portal. I had several schools reach out and had a few visits. Some were more exciting than others, but when I spoke to Coach Price and visited Ashland, I knew that I would be in good hands and be close to home! I love it at Ashland; all the people here are so supportive and genuine. I am happy with my decision and having fun playing the game again.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: I am currently double majoring in business management and marketing with a minor in communication studies. I want to work in the sports industry! And if I’m lucky, for the Steelers, Pirates, or even Penguins!

Q: What has been your most challenging college course?

A: Definitely financial and managerial accounting, but I heard financial management is tough, too, and I take it next semester. So, I’ll keep you updated…

Q: Aside from softball, what has been your favorite aspect of college?

A: My favorite aspect outside of college would be my work. I have a fun and cozy on-campus job where I make smoothies and acai bowls. It doesn’t get busy, so some of my friends will come in and we will sit and do homework together while I am “working”.

Q: You played for longtime coach Tom Rodriguez at Belle Vernon Area. What has made him such a successful coach?

A: Coach Rod has been involved with sports in our area for such a long time. He is well-known and respected. He is devoted to his players and genuinely cares for their well-being. He has been the one coach who has remained in consistent contact with me through the years, and I do consider him family. Did you know he can hold a plank for 7.5 minutes? And don’t even get me started on how many pull-ups he can rep…He is a great coach!

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: I would say my fondest high school memories were winning WPIALs my senior year (2023), hitting a home run into the Dairy Queen sign at our home field, and hitting a grand slam to win sections against EF.

Q: Who was the best player you faced in high school?

A: Since I have played against EF and their team was always a challenge, I would say Lauren Vay. I looked forward to playing EF, since they are/were a competitive team full of talented players.

Q: Do you use water, a sports drink, or something else for softball?

A: I stick to water, but if I am feeling under the weather, I’ll drink Gatorade.

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

A: Tangled

Q: What is your favorite social media app?

A: Instagram

Q: What is a hidden talent you possess or a little-known fact about you?

A: A little-known fact is that I am a nerd. I have always been someone who achieves good grades. I don’t have street smarts; I am book smart. I am always determined to do my best, no matter what it is.