Prior to 2022, Greater Latrobe girls soccer had never captured a playoff win. That year, the Wildcats carved their spot in program history, not only winning the first postseason game, but reaching the WPIAL semifinals and state tournament. One of the standouts on that squad was goalkeeper Sofia DeCerb, who is now the primary goalie at James Madison University. DeCerb is under the microscope in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

DeCerb cracked the varsity roster as a freshman in 2019, as she and the Wildcats struggled to a mark of 3-12-0 overall, including 2-10-0 in section play. As a result, GL failed to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

The next season, DeCerb emerged as an All-Section performer, while the Wildcats showed progress, improving to 4-5-1 overall, including 4-4-1 in section play. As a result, Greater Latrobe qualified for the WPIAL Class 4A postseason, but fell to Upper St. Clair in the opening round to conclude the campaign.

As a junior, DeCerb garnered All-Section and All-WPIAL accolades, while also being recognized on the Moe Rosensteel Player of the Year watch list. The Wildcats ascended to a record of 13-2-1 overall, including 9-0-1 in section action. As a result, the Wildcats returned to the postseason, but fell to Peters Township in the Class 4A opening round.

In 2022, however, both DeCerb and the Wildcats took the next step. The keeper replicated her honors as All-Section and All-WPIAL and the Rosensteel watch list, while she added All-State recognition. The Wildcats went 12-5-2 overall, including 10-1-1 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 3A tournament, Greater Latrobe defeated Ringgold and Thomas Jefferson before falling to Mars Area in the semifinals. The Wildcats also lost to Plum in the consolation game, but still advanced to the state playoffs. In the PIAA first round, the Cats came up short against Moon Area, concluding the historic season.

DeCerb, a two-time captain at Greater Latrobe, then matriculated to James Madison University for the 2023 campaign. However, she redshirted as the Dukes went 9-5-8 overall, including 4-1-5 in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC). In the conference tournament, JMU edged Appalachian State in overtime, and followed with a victory against South Alabama. However, the Dukes fell in overtime to Old Dominion in the SBC Final. Despite that, James Madison earned a bid in the NCAA Championship Tournament, but came up short against South Carolina in the first round.

This year, DeCerb has thrived as a redshirt freshman. She has started all 10 games, posting a goals-against-average of 1.63, with a save percentage of .704 and two shutouts. For her efforts, DeCerb was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week earlier this campaign. JMU has achieved a mark of 5-3-2, winning all three of their matches in SBC action.

Sofia set aside time from her rigorous schedule to answer questions about her development during the redshirt season, the biggest factors in the Wildcats’ success during her tenure, and to which TV show she can recite nearly every line.

Q: You've played nearly every minute in goal for James Madison so far this season. How have you evaluated your play thus far?

A: I am proud of the way I have played thus far. However, I am constantly learning and looking for ways to improve. Our nonconference schedule has challenged me to see the areas that I have excelled in and the areas I need to improve upon. I am looking forward to continuing to push myself and improve in all areas as we enter our conference play.

Q: Despite not playing in a game in 2023, how did that year help your development?

A: I was fortunate enough to have the time to train with three other amazing goalkeepers who were all very experienced, especially, Alexandra Blom, who was our fifth-year goalkeeper that now holds multiple school records. She was always so helpful guiding me with not only the physical aspects of being a goalkeeper at the collegiate level, but also the cognitive aspects.

Q: What is an underrated aspect of playing goalkeeper?

A: I think the biggest thing for me is the mental toughness. As goalkeepers, we need to stay focused and ready the whole game, even when the ball may not be near us for multiple minutes. We also have to stay confident and continue to communicate and hold a presence, even when things may not go our way. Our presence and ability to command is an extremely important factor of our game.

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

A: For the team, we definitely want to win the Sun Belt Tournament this year to get another chance at the NCAA Tournament. For myself, I want to do everything in my power to help the team get there. I also want to continue to grow and enjoy every moment.

Q: What did it mean to the program to reach the NCAA Tournament last year?

A: We were the first Sun Belt team to get an at-large bid to the Tournament. I remember watching the selection show in our hotel right before we got on a plane to leave Alabama from the Sun Belt Tournament. The energy and feeling from myself and everyone on the team is something I will never forget. We now have a goal and a standard we need to continue to strive for and uphold.

Q: What led to your decision to attend JMU?

A: I really wanted to go somewhere that was far enough from home, but close enough that I could still go home and my family could come visit fairly easily. Another big factor for me was the people. I stand by the idea that the people make a place, and I could tell this place was filled with great people. The school is also beautiful, which is a plus.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: Right now, my major is elementary education. Though, as long as I am doing something with and to help people, I think that would be an ideal profession.

Q: What has been your most challenging course thus far?

A: Geography.

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

A: Definitely my friends. I have met some of the best people here, and look forward to seeing them every day.

Q: You were a key part of the program's turnaround at Greater Latrobe. What were the factors in the Wildcats' success during your time?

A: A lot of people played a part in our success while I was there. There is a group of girls who I have grown up with and played soccer with my whole life. I think having that chemistry between us and all of us being driven to constantly grow was a huge factor in the success.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: I think any memory that I have with my high school soccer team. My teammates were and still are some of my best friends. No matter what we were doing, there was never a dull moment. Though, making program history and going to states my senior year is definitely up there.

Q: Do you use water, a sports drink, or something else when you play?

A: I am a big fan of cool blue Gatorade. There is nothing better.

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

A: My favorite show growing up was Victorious, and I think every episode is just engraved in my brain.

Q: If you woke up tomorrow with $1 million, what is the first thing you'd do?

A: I would definitely buy my mom and little sister something really nice. Then, I would plan a trip around the world and hope my friends would join me.