Aris Lamanna was one of the best goalkeepers to come through WPIAL girls soccer in recent memory. Lamanna rewrote the record books during her time at Franklin Regional, and garnered numerous accolades as a result. Now, she’s a star in net at Coastal Carolina University. Lamanna is under the microscope in this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Lamanna was a four-year letterwinner with the Panthers, beginning in her freshman year in 2020. That season, the Panthers went 11-2-1, including 10-1-1 in section play. As a result, FR qualified for the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. From there, the Panthers defeated South Fayette, but fell to Montour in the quarterfinals to conclude the season.

The next season, Lamanna emerged as one of the best keepers in Pennsylvania. She was recognized as an All-WPIAL and All-PIAA performer, as she helped guide Franklin Regional to a record of 14-4-1, including 10-1-1 in section play. Back in the Class 3A postseason, the Panthers defeated West Allegheny, but came up short against South Fayette in the quarterfinals.

In 2022, Lamanna registered 11 shutouts in net, once again garnering All-WPIAL and All-PIAA honors. The Panthers achieved a record of 11-6-2, including 7-4-1 in section action. In the WPIAL Class 3A bracket, the Panthers bested South Fayette, but lost to Mars Area in the quarterfinals.

In Lamanna’s senior campaign, she notched nine shutouts, making 119 saves. For the third year in a row, she was an All-WPIAL and All-PIAA honoree, and she also received PSCA All-State honors. The Panthers compiled a record of 11-6-1, including 8-4-0 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, Franklin Regional was edged by Montour 1-0 in double overtime in the first round to conclude the season.

Throughout her decorated career with the Panthers, Lamanna posted a 0.68 goals-against average and a save percentage of .910, compiling 31 shutouts.

After her graduation, Lamanna matriculated to Coastal Carolina University for the 2024 season. In her first season with the Chanticleers, she appeared in 13 games, including eight starts. In that action, she posted a record of 5-2-2, with a goals-against average of 1.39, a .733 save percentage, and two shutouts. Collectively, Coastal Carolina went 8-7-6, including 3-3-4 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Chanticleers qualified for the conference tournament, and defeated South Alabama before falling to Texas State in the semifinals.

This year, Lamanna has started all 13 games for Coastal Carolina, compiling a record of 3-4-6 and posting a 1.08 GAA and .759 save percentage, notching four shutouts. Thus far, the Chanticleers have gone 3-4-6, including 0-1-6 in the Sun Belt Conference.

In addition to her collegiate career, Lamanna was also a member of the Pittsburgh Riveters SC in their inaugural season in the spring and summer, although she was sidelined with injury.

Aris set aside time from her busy schedule to answer questions about her favorite road environment, her accolades at Franklin Regional, and who she’d choose to portray herself in a movie.

Q: How have you judged your performance thus far this season?

A: I’ve had some strong performances, but I also know there’s always room for improvement. I’m always focused on the details like my positioning, distribution, and decision-making under pressure. Overall, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I’m staying focused on continuing to improve every game.

Q: What is an underappreciated aspect of playing goalkeeper?

A: An underappreciated aspect of playing goalkeeper is the mental strength needed for the position. We can have long stretches of inactivity that require focus during a game. On the other side, we can have lots of shots, saves, and/or goals against, in which we need to have an instant mental reset to stay confident and ready for the next action.

Q: What were the biggest adjustments from high school to the college game?

A: I think the biggest adjustment from the high school to college game was the style and speed of play. My team plays a very modern style of soccer where we use my feet a lot to distribute and attack the other team. This meant there was a lot of pressure from the other teams' attackers running at me and I had to play quickly, so that was something I had to get used to.

Q: What team and individual objectives have you established for 2025?

A: A team goal that we have set is to make the Sun Belt Conference tournament and to become unified in our playing. Some individual goals I have are to play with a growth mindset throughout the season, make SBC Defensive Player of the Week(s), and make SBC Goalkeeper of the Year.

Q: What has been your favorite road venue you've played at collegiately?

A: My favorite road venue I've played at so far has to be the University of Louisville! The jumbotron and the field atmosphere were incredible. My parents were able to come see me play in person, too, which made it even more special.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Coastal Carolina?

A: I decided to attend Coastal Carolina University because of my coach, Jo Chubb. I wanted a coach who was committed to developing me as a player and a person, and she was the right fit for that. I have aspirations to play professionally, and gaining experience playing at CCU will help me achieve that goal, along with the support of my coaches. Not to mention, the brand-new soccer facilities were a nice touch! In addition, the campus is beautiful, and I was looking for a smaller campus with a hometown feel.

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

A: I am majoring in exercise and sport science. I want to play soccer professionally, but my backup plan is to become a sports medicine physician assistant.

Q: What are the biggest differences between Pittsburgh and South Carolina?

A: Some of the biggest differences between Pittsburgh and South Carolina are the weather and the geography. It is definitely much warmer down here and there are palm trees everywhere! It is also much flatter in South Carolina and there is a beach 20 minutes away, which I did not have in Pittsburgh.

Q: You had a terrific career at Franklin Regional, being named All-WPIAL and All-State three times. What did those honors mean to you?

A: Playing at Franklin Regional was an extremely fun and rewarding four years. Those honors mean so much to me as a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and support I received from my coaches, teammates, and family. Earning All-State and All-WPIAL three times validated the effort I put in, both on and off the field. It served as motivation to keep pushing myself to get better every day. More than anything, it reminded me that success comes from commitment, discipline, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: My fondest high school memory was winning the section title my sophomore year while playing with some of my best friends.

Q: Which team did you consider your biggest rival with the Panthers?

A: Plum would definitely be considered my biggest rival at Franklin Regional.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals for soccer?

A: I always listen to the same songs on my soccer playlist to get me ready before games.

Q: Who would you choose to portray yourself in a movie about your life?

A: I would choose Sandra Bullock because she is smart, funny, and is good at playing multiple characters.

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot, or a place you've always wanted to visit?

A: My current favorite vacation spot is Turks and Caicos, but I've always wanted to visit Paris or Greece!