Although Ligonier Valley returned to the WPIAL just a handful of years ago, very few WPIAL programs can rival the pitching tradition of the Rams dating back more than a decade. One of the most recent pitching prodigies at Ligonier Valley was Cheyenne Piper. Piper proved that she could be just as successful at the college ranks, making an immediate impact at Westminster College. Now a sophomore with the Titans, Piper is in the spotlight for this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Although Piper wasn’t immediately thrust into a prominent role in the circle, she contributed to an incredible season with Ligonier Valley as a freshman in 2021. That year, the Rams went 22-3 overall, including a perfect 11-0 in section play. In the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs, the Rams were the top seed, and defeated California Area and Neshannock. However, the Rams fell to Shenango in the semifinals. They rebounded with a triumph against Frazier in the consolation round, though, securing a spot in the state postseason. From there, LV defeated Sharpsville, Chestnut Ridge, and Union City, reaching the PIAA Class 2A Championship. Playing for gold at Penn State University, the Rams suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in nine innings to Line Mountain.

The next year, the Rams went 14-4, including 12-0 in the section. However, Ligonier Valley was upset by Bentworth in the opening round of the WPIAL 2A playoffs to end the campaign.

In her junior season in 2023, Piper emerged as the top pitcher for the Rams, as she compiled a 1.36 ERA and racked up 194 strikeouts in 113.1 innings. She helped LV achieve a record of 9-8 overall, including 6-4 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, Ligonier Valley defeated Hopewell, but fell to Waynesburg Central in the quarterfinals.

As a senior, Piper established herself as one of the best pitchers in the state. She posted a mark of 16-7 in the circle, registering a 1.08 ERA in 149.2 innings, with 15 walks and 252 strikeouts. She also produced nine RBIs at the plate. Her incredible campaign helped LV achieve a mark of 16-7, including 8-2 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 3A bracket, the Rams defeated Keystone Oaks and Ellwood City, with Piper throwing a perfect game and a no-hitter, respectively, in those triumphs. The Rams fell to South Park in the semifinals, but responded with a win against Avonworth in the consolation. In the PIAA Class 3A playoffs, LV fell to Forest Hills in the first round.

Following her decorated career at Ligonier Valley, Piper matriculated to Westminster College, and wasted no time in making an impact in the circle with the Titans.

As a freshman last year, Piper went 17-6 with an ERA of 1.71 in 147 innings, issuing 35 walks while racking up 168 strikeouts. She also saw time as a hitter, posting a .235 average with seven runs scored and an RBI. For her performance, Piper was recognized as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Pitcher of the Year, PAC Newcomer of the Year, and First-Team All-PAC. Collectively, the Titans went 28-13, including 14-6 in the PAC. In the conference tournament, Westminster notched a victory against Thiel College, and then defeated Grove City College twice to claim the PAC Championship for the third time in program history. Piper threw shutouts in all three contests. In the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, the Titans were ousted by Salisbury University and Pfeiffer University to end the season.

This season, Piper has continued to thrive, posting a record of 14-3 with an ERA of 1.85 in 113.2 innings of work, with 19 walks and 139 strikeouts. Earlier this week, Piper tossed a perfect game in a six-inning victory against Thiel College. To this point, the Titans are 25-9, including 17-3 in the PAC.

Cheyenne took time from her schedule to answer questions about her seamless transition to college softball, her reaction to the retirement of her high school coach, and a hidden talent she possesses.

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

A: I feel like I have done well, and I plan to keep doing my best for the rest of the season.

Q: You were honored as the best pitcher in the PAC last year as a freshman. What were the biggest keys to making a quick transition to the college game?

A: I would say that the key to making the transition into collegiate sports is holding yourself accountable and making goals that seem crazy at first. If you aim small, you miss small, and working toward that crazy goal will set you up for success.

Q: You had the chance to take several at-bats last season. How much time do you dedicate to working on your hitting skills?

A: I hit in practice just as much as anyone on the team. It’s a skill I can’t lose because you never know when you’re needed.

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

A: Our team aims to take the season game by game and put our best competition forward to make the PAC tournament. Then once we get to the postseason, we reset our goals and aim to keep winning. As for individual goals, increase accuracy and spin on the pitches I already have, and put work in in the weight room to get stronger.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Westminster?

A: Westminster coaches recruited me and I came on a visit. It was the only school I looked at or considered.

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

A: My major is environmental science with a Spanish and data analytics minor. I plan to work in stream and/or marine ecosystems as a part of conservation or research.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable college course?

A: I don’t think I have a favorite course so far, but Marine Biology, Beekeeping, and Ornithology have been the most intriguing to me.

Q: You played for longtime head coach Mark Zimmerman at Ligonier Valley. What was your reaction to his retirement?

A: He was an incredible coach and deserves the best. He was one of the coaches who brought me to the next level and pushed me to become the best player I could be. His retirement doesn’t end the legacy he left on the entirety of Ligonier Valley baseball and softball.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: Working to get to the PIAA Championship game at Penn State.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals during softball?

A: I don’t have any superstitions or rituals, but I make sure to warm up and stretch to the fullest.

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

A: Top Gun, both of them.

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

A: I can solve a Rubik’s Cube.