Somerset County duo garner all-state soccer accolades
A pair of Somerset County soccer players garnered all-state honors from the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association.
Conemaugh Township senior midfielder Dylan Giffin earned his second straight selection, while Windber senior forward Riley Brubaker collected her first all-state nod.
Giffin made Conemaugh Township history, being the first junior boys soccer player to pick up an all-state honor last year. He is now the only two-time all-state boys soccer selection at Conemaugh Township.
"This really means a lot to me," said Giffin of the honor. "I've been working hard since I was young. It finally all paid off. I couldn't do it without my team. My team is out there for me, and they make me look a little better than I am, sometimes. We all stepped up this season."
Giffin produced 21 goals and 19 assists, which was good for second on the team in both categories. He was an integral part of Conemaugh Township's impressive 19-2-1 season and first District 5 championship in 14 years.
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"He's just a great teammate," Conemaugh Township coach Fred Mainhart said of Giffin. "He's not a guy worried about stats. An all-state player ... those people make the players around them better. He certainly did that, especially with some of our younger guys. He's a very unselfish player and one of the best players I've ever coached in soccer."
Meanwhile, Brubaker delivered a team-high 32 goals and 15 assists in only her second season playing varsity soccer. She helped the Ramblers to an 18-3 record and a trip to the District 5-1A title game.
"Going into this season, I kept a mindset of playing for an audience of one, which means just playing for God," Brubaker said. "I remember my teammate Mariah (Andrews) and I would lock fingers before each game and remind ourselves AO1, AO1, just to play for God. All the glory goes to God.
"Receiving this award stands as proof for my deep passion for this sport and the dedication I put into it. This isn't just about me. This is a reflection of the amazing teamwork and support from my teammates. We didn't think we'd make it as far as we did, but we put in so much work and made it. My amazing coaches are so dedicated and committed, too. They showed up every day and gave great input."
Brubaker has racked up 68 goals and 48 assists in two years, after running cross country as a freshman and playing volleyball as a sophomore. Her speed and skillset on the pitch was hard to match.
"Riley's an open book," Windber coach Paul Buza said. "She's everybody's friend. Everyone loves her. She has amazing character. Soccer is secondary to her faith and family. She is an amazing girl and someone you'd want 12 of on your team."
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X (Twitter) @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: 2 Somerset County high school soccer players collect all-state honors
