On point: LH’s Walker to play soccer for the Pioneers
Submitted photo
When Adrianna Walker was entering her junior season at Laurel Highlands, she was approached by then head coach Denny Marzano on switching positions.
The Lady Mustangs were entering the season with a starting lineup that only had two returners, and the offense would be facing challenges, especially in the early going.
Marzano suggested that Walker switch from center back to forward to help generate opportunities in the final third.
Walker had anchored the backline for her career, which started when she was three-years-old, but she took on the challenge and produced for Laurel Highlands. Walker scored 13 goals this past season, as the Lady Mustangs qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in Class 3A.
Goal scorers generally receive the headlines and attention from the media, but for those who closely follow the sport, defenders are just as key, if not more important, than those who put the ball in the back of the net.
Walker’s success playing center back was instrumental in Point Park University women’s soccer coach Colin Baker taking interest in her playing for the Pioneers.
“I am going to play center back in college,” Walker said. “I was at a Blue Chip Showcase in Cincinnati, and that is where Coach Baker saw me play.”
After Baker showed interest in Walker, a recruiting trip to Pittsburgh this past May helped her with the decision to attend the Division II school that competes in the Mountain East Conference (MEC). Walker has aspirations to become an elementary school teacher, and Point Park offered what she was looking for in academics.
“I made my decision to commit at the beginning of June after I went for a visit,” Walker said. “I just loved the atmosphere of the city, and the education program is awesome there.”
The majority of soccer players who are interested in competing at the next level compete on a club team, and Walker has benefited from the instruction she has received while playing for Pittsburgh Independence FC, who is coached by Pittsburgh Riverhounds Hall of Famer David Flavius.
“It is definitely important to play club soccer if you want to compete in college,” Walker said. “I had played for several club teams prior, but he (Flavius) is the reason I made the switch. Club soccer is extremely important with recruiting because that is where most of the college coaches go to look for players.”
Walker played travel ball for Fayette United until sixth grade, when she moved on to play for the Riverhounds in Connellsville. Walker moved to play in Pittsburgh for the Riverhounds as a ninth grader before she switched to BVB Pittsburgh as a sophomore. BVB became Pittsburgh Independence FC.
Despite improving her abilities as a player under the Riverhounds’ all-time leading goal scorer, Walker believes she is destined to play center back.
“Playing center back came naturally to me,” Walker said. “You have to communicate with your teammates and provide leadership, which is what got me to where I am at.”
Walker is well aware of the help she has received, and wanted to express her appreciation with a final statement.
“I would like to thank my family for everything they have done for me,” Walker said. “They took me to all my practices and games, and they always supported me. I also want to thank God for giving me breath in my lungs and providing me with the talents to succeed.”