Apr 19, 2023 3 min read

Name: Ella Richey

School: Chartiers-Houston

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

Richey’s week: The Bucs’ catcher hit five home runs, including a three-run walk-off in Chartiers-Houston’s 9-7 victory over West Greene, a key Class A Section 2 matchup. Richey hit a solo homer against the Pioneers during the fourth inning and belted two against Steel Valley and one at Mapletown.

Richey knocked in 11 runs durign the week, including five against the Maples, a game in which she also tripled. Richey doubled against Steel Valley.

Richey has batted leadoff for the Bucs this season after hitting in the No. 2 spot last year. Chartiers-Houston coach Tricia Alderson is enjoying having one of her best hitters get more at-bats.

“Ella came in last year and did a great job,” Alderson said. “She was first-team all-state, and we were up in 2A last year. She is a leader, and not just in softball, as she plays three sports. Ella is smart on the basepaths and just a great baserunner. We wanted to bat her leadoff this year to make sure she got as many opportunities as possible. She has made the most of her opportunities.”

Richey wasn’t looking to clear the fence last week but admitted to seeing the ball well.

“I just wanted to stay patient and look for a good pitch to hit,” Richey said. “I am excited for our team, and we are getting better and better, and our confidence is growing. It is exciting to be part of a program like we have at Chartiers-Houston. Our coaches don’t put pressure on us, but there is a standard.”

Behind the dish: Richey has been catching since she was in 10U and with her travel ball team.

“Being a catcher is a challenging position, but it’s exciting to be involved in every play,” Richey said.

Alderson acknowledges Richey is a good hitter but doesn’t want her defensive abilities to go unnoticed.

“Catching is a natural spot for her,” Alderson said. “She is a student of the game and I love working with her. She has a great relationship with our pitchers. We have been fortunate to have strong catchers here. It makes a huge difference.”

All-around student-athlete: Richey plays for the Bucs’ soccer and basketball teams and competes in travel softball during the summer and fall. She was all-section in soccer the last two seasons and sees plenty of time on the basketball court.

“Softball is my favorite sport, but I like soccer and basketball because they are a change of pace,” Richey said. “You develop a strong bond with your teammates when you play sports, and I really enjoy that. I am also serious about my academics and am involved in the Leo and Dreamers Clubs because I want to help the community.”

Richey’s personality and success as a student makes coaching her a joy for Alderson.

“She really is the whole package in terms of an athlete, student and just a great person,” Alderson said.

Athletics are part of the Richey household, as Ella’s immediate and extended family have played or are playing sports. Her sister, Hanna, currently plays softball at Penn State DuBois.

Compiled by Jonathan Guth