For many of Penn-Trafford’s winter athletes, following the season would be relaxation and preparation for next season. That is not the case for senior Joe Salesi following basketball, as he will be staying on the court playing volleyball this spring.

Salesi is a three-sport athlete who plays soccer, basketball and volleyball, and he excels in all three earning starter and team captain.

Students in his senior class have also taken notice of his accomplishments voting him “Most Athletic.”

“I can’t say I have a favorite sport. I love to just play and have a good time,” Salesi said. He has done more than just have a good time; he has excelled.

Whether it is earning second team all-conference as a forward in soccer, third team for the WPIAL AAA team as a setter in volleyball during his junior year or leading the basketball team with stifling defense and energy, he seems to be good at anything he does.
As a basketball player, he has been the starting point guard for two years and took on a leadership role for a younger squad as a senior. Sophomore Kevin Stinelli was one of those younger players seeking leadership.

“Joe has made me such a better player it is unbelievable. I couldn’t imagine playing without him,” said Stinelli.

In soccer, Joe was an integral part of three straight section championships. As a senior and a captain, he led his team to a 15-1 regular season record.

He was also selected to the Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (WPSCA) Finest Fifteen for WPIAL AAAA Section Four as a forward

As a volleyball player, Joe was the starting setter on a WPIAL championship winning team. His coach, James Schall, said, “The setter has an important job and Joe was outstanding for us last year.”
It is hard to deny that Joe was not great in every sport that he played, but it brings one to question how. How has he been able to be so successful?

Salesi said, “My biggest strength as a player is my intelligence and being able to read things that go on as they happen.”
Schall added, “His quickness and jumping. He gets to balls that most setters don’t get to.”

Whether it is his quickness or his intelligence that makes him so good, Joe has developed into a complete player in all three of his sports.

After all of his high-school success, he plans to hang up his cleats and shoes and just focus on college. He will be attending the University of Pittsburgh this upcoming fall, and he will most likely major in engineering.

Look for Salesi to try and make one more big splash as a high school athlete as a setter in volleyball this spring. He will be looking to lead the volleyball squad back to the finals and ultimately defend their WPIAL title.

Cameron Laffoon
Sports