Chestnut Ridge senior to play softball, volleyball at Penn Highlands

4 days ago 2

NEW PARIS, Pa. – Possessing her preferred major, a Richland Township campus that is close in proximity to home and the chance to continue playing two sports at the collegiate level attracted Chestnut Ridge senior Liza Ickes to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

Ickes announced she will major in behavioral science and compete on the softball and volleyball teams at Penn Highlands during Monday morning's ceremony.

“I first was looking at Penn Highlands because they had the program I needed there," Ickes said. "It’s really close to home. Everyone was super-friendly when I went to look at the place and met all my coaches, some teachers and athletic directors. Everyone had an impact on my decision there. I’m just super-excited for this opportunity.”

Studying behavioral science was a key element in the equation.

“I’m really interested in that field," Ickes said. "I would like to make my way up to investigator some day, but I’m going to start off as a state trooper.”

In 2025, the outside hitter led the Lions with 354 digs and added 120 kills and 29 aces. The infielder in softball helped Chestnut Ridge claim the 2025 District 5 Class 2A title and 2023 and 2024 District 5-8-9 Class 3A subregional crowns.

Penn Highlands competes at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III level. The Black Bears' volleyball coach is Derek Horner, and Steve Costea leads the softball program.

Ickes looks forward to balancing her academics with playing sports in the fall (volleyball) and spring (softball).

“I imagine college is definitely going to be more of a challenge than high school, but I think I can do it," Ickes said.

Volleyball was her first choice in college. Then the opportunity existed to play softball with the Black Bears.

“It first started off, I submitted a form of interest to play volleyball there," Ickes said. "Then I talked to the coaches and met some athletic directors, they also needed more players for softball. They said, ‘We could really use you for softball.’ I was super-excited to play both sports there.”

Ickes thoroughly enjoys both sports.

“I just like the whole game, everything about it," Ickes said about volleyball. "I like defense, offense, everything. It’s all fun.”

Softball brings her joy as well.

"As a team, we’re all together winning games – team bonding and all fun," Ickes said.

Playing on a softball team that has advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals twice in the past three seasons has propelled Ickes to new heights.

“It definitely helps," Ickes said of playing on winning softball teams. "The confidence is key. Stay strong, don’t think about anything else and just get your thing done.”

Ickes knows many of the softball players already.

“I actually know a good bit of the players," Ickes said. "They’re all so friendly. I played travel softball with them. I know all of them and they’re all fun.”

Ickes is the daughter of Troy and Misti Ickes.

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