Featuring photography by Kyle Nazarchuck (KN Photography)
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Kaley Ruhl
As Cedar Crest has positioned itself among the top teams in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 this fall, senior Kaley Ruhl has provided the Falcons with an important scoring presence at the top of their attack.
That was especially evident during the week of September 14th. Ruhl found the back of the net in both of Cedar Crest’s matches, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Ephrata and again in a 1-1 draw against Manheim Township. Her production helped the Falcons navigate the week without a loss and earned Ruhl LebCo Athlete of the Week honors.
For Ruhl, however, the goals were as much about the work being done around her as her ability to finish those opportunities.
“I was able to find the back of the net and score in both of our games last week,” Ruhl said. “I’m lucky to have such great teammates who work hard to create opportunities for me.”
Ruhl has continued to contribute since the games that earned her the honor. In Cedar Crest’s 1-1 draw against Penn Manor last Wednesday, she provided the assist on Emma Achenbach’s equalizer, helping the Falcons earn another important result.
Through the Falcons’ first 9 matches, Ruhl has produced 5 goals and an assist. More importantly, Cedar Crest has compiled a 5-2-2 record that has the Falcons in an excellent position to contend for a District 3 playoff berth while remaining among the top contenders for the L-L Section 1 championship.
First-year Cedar Crest head coach Ryelle Shuey, who starred at ELCO before going on to an outstanding playing career at Lehigh University, has been impressed by what she has seen from Ruhl.
“The coaching staff is extremely proud of Kaley!” Shuey said. “Her work rate this year has been exceptional, and we are so happy for her to see it being translated to games, where she is playing with confidence and poise.”
That team success fits well with the goals Ruhl established for her senior season. While she wants to continue improving her technical skills, becoming a better teammate is equally important to her. She believes the work she has put in can help make the entire group better and contribute to a more successful season.
Ruhl is also quick to recognize the people who have helped her along the way. She credits Shuey and fellow Cedar Crest coaches Gretchen Bachman, Amy Haller, and Bridget Twiford, along with strength training coach Mr. Dresch, for their impact on her development.
She also made sure her teammates were included.
“I would also like to thank all my teammates for being such great supporters and working hard to help our team improve,” said Ruhl.
Her commitment to soccer extends beyond the high school season. Ruhl plays club soccer for Iron Valley United, giving her additional opportunities to continue developing her game throughout the year.
Unlike many multi-sport athletes, soccer is Ruhl’s sole competitive focus. Last season, her work earned her a varsity letter at Cedar Crest, and she has taken on an increasingly important role during her senior campaign.
Looking beyond high school, Ruhl plans to attend a 4-year university and study biology.
Away from soccer, she enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, and helping at her church. She also has a soccer-related talent that does not necessarily show up during a match: Ruhl can complete an around-the-world while juggling a soccer ball.
For all the competition that comes with playing at the varsity level, Ruhl’s favorite parts of soccer are the experiences and relationships that come with it.
“I enjoy making lifelong memories and being able to play with my best friends,” Ruhl said.
There are still plenty of memories left to make.
With Cedar Crest in the hunt for both postseason opportunities and a Section 1 championship, Ruhl and her teammates have put themselves in position for an exciting finish to the season.
Congratulations to Kaley on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Falcons as they continue their push through Section 1 and toward the District 3 postseason.
Photo by Kyle Nazarchuck (KN Photography)
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Yama Navarro (coming soon)
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