Caya helps Pennridge connect
eer friends know Andrea Caya as a boisterous, extroverted and energetic Pennridge junior. It is her vocal cords, along with height and soccer skillset that are making her a big part to the puzzle this season. So when the 5DPs’ PLdfiHOdHr wDs TuLHW one morning last year, her family knew something had to be wrong.
Caya’s appendix burst unexpectedly last fall and it forced her to miss the majority of her sophomore season. After two weeks in the hospital, which included surgery, she made it back in time to see limited minutes in the Rams’ run to a aistrict One championship and a state title appearance.
“I woke up one morning sick,” Caya said. “It was a scary moment. I could not move for 12 hours and had a fever. Appendix burst are common in teenagers and very dangerous. I am very gracious.”
“I had a quick recovery, but I was very weak and it was impossible to come back during the season,” Caya said. “It was heartbreaking to watch this team go, but amazing to be a part of it. I know my time has graciously come.”
With a bulls-eye on their back this season the Rams E90-2, 6-0-2F needed Caya to become a key contributor in the PLdfiHOd Dnd sKH KDs dRnH MusW that. Caya is playing nearly 80 minutes in every game and using her outgoing personality to keep communication on the pitch constant and the wins constant as well.
“Andrea has come so far in a season,” Rams’ coach Audrey Anderson said. “I pulled her out and said, ‘so much changes when you are not out there’ and I wanted her to see that. eer voice is FRnfidHnW, sKH wLns WKH EDOO out of the air, and has really come into her own.”
On Monday Caya was the link between the defense and the forwards in the Rams’ possession style against Council Rock South. Megan Shenk scored two goals in the 3-1 win against the nonleague opponent that has become a big rival of the Rams over the last few years.
“,W KDs dHfinLWHOy EHHn D ELJ rivalry since my freshman year,” Caya said. “We always have to step up and play well against these guys. They are very good in the air and very physical and we always have
an intense game against them.”
While Caya made cameos down the stretch during her sophomore season, she welcomes the larger role and responsibilities that come wLWh EeLng a PLGfieOGer Rn the Rams. Luckily she has tons of talent and experience around her, including fellow PLGfieOGer -eannLe -aVLnVNL.
“We all balance each other out very well,” Caya said. “-eannLe anG , wRrNeG weOO together and I think this team has been connecting so well.”
Obviously the Rams will take the win over the Golden HawNV (5-5, 5-3), a WeaP they may see down the road, but most the important thing for the Rams in a non-league game in October is the girls came away healthy from a physical matchup.
“I think we did well overall,” Caya said. “With these non-leagues we have to prepare to do what we do best and come out healthy at the end. I am feeling great, it has already been one heck of a season, and I cannot wait to continue on with this team.”