Maddi Weiland & Joseph “JJ” Work
Each month we’re recognizing two of our amazing athletes for their inspiring accomplishments both on and off the field.
Maddi Weiland — Sugar & Spice & Doesn’t Play Nice (Capital University Class of ‘25)
Don’t let Maddi Weiland’s sweet nature and disarming smile off the court fool you; on the hardwood, she can be a virtual nightmare for opposing teams. In her three years as a starter for the Capital University Comets, she’s totaled 338 points, 45 three-pointers, and 395 rebounds. But what has really set the six-foot forward/guard apart has been her defensive prowess, from swatting shots like flies to dominating the defensive boards.
Having just wrapped up an impressive junior campaign, Maddi heads into her senior year with a total of 88 steals, 307 defensive rebounds, and 105 blocks which have bolstered the defense and contributed to the Comets’ recent rise in the standings. This past season, the Columbus-based squad posted a 19-8 record (13-5 in the Ohio Athletic Conference) on their way to the OAC semifinals.
Maddi’s collegiate success comes as no surprise; at Beaver Area High School, she was a three-time All-Section player for the Bobcats, instrumental in their 2021 WPIAL championship and two WPIAL runner-up finishes. In the classroom, she has always put that same hard work and determination into her studies, as evidenced by her consistent appearances on the high school High Honor Roll, her membership in the National Honor Society, and her continued good grades in pursuit of her exercise science degree.
Away from the court, Maddi also shakes and bakes, running her own small business, Maddi’s Cookies, and offering a variety of delicious baked goods. Meanwhile, you may think you’re seeing double when you watch her play, but you’re actually seeing Maddi and her twin sister, Kenzi, who have been teammates through both college and high school.
Joseph “JJ” Work — Tacklin’ Machine (Aliquippa Class of ‘26)
A fitting moniker for a guy who isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his jersey dirty to get the job done, JJ Work has already earned a reputation for hammering opposing ball carriers at the line of scrimmage.
In just his first two years of high school, as outside linebacker and strong safety for the Central Valley Warriors varsity squad, JJ played a key role in the team’s run to the 2022 WPIAL 4A Finals and 2023 Quarterfinals. Amassing 152 total tackles, 77 solo tackles, and three sacks against some of the toughest competition in the state over that time, he was named to the 2023 4A Parkway Conference 2nd Team Defense.
JJ also showed he could be an offensive weapon, scoring four touchdowns while racking up 239 yards on just 19 carries his sophomore season. Meanwhile, he understands his work ethic off the field is just as important as preparing for game day which is why he regularly scores A’s in his studies.
This fall, the 5’11” 190 lb. game-changing playmaker is taking his talents to the reigning PIAA 4A State Champ Aliquippa Quips where he looks to be a key addition in helping them add to their impressive trophy case. As he plans out his June camps and prepares for his junior year, JJ is also working on his dreams of playing at the next level. He’s already receiving offers and interest from FBS schools, and he recently visited with recruiters at WVU and Penn State University.