High School Standouts to Future Collegiate Stars: Lyla Rehill and Bella DeCesaris
By: Devan Wade | Sportzwire | June 25, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Lyla’s Remarkable Run
Lyla’s 2024 senior season was nothing but extraordinary. As a key player, she helped her team secure a district championship, an undefeated 20-1 regular season, and a spot at the state semifinals. Her contributions included 37 goals, 19 assists, and 93 points—leading the team in all three categories. Her accolades piled up: Coaches’ MVP Award, Citizens Voice All-Star, Citizens Voice Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, and All-State Academics.
Lyla Rehill, a senior at Wyoming Area, with a senior season that was nothing short of extraordinary. As a key player, she helped her team secure a district championship, an undefeated 20-1 regular season, and a state semifinal berth. Her contributions included 37 goals, 19 assists, and 93 points—leading the team in all three categories. Her accolades piled up: Coaches’ MVP Award, Citizens Voice All-Star, Citizens Voice Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, and All-State Academics.
For Lyla, staying motivated through tough practices or setbacks is about keeping her eyes on the prize: “Keep your mind on the goal because the end is worth it.” When handling pressure—whether from competition, academics, or expectations—she relies on her faith, noting, “I also pray about it.” Her bond with her teammates is a cornerstone of her success: “Teammates are the most important people you’re with, and the bond helps you all accomplish the goal.”
As a captain, Lyla took on a leadership role by holding her teammates accountable while maintaining a professional standard. She credits her support system, particularly her parents, for helping her get started with Electric Surge and providing not only financial backing but emotional support. She also mentions the support she received from her role models, which include older players from the club. She mentioned the inspiration she got from seeing how dedication and hard work paid off for them.
Lyla’s advice to young girls aspiring to become college athletes is heartfelt: “Work hard and enjoy the time and work you’re doing. The time flies by.” She hopes to leave a legacy as “a role model and a good friend,” adding, “I hope I was genuine to everyone,” reflecting her desire to be approachable and supportive. Success, for Lyla, is “working hard all the time and never giving up” on the field, with teammates feeding off that energy, and maintaining that work ethic off the field as a positive example.
Isabella’s Leadership Shine
Bella DeCesaris was a starting right midfielder for Lake Lehman, and equally impressive. She earned PIAA First Team All-State Selection, Academic First Team All-State Selection, and a spot on the Pennsylvania Region High School Players to Watch list. Recognized on the All-Pennsylvania Region Second Team and Citizens Voice First Team All-Conference Selection, she led her team in assists, showcasing her playmaking prowess. Her love for field hockey began with her aunt’s influence, and as the sport grew more competitive, pursuing it at the collegiate level felt natural.
Bella stays motivated during challenges by leaning on her teammates and a sense of purpose: “Being around my teammates and knowing you’re playing for something bigger than yourself. So, you can’t quit.” She handles pressure by channeling it into her workouts, explaining, “It is a good way for me to express myself.” Like Lyla, Bella values her team bonds deeply: “Player relationship is important. Playing with my sister and other teammates helps motivate us to accomplish the same goal.”
As a captain, Bella balanced leadership with levity, knowing “when to be a leader and still know when there should be fun moments.” She credits her success to her support system—family, coaches, and teammates—saying, “I wouldn’t be going to college without my coaches or players that pushed me.” Her role models, previous captains, taught her to maintain a “short memory” and stay focused, a lesson she carries daily.
Bella’s advice to young athletes is clear: “Have no regrets and do everything to the best of your ability. Time moves fast.” She defines success by the impact she leaves on the game and her team’s performance: “We can’t control the win or loss but how well we play for the next to us.” Looking ahead, she hopes to leave her team with strong leadership and be remembered as “someone people depend on and talk to.”
Memorable Moments and Future Aspirations
Competing in front of fans has been a highlight for both. Lyla recalls the thrill of a district championship where “the student section flooded the field after an overtime victory,” noting, “It’s nice to see people show up, especially big crowds.” Bella cherishes a game against Wyoming Seminary when “everyone was in the student section blacked out cheering and bringing electric in the air,” a testament to seeing her hard work pay off.
Looking to the future, both plan to stay connected to field hockey through coaching. Lyla wants to “train younger kids so they can fall in love with the sport like I did,” while Bella envisions coaching and staying active with friends. Their desire to give back reflects the gratitude they feel for those who guided them.
