Thomas Jefferson’s Lynch headed to Air Force

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, October 1, 2018 | 9:27 PM

The U.S. Air Force Academy has been on the mind of Alanna Lynch since she was a young girl.

A 5-foot-9 senior on the section-leading Thomas Jefferson girls volleyball team, Lynch plans to enlist with the Air Force Academy and study law following her high school graduation.

The USAFA has a rich history of women succeeding and going on to accomplished careers inside and outside of the Air Force.

“We have a military history in my family, especially with the Air Force, including two of my four older siblings,” said Lynch, the youngest of five siblings. “I’ve been thinking of joining the Air Force or some sort of service most of my life. My dad was in the Army along with his dad, and my other grandpa was a Marine, along with an uncle of mine that is in the Air Force.

“Next year, I plan to go to basic training, then tech school, then hopefully attend WVU through the Air Force. Basic training will be in San Antonio, Texas, and my tech school will be determined by the jobs I am qualified for, so I’m not sure where it will be yet.”

Lynch, 17, has two brothers, Garett, 24, and Connor, 22; and two sisters, Hannah, 21, and Marisa, 18.

Garret was a member of the Air National Guard of the Air Force, while Marisa recently finished her basic training in San Antonio.

“It’s important for me to give back to my country and be a part of something that is bigger than myself,” said Lynch, a two-sport athlete at TJ. “It’s also a good way for me to go through school, too.”

Lynch is a middle hitter on the girls volleyball team, and will man a frontcourt position on the girls basketball team in the winter months.

The seniors on the volleyball team — libero Sydney Moran, setter Julia Fiedor, defensive specialists Julia Micklo and Mia Como, right-side hitter Jackie Rush, and Lynch — have formed a strong bond over the years, triggering a power-packed 2018 season for the annually successful Jaguars.

Lynch and Rush have embraced their positions as role players off the bench.

“As a senior this year, I would say the biggest things I contribute to the team are energy and laughter,” Lynch said. “Myself and Jackie are the comedians of the group, always lightening the mood and making everyone laugh. This really helps everyone to get along so well and be comfortable around one another, which translates to the court. Jackie and I lead cheers and chants from the bench to hype-up the team and raise energy in the stands, and I have to say it works every time.

“I would say my positivity and intensity are important, too. I find it vital to always encourage teammates to keep pushing, not ridicule them. The team’s bond this year is something that I have never seen before. We are all genuinely best friends and it definitely shows. I wouldn’t want to make jokes and laugh with any other team.”

Lynch, who has a 3.8 GPA, maintains a busy, yet fulfilling, daily schedule.

She is a majorette in TJ’s marching band, plays the clarinet for the symphonic band, is a member of the History Club and Outdoors Club, and is involved in theatre.

The Thomas Jefferson netters ended the first half of the season with an unblemished 7-0 record in Section 3-3A, and participated in invitational tournaments in September.

The Jaguars took first place at the Derry tournament, defeating Norwin, 1-0, in the championship round.

“The performance by the girls, both on the bench and on the court, was astounding,” Lynch said. “The team’s efforts and energy were through the roof. The excitement put forth (by the team) is always incredible, but that day was something special. And it was similar in those regards at South Fayette. Although we didn’t win the tournament, our spirits didn’t fall.

“That’s one of the best things about the team this year — every time we play or practice, all the girls are there to motivate and push each other.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson