Westmoreland athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Gabby Coccia, Ligonier Valley’s Michael Wisniewski

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 7:35 PM

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Gabby Coccia

School: Hempfield

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Coccia, the Lady Spartans’ 5-foot-10 starting forward, helped her team to a 5-0 start. After making the all-tournament at Greensburg Salem last weekend, she helped Hempfield to wins over Fox Chapel, North Hills and Plum. She had 12 points and nine rebounds in a 44-30 win over Fox Chapel, added 13 points in a 30-29 win over North Hills, then 11 points in a 47-35 loss to Plum.

Did you expect the team to get off to another hot start?

I kind of did expect us to get off to another hot start because we normally start off strong and full of energy.

What has impressed you most about your team’s play so far?

Our defense. … We are aggressive on defense and move and communicate well.

You are a three-year letterwinner. What have you learned about being a senior leader?

Sometimes things won’t go your way, and you have to push through challenges. Also, that the younger players will see you as an example and will look up to you.

What are looking forward to most about section play starting?

I’m most looking forward to playing teams who play well, so we can learn and grow and get better.

Do you consider yourself a traditional post player, where you’d rather have your back to the basket?

I would consider myself somewhat of a traditional post player because I post up and get the ball under the hoop, but I also like to drive the ball in from the outside.

Do you play other sports?

Yes, I also play volleyball.

Do you play AAU basketball?

Yes, for Pittsburgh Pride.

Why don’t you have an X account?

I don’t really know why. I just never downloaded it when I was younger and just haven’t felt the need to now.

Do you have any unique hobbies?

I don’t really have any unique hobbies, but I like to read books.

Do you like the newly painted court at Hempfield?

I do … I feel like the color scheme works better, and the floors have more grip.

Why do you wear No. 25?

That was my mom’s number when she was playing basketball in high school.

What’s something coach Bob Madison repeats to the team every day?

Basketball is all mental. He said if we believe in ourselves and push ourselves, we will see the outcome we want.

Who was your favorite Hempfield girls basketball player when you were growing up and why?

To be honest, I didn’t really come and watch the girls basketball team when I was growing up. I didn’t get really into playing basketball until about eighth grade. When I was younger, I just played for fun, so I didn’t come watch the high school girls.

Who is the team bookworm, comedian and “mom”?

I would say I am the team bookworm because I like to read a lot and always read on the bus. The team comedian is Emma Smillie. She is always joking and making everyone laugh. The girls on the team always say I’m the team mom.

What do you like most about the Christmas season?

Being able to spend time with my family.

What do you want for Christmas?

I want clothes, a new bookshelf and books.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

“The Grinch.”

If there is one rule in high school basketball you could change, what would it be?

Three seconds in the paint.

Michael Wisniewski

School: Ligonier Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: The senior has helped the Rams to a 3-2 start. He is averaging 22.4 points, and he had a season-high 32 points against Marion Center. He scored 25 points against Geibel on Dec. 12.

How is your season?

It has gone well. We dropped two two-point games, but we were able to bounce back.

Did you have any memorable moments this season or during your career?

During my sophomore year, Parker Hollick and I combined to score 72 points against Valley. I scored 32 points.

Do you play any other sport?

No.

Is there another sport you wish you could play?

I would have liked to try ice hockey. My cousin Randy Scheffler played at Moon. My dad also played.

Have you picked a college? Do you hope to play a sport? What are you looking for from the college?

I have not picked a college. I am not sure I want to continue. If I do go, I would like to play basketball. I would think a good education is what I would be looking for from a school.

What is your favorite class?

I like physics.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I am in a Christian based-club called Game Changer. We meet on Thursday and get people closer to God.

What does it mean to be a Ram?

Give it all. Be a good Ram and have pride in what you do.

What is special about your school?

The people in the community are awesome. They support the team and school.

Where do you and your teammates head for a snack after practice or a game?

Sheetz. I get an app sampler: two orders of mac and cheese bites and jalapeno poppers.

What is your favorite meal?

Pigs in the blanket.

Do you have a candy or snack weakness?

I like Sour Patch Kids, and I like Dr. Pepper.

What sport do you enjoy watching?

Hockey

Is there an athlete you would like to meet?

Kyrie Irving. He is down to earth, and I like the way he plays.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

No

What was the last movie you watched?

“Whiplash” with J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller.

What type of movies do you like?

I like action and comedies.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like R&B.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

North Myrtle Beach.

Where do you hope to visit in the future?

I would like to go to Switzerland. My friends who have gone there said it is amazing.

Who has the best pizza in your school district?

I like Carmine’s in Latrobe.

What do you want to be after college?

I would like to get into real estate.

Do you have an animal? What is it?

No.

What is something you do that your friends do not know you do?

Nothing, really. I play video games with my friends.

Who is your favorite team?

I like the New York Rangers.

Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh team?

The Penguins.

If you could have lunch or dinner with someone famous or special, who would it be?

My uncle Steve Mishkov. We talked about hockey and his days growing up.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Hempfield