Westmoreland athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Elle Snyder, Derry’s Anthony Mucci

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 8:45 PM

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Elle Snyder

School: Latrobe

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Snyder, a 5-foot-9 guard, announced last week her college commitment to Division I Evansville. She has helped lead the Wildcats to three straight wins, including 54-42 over Penn Hills and 55-24 over Connellsville.

Against Penn Hills, she registered 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. She poured in 24 points against Connellsville.

Snyder has 10 double-doubles this season. She is nearing 900 career points.

Have you made an effort to become a better rebounder?

Yes, over the summer during my AAU season I picked up my rebounding effort because that is what my team and my coaches needed me to do.

Did playing with all of those tall post players, such as Anna Rafferty and Emma Blair, help to make you a good rebounder?

When I played basketball with Anna and Emma I didn’t have to put effort into rebounding as much because that was more of their role.

How is this year’s team different from previous Latrobe teams you have played for?

In past years, I was very lucky to play with girls who played higher-level basketball. This year, we aren’t as experienced and don’t have as high of a basketball IQ.

Is your commitment to Evansville on a scholarship?

I attended (Evansville) elite camp in late August, and all of the available scholarships were given. They offered me a preferred walk-on, so for my first year, I will receive a Presidential Scholarship in addition to other scholarships.

What is it like playing for an AAU organization like the Western PA Bruins?

I have played for multiple AAU organizations, but I have been with the Bruins the longest. The Bruins are such a reputable organization and are known everywhere. I have met some of the most amazing teammates and coaches. It has been so fun and rewarding for me.

What changes has new coach Mackenzie Livingston brought to the program?

The biggest change that I would say coach Mack has brought to the program is that there is more focus on defense and less on offensive plays, which is very different then (previous) coach (Mark) Burkhardt.

Why do you wear No. 10?

When I was a freshman, someone had the number 11 already and that had always been my number. I decided to stick with 10 for the rest of my high school career.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Zac Efron.

People would be surprised to know I ________.

Archery hunt and fish.

What is the best team you have faced and best player you have guarded?

Throughout my high school years, I believe the best team I have consistently faced is McKeesport. The best player I have guarded is Rachael Manfredo.

Who is your hero and why?

My 92-year-old grandma. She comes to most of my games.

What is one of your pet peeves?

People who drive slow in the fast lane.

Do you still have your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite childhood toy was a stuffed animal horse that had huge feet, and I still have him.

Starbucks or Dunkin’?

Starbucks.

Do you like the new free-throw rule?

The new free-throw rule is good because it is the same that is in college basketball.

Which season is more grueling, basketball or volleyball?

It is hard for me to compare the sports because they are so different, but basketball is definitely more challenging than high school volleyball.

What do you order at Dino’s?

Pizza.

Do you go to Pittsburgh Steelers training camp?

I have gone to Steelers training camp, but I have not gone every year.

Who should be the Steelers’ quarterback of the future?

I hope that the Steelers draft Micheal Penix Jr.

Where do you think (Latrobe football player) Alex Tatsch will go to college?

I am going to let Alex Tatsch tell you where he is going.

What is your go-to karaoke song?

“Don’t Stop Believin’ ” by Journey.

What is your proudest moment?

Two of the proudest moments in my sports career would be winning back-to-back section titles.

Anthony Mucci

School: Derry

Class: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Mucci won his first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association wrestling title Saturday and joined his father Blaise as a champion. He defeated Latrobe junior Leo Joseph in the 114-pound final. He is the 50th wrestler from Derry to win a county title. He placed second at the Southmoreland Holiday Classic.

You lost to Latrobe’s Leo Joseph a month ago, what was the difference Saturday?

I was more aggressive, and I went after him. I knew I couldn’t beat him in neutral because it’s so hard to escape him. I game planned a little more than last time. I wrestled smarter than last time.

What are your goals this season?

I want to win every tournament I’m in and do the best I can. I need to wrestle to my potential and hopefully win a state title that would be nice.

Derry looks like a program that is on the upswing. How do you see it?

We’re definitely getting a lot of good people coming up. Mason (Horwat) and Brady (Brown) have shown what they’re made of. Jeremiah Gess isn’t as strong, but he’s starting to get better. He beat the No. 1 seed.

How old were you when you started wrestling?

Probably about 4 or 5. My dad got me started, but I don’t remember anything about my first time on the mat. I guess I was there to have fun. Now it’s more competitive.

What are your most memorable moments about high school?

Probably all the tournaments and hanging out with my friends. That’s the most enjoyable thing about the sport.

Who is the toughest wrestler you’ve faced?

Probably Butler sophomore Santino Sloboda. We’re kind of back-and-forth right now. I definitely could have had a better match against him at Southmoreland. It was a close match, but I’m not proud of it.

What does winning the county title do for your confidence?

It’s definitely going to boost my confidence, as any win should. I’m feeling confident for the rest of the season. I‘m still going to work hard and try to continue to improve.

Do you have a favorite wrestler that you followed?

It has to by Micky Phillippi. He’s done a lot for Derry wrestling, and he’s one of my friends. He’s an awesome coach. Being coached by him and Troy (Dolan) is awesome.

Derry has the Wall of Fame for PIAA champions. Do you see Anthony Mucci on that wall?

That’s what I’m hoping for. I’d love to win the states. It’s always been in the back of my mind, and this year I’d like to bring that to life.

Where would you and your teammates go for a snack after practice or a match?

Texas Roadhouse, and I’d go with a steak.

What is your favorite meal your mom makes?

I don’t know, probably spaghetti.

What is the last movie that you’ve watched?

I like all movies. “Hacksaw Ridge.”

Before a match, do you listen to music to pump you up?

I like to listen to rap.

Favorite spot?

We went Florida last year, and it was fun. I like Virginia, just beaches in general.

If you were to have dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Probably my dad, and we’d talk about wrestling.

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

Tags: Latrobe