Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Greensburg Central Catholic’s Ashlyn Black, Penn-Trafford’s Tyler Funk

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 3:42 PM

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The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.

Ashlyn Black

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: Black led third-seeded GCC to the WPIAL Class A championship match against No. 1 Frazier. The 5-foot-9 right-side hitter had 27 kills and a .322 hitting percentage as GCC rallied for a 3-2 win over No. 2 Eden Christian in the semifinals. GCC trailed 2-0 before winning three straight sets. Heading into Saturday’s final, she had a team-leading 281 kills (4.2 per set) in 500 attempts. On Saturday, she had 24 kills as GCC won the WPIAL title.

What was it like to rally from 2-0 down to beat Eden Christian in the semifinals?

It was an incredible experience. Watching our team come together and fight back so hard was so exciting. Our team has been working towards this all season, and I think we really earned this win.

Did you think this team had the talent to make the WPIAL finals? Why?

I know that we are such a talented team, and I knew that if we came together and played as a team there would be no stopping us.

What are the team’s strengths?

This team has been playing and growing together for the past several years, so the trust we have in each other and the ability to bring each other up has been a very important part of our season.

What is your main role on the front line?

My main role is to provide offensive power on the right side of the court. Our team has very strong outside hitters, so my main role is to spread our offense and provide more options for a strong attack.

What is the most exciting play in volleyball?

My favorite plays to watch and perform in volleyball are intricate free-ball plays. It provides a new kind of excitement and speed to the game to see the hitters switching or running a faster ball. If you watch our games for the rest of the season, you will see a few sneaky plays like this.

Who is the best player you’ve played against?

I have played so many talented players and teams this year, I could not name just one.

When and why did you start playing the sport?

I played many sports growing up. I tried softball and basketball, but neither of them felt right. But when I tried volleyball for the first time in middle school, I immediately fell in love with it. I started taking lessons after my first year and just kept going from there.

What are your hobbies?

When I’m not doing volleyball, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.

You hit left-handed. Do you also throw and write with your left hand?

Yes, I have grown up doing everything with my left hand.

Do you wear two different colored shoes when you play?

Yes, I do. I have always liked having fun and bright colored shoes, and this year I thought it would be fun to buy two different shoes and wear one of each.

What is your hometown?

York, Pa. I moved here when I was 4.

Are there any good athletes in your family?

I have been lucky enough to grow up in a very athletic family. With both of my sisters playing various sports, I have had so much support from my siblings and parents.

Before I play a volleyball game I must ______?

For this season especially, I would say I need to get my hair braided by one of my teammates, Abby Dei. It has become a tradition and fun part of preparing for each game.

Why do you wear No. 13?

I wear the number 13 for my club and high school team.

Who is your favorite pro athlete or team?

The Pitt volleyball team. I had the privilege of playing with them a few years ago at a camp, and I have been a fan of them since.

Are you into social media?

Yes.

Do you dress up for Halloween?

Yes, I especially loved dressing up for Halloween when I was younger.

Do you have any pets?

Yes. I have a white lab named Mac that I got in third grade.

Who inspires you?

My parents inspire me. They have worked hard to give me everything I need to be the person and player I am today.

What makes you happy?

I am happy when I am hanging out with my friends and when I’m playing volleyball. It’s a bonus when my teammates become my friends.

Tyler Funk

School: Penn-Trafford

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Ice hockey

Claim to fame: The 15-year-old goalie recorded his third shutout of the season in helping the Warriors to a 2-0 victory against Canon-McMillan on Oct. 28. He made 21 saves and 72 in three games for the 4-0 Warriors. He also played a key role in helping the Warriors reach the PIHL Class 2A Pens Cup finals.

What was the key to the victory?

Canon-McMillan didn’t have too many clean chances, and when they did, I was able to make the stop. They were a solid team, and they did have a goal wiped out because the net was off the pegs. My teammates — Cam Kiste, Gavin Paterson and Kyler Doran — did a good job clearing the zone in front of me.

What is your mindset going into games?

I want to stop everything. That’s my mentality going into games.

Talk about last year’s run in the PIHL playoffs?

We had nothing to lose. We were seeded eighth. We just showed how good we were. It was a fun run.

What are the goals this year?

We want to make the playoffs and win the Pens Cup and go to states. I believe we have the team to do that. We were young last season, and we have the experience this season.

When did you start playing hockey?

I stated playing ball hockey (dek hockey) when I was 6. I started ice hockey when I was 8.

What other sport do you play?

I play lacrosse, and I play midfield long stick, so I get to run the field. It’s a lot of fun.

You are in Detroit playing in a tournament and had a 7:30 a.m. game. How tough is that?

Well, my dad (Nick) drags me out of bed. We have another game at 5:30 p.m., and I’ll get to sleep on the bench.

What do you do between games?

We’ll hang out at the hotel. Some will sleep, and others will watch movies or TV.

Who is your favorite goaltender?

I like Marc-Andre Fleury. I feel we are similar in style. We’re very athletic. I try to watch film about him and his games.

Who is your favorite player?

Sidney Crosby. He plays the game the right way and is entertaining.

Where do you and your teammates go for a snack after practice of a game?

We go to Chipotle, and I get a steak, rice and cheese bowl.

If your mom or dad was making you your favorite dinner, what would it be?

I like my dad’s steak on the grill with Yum, Yum sauce.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

The Outer Banks.

Is there a dream vacation spot you would like to go to?

I want to go to Hawaii.

What music do you prefer?

I like hip-hop

Do you have a ritual before a big game?

I get a racquet ball and throw it off the wall to help my reactions.

Do you have a favorite athlete?

I like T.J. Watt.

Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh sports team?

I like the Steelers.

Do you have a favorite arena?

There is an arena in Dallas I like, and I like PPG Arena.

What is the last movie you have watched?

The “Peaky Blinders.”

What type of movies to you like?

I like comedies like “Grown Ups” 1 and 2.

If you were to have dinner with someone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I’d have dinner Marc-Andre Fleury, and we’d talk about how he got so good and what scouts and coaches look for.

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

Tags: Greensburg C.C.