Westmoreland high school athletes of the week, Oct. 5, 2025: Franklin Regional’s Allyssa Velasquez, Penn-Trafford’s Jordan Tucek

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 8:17 PM

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Allyssa Velasquez

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Velasquez has emerged as one of the top goal scorers in the WPIAL. She is second in Westmoreland County in goals — to Morgan Gesinski of Mt. Pleasant — with a career-high 18. She had back-to-back hat tricks as the Panthers defeated Indiana (7-0) and Greensburg Salem (6-0).

Velasquez is following in the footsteps of her sister, Autumn, a former All-WPIAL player who scored 31 goals as a senior.

What do you credit for the big year, and did you see it coming?

I credit my success for this year to a combination of trainings I do on my own with my dad (Julio), being confident in my abilities and God. I would say I had high hopes of a successful season, but I think it is going a little better than expected, which is always a good thing.

Do you see yourself as a natural goal scorer?

Yes.

What makes a good goal scorer?

A good goal scorer kind of just has to have the instinct to try to constantly find the back of the net. They must have great finishing skills, composure under pressure, proper positioning and a strong ability to anticipate goal scoring opportunities.

What are the strengths of this Franklin Regional team?

I think our biggest strength is, honestly, our team chemistry. We really are a family and play like one. Everyone on this team really cares for one another, and it definitely translates onto the field.

How far have you come from your gym class injury last year?

I’d say I’ve come a long way since my injury last year, and I’m very grateful to have had an injury-free season so far this year, knock on wood.

What do you remember about that?

I remember how much I was uplifted by teammates, friends and family who helped me get through that time.

Are you originally from Murrysville? If not, where?

I was actually born in Somerset, but my family moved to Murrysville when I was young so I grew up here.

What inspires you most?

My family. My dad and my older siblings are all very hard workers and good people that I look up to.

How much of an impact has your sister had on you?

She’s one of my biggest role models. Especially since she played the same position as me: center striker. She gives great finishing advice, tips and tricks that make my life as a striker a lot easier but even better. She’s an amazing support system for me. She is now a nurse and tapes my feet up before games, gives me a shoulder to lean on after a frustrating game or practice and always listens when I need to vent. She’s truly my rock.

Do you have any unique hobbies?

I do like making crafts sometimes, like handmade gifts.

Do you play other sports?

Soccer is the only sport I’ve played my whole life.

What is your nickname?

The obvious nickname to some friends and my teammates is Lyss, but my family has a lot of interesting nicknames for me like Oycie. Not really sure how this started, and it doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s basically been my name to my family forever. It’s rare I hear any of my family members call me by my real name.

People would be surprised to know I ____?

Don’t really watch a lot of TV or popular Netflix series.

Who is the best goalkeeper you have played against?

Aris Lamana in practice and also our current keeper, Addie Ayres. A lot of respect and love for those two.

What cup team do you play for?

I played for Riverhounds.

Do you have any pets?

I have a dog named Pepe and a cat named Nitro.

Who is your favorite musical artist or band?

I like rap music, so my favorite artists are probably Gunna, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Future, Lil Durk, Destroy Lonely and plenty of others.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sweets. I love desserts. I have a big sweet tooth.

What is your go-to order at Starbucks?

If I want a coffee, I usually get some sort of latte with caramel and cold foam. But I also love the refreshers. I get pink drinks with vanilla cold foam a lot.

If you could change one rule in WPIAL soccer, what would it be?

I think I would change the new “speaking captain” rule. I think any and all captains should be able to speak to referees.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

It’s hard to say but, hopefully, in a great career and surrounded by good people. As long as I have my family and God, that’s all I care about.

Jordan Tucek

School: Penn-Trafford

Class: Freshman

Sports: Ice hockey

Claim to Fame: Tucek, 14, began his high school career for the Warriors by scoring two goals and being credited for an assist as Penn-Trafford defeated Norwin, 5-0, in a PIHL Class 2A season opener. Tucek scored the game’s first goal on a breakaway.

Describe your first high school goal?

It was on a dump in, and I took the pass off the boards and I beat the goalie short side, lower left.

When did you start playing hockey?

I was 3. I tried every position and found out quickly that goalie was not for me. I play center or winger.

What was your first high school game like?

Funny story. I was credited with an assist, and I was not on the ice. It was a special experience. The victory was a team effort, and we got good goaltending.

What are your individual and team goals?

I just want to help the team as much as I can. We have a good mix of players, and I expect us to go far.

What is it like to play in front of goalies Tyler Funk and Carson Weishorn?

Both are really good. They keep us in games.

What got you started in playing hockey?

I started going to NHL games and watching the Penguins. That is what got me interested.

Who is your favorite NHL team?

The Penguins.

What type of season do you expect?

I hope they do OK. But I would like to see them not do well so they could get a chance to draft Gavin McKenna, who is playing at Penn State.

Who is your favorite hockey player?

I have a few. Connor McDavid for his speed, Sidney Crosby for his hockey IQ and Auston Matthews and Connor Bedard play-making.

Where is your favorite place that hockey has taken you?

We have gone to Canada to play games, and we are in Detroit this weekend playing games.

Do you have a special vacation spot?

I like the beach. I just like to relax on the beach. We went to Virginia Beach this summer.

Do you have a dream vacation spot?

I would like to go somewhere in the mountains near a lake.

Do you play any other sport?

I played baseball. I pitch and play shortstop.

Where do you go for a snack after practice and what do you get?

I like pizza. No particular spot.

What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes you?

I like chicken and rice.

Have you ever met someone famous?

I met Evgeni Malkin during a skate at PPG Arena.

What is your favorite movie?

“Miracle on Ice.”

What type of music do you listen to?

It does not matter. Whatever my teammates are playing.

Do you play video games?

Not really. If I do it would be NHL.

Who are your best influences?

My parents (Andrea and Ryan). They keep me positive. My dad played hockey at Gateway.

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

Sidney Crosby and we would talk about how I could become a better player from one of the best players in the game.

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

Tags: Franklin Regional