Westmoreland High School Athletes of the week: Week ending Oct. 20, 2024

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 3:58 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.

Eden Williams

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Williams, an IUP commit, is one of the top all-around players in Class 3A. An All-Section 4-3A selection, Williams scored her 12th goal of the season and added a pair of assists as the Panthers defeated West Mifflin, 7-0.

Williams, who moved to Murrysville from the state of Indiana, has produced 32 points this season (8 assists), the most in coach Scott Arnold’ five-year tenure as coach.

You have shown a knack for scoring game-winning goals. Where does that clutch gene come from?

I don’t really get nervous when under pressure, so I’m able to keep my head in the game. Also, I just really want to win.

How has this season gone for Franklin Regional?

It’s gone really well. We’ve come a long way. We’ve made a lot of positive changes that play to our strengths, and that’s helped us win more games in the back half of the season.

Your team plays a direct, methodical style. What is your primary role in the offense?

I feel like I’m definitely a playmaker. When our team is on offense, I try to see the field and make things happen.

What is your team’s strength?

We have great chemistry on the field. Many of us have played together not only at Franklin Regional but at the club level as well. We’re comfortable with each other. And it has been really nice to see so many of my teammates step up this year to make things happen in moments that matter.

What do you expect from Montour in the first round of the playoffs Tuesday?

I expect a tough but close game. Every time we play Montour it’s a battle. We know Montour and how they play, so I do think we’ll be ready.

What made you want to commit to IUP?

They have an amazing soccer program with really talented coaches. I felt like their style of play matches mine. It’s also really close to home, and they have what I want to study.

Before I play a soccer game I must _____?

Listen to music. It helps me prepare and block everything out, so I have no distractions and my focus is solely on the soccer game and nothing else. And I always have to drink a Squirt.

What is the origin of your first name?

My name comes from the Bible, from The Garden of Eden. My family is big on our faith, and it plays a major part in our lives.

So you play any other sports?

I used to play basketball before I moved to Pennsylvania. But I also do unified track for Franklin Regional.

What are some of your hobbies?

Watching movies and playing board games with my family, hanging out with my friends, listening to music and reading.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

“New Girl,” because it always makes me laugh, and it’s just a really big comfort show for me.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

No, but I would love to meet Sidney Crosby. I’m a big Penguins fan, and I try to never miss a game. He’s a really big role model with how he plays.

Who should the Steelers start at quarterback?

Justin Fields because he’s been making things happen for the Steelers, and they’ve been doing really well with him as QB.

What PIAA soccer rule would you change?

Getting rid of overtime in the regular season and only using it during playoffs. I feel like it’ll cause less injuries because girls aren’t having to play as many minutes.

How tough is teammate Allyssa Velasquez after she came back from her facial fractures?

She is tough. She’s playing like she never got injured in the first place. I’m super proud of her for how quickly she was able to bounce back. I’m also really happy to have her back on the field. She’s a difference maker for us. And I believe she’s going to have an amazing season next year.

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

I would say our team mom is Reese Phillips. She’s always making sure that we’re all OK, always checking to make sure none of us have jewelry on or stuff like that before games, and she’s someone that a lot of us can go to when we need it.

For our team bookworm, I would have to go with Taylor Murphy. She’s always doing her homework or studying for a test on the bus. She is also our team’s spirit. You can always hear her cheering for us and keeping everyone’s spirits up no matter what.

Our team doesn’t really have a prankster, but we all try to have fun and support each other on and off the field. We have theme practices that everyone goes all out for. We’ve played kickball, we’ve had a team dinner/hangout and a lot of us go and hang out at the boys soccer games.

Male Athlete of the Week

Max Williams

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Senior

Sport: Hockey

Claim to fame: Williams scored three goals in helping Franklin Regional defeat Central Catholic, 7-2, and South Fayette, 5-4, in PIHL Class 3A action and improve to 3-0. Williams scored the game-winner with a little more than three minutes left against South Fayette. Franklin Regional coach Brian Bearley said his senior is the best skater in the league.

Talk about the game-winner against South Fayette?

Well, Brendan Yohe chased down the puck from behind the net and fed me a perfect pass out front, and I went short side.

What was your reaction?

I was very happy. I thought we’d win the game, but I knew there was a lot of time left and we had to still work hard because South Fayette is an excellent team.

Franklin Regional is off to a 3-0 start. How big was that win?

It was huge because we hadn’t beaten South Fayette in a while. They beat us in the Class 2A Pens Cup my sophomore season.

What are the team goals?

We want to win the Pens Cup. We know it is going to be difficult, but we play a speed game and teams can’t keep up with us.

What will it take for Franklin Regional to achieve its goal of winning the Pens Cup?

It’s to play as a team. This team has great morale, and everyone is playing for each other.

What makes Franklin Regional so good?

Our quickness. We feel we’re the fastest team in Class 3A. We have to use our speed. A couple teams — Mt. Lebanon and Pine-Richland — like to play physical.

What is your role as a center?

I must be the third defenseman and to be a leader. I’d like to be one of the top scorers in the league.

How old were you when you started playing hockey?

I started playing Dek-Hockey when I was 5. I put on a pair of skates when I was 7. I loved the sport because I was having fun. I played for the Allegheny Badgers. I’m just playing for Franklin Regional this season.

Who is your favorite hockey player?

Sidney Crosby.

How about your favorite hockey team?

The Penguins.

What do the Penguins need to be successful this season?

They need to get younger and faster. They need to adjust to the styles of game teams are playing.

Do you have a favorite sports team other than the Penguins?

I like the Steelers.

Who is your favorite Steeler?

I like T.J. Watt.

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

I get a chicken bowl with rice and cheese.

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

I love spaghetti and meat balls.

What do you eat prior to a game?

I like to play on an empty stomach.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Cancun, Mexico.

Is there a dream vacation spot?

I’d like to visit Tokyo, Japan.

What is the last movie you watched?

“Halloween.”

What type of music do you listen to and who is your favorite artist?

I like R and B, and I like to listen to Frank Ocean.

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

Sidney Crosby and we’d talk about hockey and how he became so good.

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

Tags: Franklin Regional