A-K Valley athletes of the week: Knoch’s Kennedy Christy, Highlands’ Gabe Norris

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 | 10:30 PM

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Kennedy Christy

School: Knoch

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Report card: Christy tallied 46 kills in the Knights’ three matches last week to help Class AAA No. 1 Knoch (5-0) roll to a 3-1 win over Section 4 rival Central Valley and shutouts over Mars and Class AA Avonworth. She added nine kills in a nonsection win Monday over No. 2 Armstrong. A two-year starter at middle hitter for Knoch, which won WPIAL and PIAA championships last season, Christy is a member of Renaissance Volleyball Club. She is the daughter of former NFL All-Pro offensive lineman Jeff Christy.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

Since seventh grade, five years.

What do like most about the sport?

I like how fast-paced it is. It always changing, never boring and always something new happening on the court.

As defending WPIAL and PIAA champs, do you feel like you’re getting every team’s best shot this season?

Yes, definitely. Winning last year put a huge target on our backs. Me, Hannah (Rowe) and Kerrie (Fitzpatrick) are all back, and people know that we don’t mess around.

Do you keep your championship medals with your father Jeff’s Super Bowl XXXVII ring?

No. My medals are in my room and his ring is in a fireproof safe.

Did your father offer up any advice during last season’s title runs?

Yeah. He said stay humble, take it a game at a time, relax when I’m playing, and not get stressed out.

Is it more difficult to chase after or defend a title?

I think it’s more difficult to defend a title because people expect you to be good, and you have to keep your standard high.

Does this team have a championship feel to it?

It’s definitely different. We definitely have a chance and a possibility. Last year, we had a a lot more depth and experience. It’s different.

What does Knoch have to do to get back to the WPIAL Class AAA title match?

I think we need to not make so many unforced errors and play smart.

What three words best describe you?

Hardworking. Committed. Caring.

What was the best movie you saw over the summer?

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”

What’s your most memorable moment from this past summer?

Going to nationals (in Detroit) with my club team. We didn’t do very well. We had a couple of girls out of position due to injury.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Science. This year I’m taking AP chemistry and physics.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m learning towards physical therapy as my No. 1 pick right now.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I like to bake.

What’s your specialty?

I’d say chocolate chip cookies.

Gabe Norris

School: Highlands

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Norris was golden for the Golden Rams (3-4, 3-2 Section 1-AAA) last week. The two-year starter scored two game-winners, including a thrilling a double-overtime goal against No. 4 Hampton in a 1-0 victory Saturday. Norris also scored the game-winner in a 3-2 win over section foe Knoch. He’s tallied six goals and two assists. Norris is also a member of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ Pathway to Pros program.

How long have you been playing soccer?

Since I was 6. I started at Highands Area Soccer Club as a micro.

Does it feel like Highlands is on the cusp of breaking out as one of the top teams in Class AAA?

I think we are for sure. Our confidence keeps growing as we knock off these teams.

What section match do you have circled heading into the second half of the season?

I think (Tuesday night’s) game with Kiski is pretty important since we’re both tied for third.

Where does this team need to get better?

I think our chemistry needs to continue to grow. When we get down a goal or two we need to keep our heads.

Does this team have a motto for this season?

Not officially. Coach Brad (Walker) always says that everybody on the field needs to be leader.

What three words best describe you?

Hardworking. Dedicated. Intelligent.

Who is your favorite soccer player?

My favorite soccer player of all time is Steven Gerrard; right now, it’s Jordan Henderson (Liverpool).

What was the best movie you saw over the summer?

Probably “Avengers: Infinity War.”

What’s your most memorable moment from this past summer?

Probably the pathway to the pros program. I got to train with the pros, and it’s something that I’ll remember for a while.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Math. Honors pre-calculus.

What is your favorite school lunch?

Probably just the chicken sandwich.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I started off playing hockey before I started playing soccer, for like a year or so.

— William Whalen

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Highlands, Knoch