A-K Valley athletes of the week: Springdale’s Carissa Walsh, Fox Chapel’s Carson Krushansky

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 2:18 PM

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Carissa Walsh

School: Springdale

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Walsh had two goals within six minutes to propel Springdale past Winchester Thurston in the WPIAL Class A title match Thursday. The win gave Springdale its first WPIAL championship since 2009, when the school won the Class 2A title game 2-1 against South Park. The Dynamos will play Conemaugh Township in the first round of the PIAA playoffs Tuesday. Walsh has scored 16 goals and has four assists.

What were your emotions during the final horn, knowing the team had finally climbed to the top of the mountain?

It was pure excitement and relief because we’ve been working towards this for the last three years now, and it felt so good.

How much sweeter is this victory for you and your fellow seniors, who were always close to winning, but your previous seasons always ended in tough losses?

It feels so good, especially for me because I’ve had three knee surgeries. This was my first year back after tearing my ACL. We got knocked out by Freedom twice and Greensburg Central Catholic, so it felt great to beat both of them on the road to the title.

How did it feel to finally defeat Freedom in the quarterfinals after they had knocked the team out of the playoffs the last few years?

They were a really good team, but we knew we had the strength and ability this year and we just had to put action behind our words.

What halftime adjustments did the team make to counter what Winchester was throwing at you in the first half?

We knew we had to come back stronger. They’re a very tactical team. We always switch between two different formations and have the ability to work it around in the middle. Our coaches knew we needed to focus on the midfield and getting the ball up to me and Bri Ross.

Are you the go-to facilitator on the attack?

I think our whole midfield is really strong, but I will say that most of our through balls come from me or Hailey Marchlewski.

It appeared you were in the throes of a physical battle with some of their players. Were you expecting that from them going in?

Yeah. Our coach always tells us we need to be mentally strong. We went into the game knowing they wanted to win just as bad as we did, and we had to be both physically and mentally strong.

Can you describe the two goals you scored?

On the first one, we’ve been working on running routes and through balls at practice. I was running across the line, and Bri threaded the ball through and once you get the ball in close, it’s about finding the corners of the net. The second was the same way, just a tapper around the defender and a shot at the corner of the net.

They were both within six minutes of each other. Is that usually how quick you can score?

We’re really quick on the counter, and once we get one goal, we’re really strong at getting back-to-back goals.

What makes the team so good at passing the ball within the 18-yard box?

It’s a lot of practice. We’re such a tight group that trusts each other.

Coach Marc Bentley gave the team the day off Friday. When will you start to think about your next opponent, look at film?

He’s already sent us some stuff to look at, so we’re getting back at it quick. We’ll start thinking about the opponent either Saturday or Monday. Either way we have to come prepared.

What goals did you set for yourself this season?

Because of my knee injuries, I was just happy to be back at all. I knew I wanted to come back strong, and I wanted us to make it to Highmark Stadium.

Do you play any other sports at school?

I do cheer, and I played tennis last year.

Who is the fastest on the team?

Definitely Bri. She’s the best.

Best defender?

I think our back line is strong across the board. I would maybe say Lacey Shondeck. She’s always strong on the ball.

Who inspires you the most?

My older sister. She played soccer and is in college now. She’s so strong and resilient. I just look up to her.

What are you looking forward to most for the rest of your senior year?

Making a run in states and, hopefully, get another title. I’m looking forward to spending time with my team, because it is my last ride.

Favorite hobby?

I like to read.

What was the last book you read?

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab

Fall has arrived. What’s your favorite part about the season?

Watching scary movies with my friends.

Favorite scary movie?

“Nightmare on Elm Street.”

Favorite subject in school?

Chemistry.

What are your future plans?

I plan on attending a four-year university to study biochemistry in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.

Carson Krushansky

School: Fox Chapel

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Krushansky, No. 11 on the Foxes’ roster, scored the only goal with 11 minutes left in the WPIAL Class 4A championship game to beat top-seeded Plum, 1-0, and bring home Fox Chapel’s sixth title and first since 1995.

First WPIAL title in 29 years. What does this win mean to you, the team and the Fox Chapel community?

It means so much to me. Coach Ingram took me in when I was younger and made me the player I am today. I’m very happy that I was able to get this win for him and everyone on the team. I know everyone in Fox Chapel loves this day, and we’re all very excited.

Can you describe your game-winner?

I got in on the wing, and I cut in and I picked my head up and saw space to keep driving and I saw a clear line to the goal and I just ripped it.

How does it feel to be a WPIAL champion?

It feels amazing. I’ve played in some pretty big games before, and this takes the cake.

What can you say about how the team played Friday and all year?

Out of my four years here, this is definitely the best team I’ve played with. We’ve had some amazing teams, but there was more drive and determination and we went out and became champions.

What’s your outlook for the team at states?

We’re looking to go all the way. We have the players to do it, and we’re so determined. This is a real team.

Is there anything you do to get in the zone before a game?

I go to Sheetz and get a huge water. I have to finish it before the game starts. I also listen to a bunch of music to get into the zone.

What music do you like to listen to?

Mostly Travis Scott and Don Toliver.

What were your goals at the start of the year?

I wanted to go all they way and become a champion.

What athlete do you like to watch the most?

Lionel Messi. I love the way he plays.

Who on the team is the toughest defender?

Milo Chiu.

Who can bend the ball the best?

Probably Sharif Zureikat.

Who’s the fastest on the team?

I am.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math. I love math.

Favorite place to eat?

Uncle Sam’s.

Favorite meal?

Ziti.

Favorite hobby?

I like to play poker.

Who got you interested in that?

My friend Pablo.

Who inspires you the most?

That would have to be Pablo.

What are your future plans?

I want to go play Division I soccer and major in business.

Tags: Fox Chapel, Springdale