TribLive HSSN athletes of the week: Butler’s Tate Mohney, TJ’s Dalaney Ranallo

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 | 4:51 PM

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Tate Mohney

School: Butler

Year: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Tate Mohney scored a pair of goals in Butler’s 4-1 win in the Section 1-4A opener against Shaler on Sept. 4. Mohney netted his second goal — the game-winner five seconds into overtime — as Butler (2-0, 2-0 Section 1-4A) defeated Central Catholic, 3-2, on Sept. 6.

“It’s my senior year, so it’s my last year to fulfill a WPIAL championship,” Mohney said. “So, this preseason we had a different mentality, and so far it has paid off.”

What is that different mentality you had this preseason?

Last year, we were kind of lackadaisical. Our captain this year is a workhorse, so he forced us to take it to the next level. I think we’re in the best shape coming into this season.

To this point, what has been the highlight of your high school career?

Probably our first game this year. My little brother (Landon Mohney) played me a ball, and we did a 1-2 give and go, and he scored his first varsity goal.

How special is it for you to play with your brother and have your dad as your coach?

It goes both ways. I think having him and my brother keeps me going when I want to give up. But I think my dad is harder on me than anyone else, but that pays off, too. Me and my brother play our hardest to pay it back to him.

Do you have any plans after high school?

No college, yet. If college isn’t a possibility, I think I want to study abroad and play soccer overseas.

What’s the top song on your iTunes list?

Probably “Mo Bamba” by Sheck Wes.

Dalaney Ranallo

School: Thomas Jefferson

Year: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Ranallo, an Old Dominion recruit, had six goals in just 42 minutes of action in the Jaguars’ 11-1 win over Section 3-3A foe Woodland Hills on Sept. 5. Ranallo had a goal and chipped in with a pair of assists for Thomas Jefferson (2-3, 2-1 Section 3-3A) in a 4-1 win over Obama Academy on Sept. 8.

“I think our preparation from the final whistle last season to now is just amazing,” Ranallo said of the Jaguars’ early- season success. “We’ve been practicing really hard to jell together as a team. All the girls have been giving it 100 percent, so we really have come out firing.”

As a three-year starter, how have you changed as a soccer player since your freshman year?

I’ve definitely got a lot more confident and trusted the process the coaches put forth to me. I’ve gotten the grit and the grind to overcome 99.9 percent of the obstacles in front of me. Overcoming the adversities has made me a stronger player.

How good can this Jaguars team be this season?

This team has no boundaries. I’ve told the girls from Day 1, we are our own obstacles. As long as we trust the process, we can go a long way.

Who’s the toughest soccer player you’ve had a chance to play against?

Delaney Snyder from Moon (now at Louisville). We played her my freshman year in the second round of the playoffs. She’s so versatile, and nothing can stop her. Jordan Minda from South Park. She’s at Slippery Rock now. She could just control the ball all over the field.

What’s the most played song on your iTunes list right now?

I’m a big country fan. It’s a song called “Written in the Sand” by Old Dominion.

Brian Graham is a freelance writer.

Tags: Butler, Thomas Jefferson