Hannah Hudack
School: Riverview
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: Hudack scored the game-winning goal with under 12 minutes left to go in No. 10 Riverview’s WPIAL Class A first-round upset win against No. 7 Waynesburg on Tuesday night.
What was your reaction to scoring the game-winning goal on Tuesday?
Our team did not want to see overtime. Before the goal, Mary Quinlan and I each had 15 shots on net. The plan was to pepper their goalkeeper with enough shots that, eventually, one would go in. I was so happy I scored that I ran over to my teammates. It was a great feeling.
Was anyone nervous that Waynesburg would score to tie the score?
We did not want them to score, so we went into a defensive mindset but Mary kept shooting because she wanted another goal. We kept trying to get her the goal to get an insurance goal in case they did score.
How did you score the goal?
Our outside defensive back Molly Morrissey passed the ball to me around the midline, and I dribbled through some traffic and I shot it over the goalie’s head and it went in.
What had been the highlight of the season before your game-winner?
Us beating Winchester Thurston. It showed we could beat tough teams like that. It was a good win that boosted our confidence.
What is it that makes the Riverview program so successful?
It’s our bond. We are all really close with each other. We don’t have any historical tension. We really like playing with each other.
Who on the team bends the ball the best?
Either Mary Quinlan or Katerina Tsambis.
Who is the fastest?
Cailey Trosch. Played her a ball one time, and I thought it was going out for sure, but she hustled down there and saved it. She also runs track, so that helps.
What were your goals for the year?
One to balance my time between cross country and soccer. I would say I’m more of a passer, so I wanted to work on my dribbling.
How did you do at WPIALs for cross country?
We were hoping to qualify for states as a team, but we came up 10 points short of qualifying. I qualified as an individual for states. I ran a 21:49.
Do you play any club soccer?
Yes, I play for Steel City FC, which starts up next week, and I’m excited for that.
How do you keep up with all the athletics?
I use my parents as my personal calendar. They really help me stay on top of things.
Participate in any clubs or other activities at school besides sports?
I am in the orchestra and am a part of the Model UN.
Who inspires you?
My teammates Lola Abraham. She also did Model UN and played soccer and had a similar busy schedule to mine. She was a stellar athlete and a stellar student.
Favorite hobby?
I love to ski in the winter, but if we’re talking an all-season activity, I would say hiking. I hate to sit still. I have to be constantly active.
Fall has arrived. What’s your favorite part about the season?
I like going to football games and socializing. Playoff season is now here, so that’s fun. I’m excited to go to states for cross country. Oh, ond Halloween, I’m being a Smurf for Halloween this year.
What was your best ever Halloween costume?
My friends and I dressed up as the Winnie the Pooh characters, and I was Piglet. I was also a Yeti one year.
Favorite candy?
I’m a big chocolate person. I like Reese’s, and Almond Joys are so good.