Female Spotlight Athlete of the Week Hannah Swank
Nov. 7—Name: Hannah Swank
School: Conemaugh Township Area
Age: 17
Grade: 12
Sports: Volleyball and basketball
Parents: Mike and Laura Swank, of Boswell
Athletic achievements: In volleyball, 2020 Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 1A all-state team selection, 2020 Somerset County second team and 2019 honorable mention and 2020 District 5 Class 1A second team and 2019 honorable mention.
Coach's quote: "Hannah is not only a strong, aggressive player, but she is a strong person who can persevere through anything. She lost her whole season last year and half of her season two years ago due to a knee injury, but she made the best of it by supporting her teammates. She worked hard at getting better and stronger during the offseason. Her hard work paid off. She's very strong physically, and she continues to be strong mentally." — Conemaugh Township volleyball coach Laura Swank
Favorite subject: Video production
Favorite movie: "Knives Out"
Favorite book: "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Favorite food: Chicken tenders
Favorite teacher (and what they teach): Mrs. Stankan, journalism, video production and public speaking
Favorite song: "Memories" by Conan Gray
Favorite app on your phone: TikTok
Outside interests: Weightlifting, basketball, long walks, taking photos for journalism and playing with my dog
If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: I would be a fox, because they're very clever and strategic. When I am preparing for a big game, I'll watch film on the team we are competing against a million times until I find the best spots to hit, serve or free ball to. One quote that my mom (the coach) always says is, 'Go for placement, not for power ... power will come,' always stays in the back of my head during a game. Although a really hard kill is a great feeling, placement and strategy is one of my biggest strengths.
Favorite athletic team: University of Pittsburgh volleyball team
Athlete most admired: Pitt volleyball alum Leketor Member-Meneh
Most influential person on my athletic career: My mom, Laura
Proudest athletic achievement: Named to 2020 Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 1A all-state team.
How I got my start: All of my siblings played and I was inspired to be as good as they were.
To become a personal trainer and open my own gym. — Jake Oswalt
