Emily McKee
School: Fox Chapel
Class: Junior
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: Emily McKee’s junior year at Fox Chapel will be one to remember. The junior forward has amassed 45 goals, including 11 in the first two games of the Class 3A playoffs last week. On Monday, McKee had five of the Foxes’ seven goals to lead them past No. 16 Laurel Highlands. Then, on Thursday, the junior netted all six of Fox Chapel’s goals, with her first being the 100th of her career. No. 1 Fox Chapel (17-1-1), which is making its third straight semifinal appearance, will face No. 4 Plum on Monday at Gateway.
A simple glance at the standings makes it seem like your team just picked up right where it left off last year — section champs and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. But with six new starters entering your lineup this year, was it as easy as just running it back?
It was definitely not as easy as it seems. At the beginning of the season, we had to get used to playing with all the new players. We struggled at the beginning, but the new players have really stepped it up and are doing amazing with all of the returners. We knew as a team we already knew how a championship looks like on the good side and bad, so we have all been working incredibly hard to make it back into playoffs. It paid off with the one seed. We had challenging games with an overtime (versus) Peters (Township) and a win versus Seneca. We knew what we could do after those games and got rewarded with the one seed.
You came into the playoffs as one of the top scorers in the WPIAL. How have you been able to stay so productive when teams are keying in on you?
During the season, I was already getting man-marked, so I knew it was going to be the same in the playoffs. My teammates have been able to create chances that I can finish on, whether it’s a cross or a through ball. I have also been able to step up to the challenge, even if there are multiple girls on me. The exciting feeling of scoring in playoffs and a high-pressure game is also the reason I’ve scored more. As a team, the past two games we have worked really hard, and the score reflects on that.
In one year, you have scored nearly half of your 100 career goals. What was it like to crack the century mark in a high-pressure environment?
It was an amazing environment, especially getting to do that at home. It was a great feeling to do that and have your teammates there to celebrate with. It was even better to get it in a playoff game when the stakes are already high. I was very happy I could finally do that; it was a goal of mine from the beginning of the season, and to be able to do that at the playoffs and home, it was an amazing feeling.
You are on the verge of making your third straight WPIAL championship appearance. What are the keys to making that potential a reality?
The keys are to have a very strong team. We all want to make it back to Highmark and work very hard to make it happen. During playoffs, we really step it up. Freshman year we won 5-1 (in the quarterfinals), last year we won 7-1, and this year we just won 6-2. The team understands what could happen and doesn’t want to fall. After last year, the results made us all work harder this year and get back there to win it all.
Do you have a favorite soccer player?
My favorite player is Sophia Smith. She’s a very good player and she’s a forward too. She’s very good at her one versus one and her scoring ability. I got to watch her during the World Cup and see the team actually win it. I admire her as a player and can learn off of her.
What does your pregame routine look like? Any superstitions?
Yeah, I only have a couple. During playoffs, I do my hair the exact same way and use the same hair tie.
What are your interests outside of soccer?
I really enjoy playing basketball for my school. I’ve been playing since I was young, and I love playing. The team is really great to be a part of, and the coaches are great. I love spending time with my family and friends any time I don’t have sports. I’m with either of them.
What do you plan on studying at Pitt?
I don’t have my choice settled right now, but I have interests in math, accounting or engineering.
Jacob Orseno
School: Deer Lakes
Class: Senior
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: Through two games in the playoffs, Jacob Orseno has scored two goals. The most important of which came in a 1-0 win against Section 1-2A rival and No. 3-seeded North Catholic in the quarterfinals. With the win, No. 6 Deer Lakes (16-3-1) advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year to face No. 2 Quaker Valley on Monday at Hampton.
How were you guys so dominant on both sides of the ball this year, racking up the most goals (132) and allowing the fifth least (19, T-fifth) in Class 2A?
We have great chemistry on both sides of the ball, which has helped us outplay teams like never before. We also don’t rely on one person to score or save a goal; we move as a team, which has helped us become a stronger team overall. The core of the team has been playing together since we were in youth, which helps us play better together. Our defense knows their roles, which has helped us protect the net.
All six of your team’s goals these playoffs have come from seniors, other than one (junior Artemey Parashyn). How has the senior leadership, including yourself, stepped up to make it back to the semifinals?
We’ve known even in the preseason that if we pushed each other and worked together that we could achieve great things this year. We all have the same goal, which helps us stay disciplined and do our jobs.
What was it like scoring the game-winning goal against section rival North Catholic in the quarterfinals?
It was surreal. We knew coming into this game that it was going to be a fight. I am grateful that the ball that was cleared from their defender happened to bounce right to me from Larry Rommes’s throw-in.
Deer Lakes won the WPIAL title in your freshman year (2022) and has two of the last five. How do you get back to the top in your senior year?
As seniors coming into this season, we knew we had a good chance to make it back if we pushed ourselves to be better. We also know this is our last ride, which helps motivate us to play with more intensity.
What is your go-to pre-game meal? Post-game?
My pre-game meal is peanut butter and jelly and banana. Post-game is anything I can find in the fridge.
Which artists are featured on your pregame playlist?
Anyone from Linkin Park to Lil Tecca. But really, it is just how I feel in the moment.
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of soccer?
My favorite hobbies outside of soccer are working out and hanging with friends as much as I can.
What are your plans after high school? Is soccer a part of those plans?
I plan to attend a four-year school and study engineering, and I want to continue my soccer career.