North Allegheny’s Huang commits to play tennis at Cornell

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 26, 2018 | 12:06 AM

North Allegheny senior Ashley Huang will be seeking a repeat of the PIAA Class AAA girls singles tennis title Nov. 2-3 in Hershey with an important decision out of the way.

Huang, the WPIAL champion, committed recently to the Cornell women’s team for the 2019-20 season.

“I chose Cornell for (its) outstanding academics, the team, the coaches — because of how understanding they are with academics and athletics — and the beautiful campus,” she said.

The Big Red, who are based in Ithaca, N.Y., won their first Ivy League title in 2017. They placed seventh of eight last season.

Huang, who is undecided about a major, looks forward to growing as a player and a person.

“I hope to achieve athletic excellence,” she said. “I also hope to improve my tennis to the next level.

“(Lastly), I hope to learn how to be independent and build social networks.”

Huang, who is 5-foot-9, stepped up after three teammates quit before the season to focus on junior tennis. She led the Tigers to their sixth consecutive WPIAL crown and a return trip to the PIAA tournament, where they were defending champion.

North Allegheny coach Michele Weniger believes Cornell is a perfect fit for Huang academically and athletically.

“Ashley has worked for years at both and it has all paid off,” Weniger said. “Her teammates are very proud of her.”

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny