LebCo Athlete of the Week: AJ Walker (Week ending 11/2)

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AJ Walker

During the week of October 28th, Palmyra senior AJ Walker continued to make her presence felt on the field. The veteran defender delivered in the biggest moments, scoring the opening goal in both the PIAA District 3 Semifinal and Championship games. Her efforts helped the Cougars defeat Northern York 2-0 and Warwick 5-0 to capture the program’s 16th District Championship. For her clutch performances, Walker has been named this week’s LebCo Athlete of the Week.

That strong play has carried over into the state tournament, as Walker helped Palmyra win both of the first two rounds of the PIAA State Championship with victories over Gwynedd Mercy and Hershey. In the win over their crosstown rival, Walker scored the fifth and final goal as the Cougars earned another dominant shutout victory.

Walker’s steady play and leadership have been instrumental to Palmyra’s success this season. “AJ has been a starting defender for us for three years,” said Coach Kent Harshman. “She is physically strong, has excellent hand-eye coordination and tackling skills, is a great communicator, and an outstanding decision-maker — all of which have been crucial in her developing leadership of our defensive unit during her career.”

When asked about her recent performance, Walker credited her teammates for putting her in position to succeed. “I wouldn’t have been able to be so successful if it wasn’t for my teammates pushing me and setting me up for success,” she said. “I’ve been scrappy and able to put away goals because of them.”

For Walker and her fellow seniors, this season has been about redemption. “We didn’t get a chance to win last year, so it means a lot to our seniors to win,” she explained. “We’re a very disciplined team and we work really well together. Our next focus is on the State Championship.”

A key moment of growth came in overcoming the mental hurdle of facing Warwick — the team that had beaten Palmyra twice last year. “It was a big mental battle,” Walker said. “We just went out, trusted each other, worked for each other, and had great communication the whole game. I’m so proud of everyone.”

Off the field, Walker values the friendships and camaraderie that come with being part of the team. “The atmosphere and the bonds we have are what make it special,” she said. “We’re all best friends and hang out all the time outside of field hockey.”

Outside of field hockey, Walker is a multi-sport athlete who also competes on Palmyra’s Unified Bocce Team during the winter season, helping lead the squad to a 3rd-place finish at the State Championships last year.

Looking ahead, Walker plans to continue her athletic career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where she will play field hockey at the next level.

Congratulations to AJ, and best of luck to her and the Cougars as they compete in Tuesday night’s PIAA State Semifinal, aiming to cap off an incredible season with a State Championship.

Photos provided by Palmyra Field Hockey

LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Anthony Figueroa

Past Female LebCo Athletes of the Week

Bryn Brandt (Week ending 10/26)

Makenzie Wamsher (Week ending 10/19)

Jovie Weaver (Week ending 10/12)

McKenna Kantner (Week ending 10/5)

Claire Jacoby (Week ending 9/28)

Laney Zimmerman (Week ending 9/21)

Savannah Kleinfelter (Week ending 9/14)

Shea Moyer (Week ending 9/7)

Chloe Shirk (Week ending 8/31)

Leigha Kane (Week ending 8/24)