For the better part of the past decade, Greater Latrobe girls basketball has consistently produced college players. One of those Wildcats who continued her career at the Division I level is Elle Snyder, who is now playing at the University of Evansville. Snyder is in the spotlight in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

As a freshman at Greater Latrobe in 2020-21, Snyder earned valuable minutes. She helped the Wildcats compile a mark of 14-3, including 9-1 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, Greater Latrobe defeated South Fayette and Hampton before falling to eventual champion Chartiers Valley in the semifinals.

The next season, Snyder produced 14.3 points per game. The Wildcats achieved a mark of 18-5, including 11-1 in the section. Back in the WPIAL Class 5A postseason, GL bested Mars Area, but came up short against South Fayette in the quarterfinals. However, the Wildcats qualified for the PIAA playoffs, where they fell to Hollidaysburg in the opening round.

In 2022-23, Snyder averaged approximately 14 points per contest, and she also established a GL record by hitting 10 3-pointers in a game. That season, the Cats went 14-9, including 6-6 in the section. In the Class 5A bracket, Greater Latrobe lost to Trinity in the first round to conclude the season.

As a senior, Snyder averaged 19 points and 11.2 rebounds, garnering All-Section and Third-Team All-State accolades. Additionally, Snyder set the Wildcats’ mark for double-doubles in a season with 16, and topped 1,000 points in her career. On the campaign, Greater Latrobe went 11-12, which consisted of 6-6 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, the Wildcats bowed out to Armstrong in the opening round.

With her high school career in the rear view, Snyder matriculated to the University of Evansville. Playing in her freshman campaign in 2024-25, Snyder appeared in 16 games, including five starts. She produced 4.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, while adding nine assists and 13 steals. Collectively, the Purple Aces went 7-25 overall, including 3-17 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). In the conference tournament, Evansville fell to the University of Illinois Chicago in the opening round.

This season, Snyder has appeared in 18 contests, including 16 starts, producing 3.2 points and a team-best 5.7 boards, while racking up 20 assists, six steals, and four blocks. Thus far, the Purple Aces are 4-14, including 2-5 in MVC play.

Elle set aside time to respond to questions about the adjustments to college basketball, the best player she faced in high school, and who she’d challenge to a game of one-on-one.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance so far this season?

A: So far this season, I feel my performance has been solid, but there is always room for growth. I have been consistent in bringing effort on both ends of the floor and have been executing my role on the team.

Q: You lead the team in rebounding. What allows you to excel in that aspect?

A: Over the past three years, I have focused not only on rebounding, but improving my overall defense. Putting more time in the weight room has helped me to keep improving these skills.

Q: What was the biggest adjustment from high school to college basketball?

A: Although the pace of the game is much faster in college compared to high school basketball, the biggest adjustment for me would be time management. As a college athlete, you have many responsibilities every day.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for this season?

A: My team goal this year was and is to continue to grow and connect. We are a young team and each practice and game, I feel like we are getting closer to being very competitive in MVC Conference play. Being injured half the season last year, my individual goal this season was to get back to 100 percent and to keep improving my skills.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Evansville?

A: I decided to go to the University of Evansville for a variety of reasons. First, the university had an exercise science program that I was highly interested in. Secondly, I really liked the small university and the small city of Evansville. Lastly, after meeting the women’s basketball coaching staff and players, I felt that this would be a good fit for me.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I currently am an exercise science major, with a minor in business administration. My future goal is to attend a chiropractic school.

Q: What has been your most difficult college course?

A: Exercise physiology has been my hardest course so far.

Q: Aside from basketball, what has been your favorite aspect of college?

A: Aside from basketball, my favorite aspect of college has been the friendships that I have made. Being far from home, these friendships have meant a lot to me and have become an important support system.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory at Greater Latrobe?

A: My fondest memory from high school would be the feeling of winning back-to-back section championships my freshman and sophomore seasons.

Q: Who was the best individual you played against in high school?

A: I feel so lucky to have competed against so many good players in the WPIAL, but if I had to pick the best player that I played against, it would be Maddie Webber (from South Fayette).

Q: Do you still follow Greater Latrobe athletics or WPIAL basketball?

A: Yes, I still know players in the WPIAL and at Greater Latrobe, so I follow to see how things are going.

Q: If you could play anyone, past or present, in a game of one-on-one, who would you choose? What would be the score in a game to 11?

A: I would choose my oldest brother, Duke. I would win, of course, 11-9!

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals for basketball?

A: I have never had any superstitions, but I do listen to music before every game.

Q: What is your favorite social media app?

A: My favorite social media app is Instagram. It allows me to keep updated with friends and family.

Q: What advice would you give yourself as a high school freshman?

A: As a high school freshman, I would continue to tell myself to work hard, play hard, and most importantly, have fun!