Penn-Trafford girls basketball took the WPIAL by storm last season. After defeating the defending WPIAL Class 6A Champion Norwin Knights in the third game of the year, the Warriors finished the regular season undefeated at 22-0.

The driving force behind the winning streak was all-around guard Torrie DeStefano, who led the team not only offensively, but also defensively.

Her up-tempo pace will be a perfect match for the team she will play for after her career at Penn-Trafford wraps up, as she recently committed to Seton Hill University.

“I’m very confident and happy with my decision,” she noted. “It’s definitely a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Seton Hill grabbed the nation’s attention in NCAA Division II with the fast-paced style head coach Maeve Gallagher installed last season.

DeStefano is already getting a taste of what it’ll be like to play in that type of system, as the Warriors run a similar offense and utilize full-court defense. She feels it’ll allow for a smooth transition when she makes her way to the Griffins.

Seton Hill wasn’t the only school eyeing the stellar guard. Gannon, Wheeling, Shippensburg, West Liberty, and West Virginia Wesleyan also showed interest. Ultimately, it was the distance from Seton Hill that sold DeStefano.

Heading into this season, she will be seen as a focal point for Penn-Trafford’s team. However, there will be a new look on the sidelines, as longtime head coach John Giannikas resigned at the end of last season.

“Coach G (Giannikas) is one of the best coaches in the WPIAL,” the future Griffin added. “Everything he’s taught me has made me a better person and player. He truly helped me to be at where I am today; I’m so grateful for that.”

DeStefano is confident that there won’t be any drop off with former assistant Chuck Fontana taking the reins.

“Him (Fontana) being on the sideline and being an assistant coach last year is really important,” she mentioned. “At some points of the game last year, Coach Fontana would be the one in charge. It’s the same style of play, so the girls will be used to it.”

As the season creeps closer, DeStefano is aware that her journey in Harrison City is ending. She feels this year’s team can make a lot of noise and make another run in the WPIAL.

But, it’s not just basketball that she’s looking forward to in her senior year.

“For regular school, I get to leave early because I get college release, so that is probably the most exciting, school-wise,” she noted.