One of the top tennis players in Westmoreland County recently committed to play Division I tennis.

Belle Vernon Area junior Gabby Dusi made her pledge to Saint Francis University.

“The head coach at Saint Francis, Eric Hovan, was the first coach to reach out to me,” said the future Red Flash. “The school offered the programs I wanted and allowed the flexibility for me to pursue those programs, but also play competitive tennis.”

Despite tennis not being offered at Belle Vernon, Dusi still finds time to compete against the top players in the area. She trains with other players who she’s competed against in the WPIAL playoffs.

The training has paid off, as she has captured two WPIAL Class 2A titles. She secured the first WPIAL championship as a sophomore, winning it as a No. 5 seed.

She returned this school year, and was able to defend her crown in the fall. Dusi not only won the title, but did so in dominating fashion, beating Hampton’s Grace Stitt 6-1, 6-0.

“It was definitely a different experience,” she said of defending her title. “I tried to keep as much of the pressure off me as possible; take it one match at a time.

“Even though winning a third title would be awesome, and possibly winning a state (championship), I don’t want to put that pressure on me. I want to look at the match I have in front of me.”

When Dusi heads to college, she will be playing not only singles, but also doubles for Saint Francis. Since she is an independent player for Belle Vernon, she does not play much doubles.

“You have to be aggressive to win a point in doubles,” she mentioned. “It really helps if you have a strong connection with your teammates. I really love the team (Saint Francis). I know a lot of the girls personally and I’m excited to play doubles with them.”

She’s checked off making her commitment to college, but she still has her sights set on capturing more championships in the WPIAL and PIAA.

But, Dusi is eager for the eventual change that is ahead of her as she gets ready to head to Loretto, PA.

“Being able to have that bond with the girls,” she shared. “Being independent at Belle Vernon, I don’t get to have that team aspect - having the girls on the sideline cheering for me. Being a part of that team is something that I’m really excited to be a part of.”