Hard work. Determination. Focus.

Those are just some of the words that have been used to describe Penn-Trafford senior linebacker Daniel Tarabrella during his time as a Warrior. The all-conference linebacker and wide receiver has established himself as one of the toughest players in the WPIAL during his high school career.

Tarabrella will be able to apply that same work ethic he’s had the last four years over the next four, as he recently made his commitment to Duquesne University.

“The atmosphere down there was amazing,” said Tarabrella of what stood out to him while visiting Duquesne. “It reminded me of my hometown. The coaching staff, the football team, the people there all just made me feel right at home.”

Tarabrella’s recruitment began to take off at the end of last year during the Warriors’ run to the Class 5A WPIAL and state championships. He noticed coaches reaching out more and more to him to wish him luck as the team continued to win.

The offers began to pour in for the state champion linebacker, and he eventually narrowed his decision down between three schools.

“Georgetown University and St. Francis University were also in the mix,” he mentioned.

When it comes to Tarabrella’s focus, he will immediately reference last year’s historic playoff run for Penn-Trafford. Heading into the state championship, the Warriors were heavy underdogs to the Philadelphia-based powerhouse Imhotep Charter.

“Our mindsets were on just this game and this game only,” he noted of the team’s mindset the week leading up to the state title showdown with Imhotep. “Our mindsets were 100 percent full concentration. That whole week, we were all so excited to play that game.”

Penn-Trafford’s preparation paid off, and the Warriors took down Imhotep Charter 17-14 in overtime. It was the school’s first football state championship.

“When that final buzzer sounded, I couldn’t stop hugging my teammates,” Tarabrella commented. “Our whole community was there to support us. It was so touching to see our team hold up that state championship trophy.”

Tarabrella wants to carry over that championship-winning mentality to Duquesne next year. He also wants to carry over another kind of mentality, one that paid off tremendously for him and his teammates last year.

“When someone tells you that you can’t, work until you prove them wrong,” the soon-to-be Duke added. “I love the underdog mentality and proving people wrong. When people tell you that you can’t do something, I think that I’m going to do it.”

As he wraps up his time as a high school student, he’s excited for the next chapter, in not only his football career, but also his life. He’s been able to reflect on the relationships he’s built during his time at Penn-Trafford, and he’s eager to build new bonds with his eventual teammates at Duquesne University.

“One heartbeat; I want to carry that to Duquesne and how our mentality is family, doing anything for family and never giving up.”