New Duquesne University women's basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio has secured her third recruit. And, like the previous two, she's a WPIAL player.
Upper St. Clair senior guard Alex Gensler has made a verbal commitment to play at Duquesne. She joins Mt. Lebanon senior guard Jackie Babe and Oakland Catholic graduate and Miami (Ohio) transfer Eve Pyle, a forward. The three will play on the same team because Pyle has to sit out one season because of the Division I transfer rule.
"I chose Duquesne because of the entire package, the coaches because they are so diverse but blend together well, the academics and the team," the 5-foot-11 Gensler said. "I want to contribute to the rebuilding of Duquesne."
Gensler was a big part of leading Upper St. Clair to a 25-6 record last season. She averaged 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Panthers, who advanced to the WPIAL Quad-A semifinals before losing to eventual champion New Castle and then to eventual PIAA champion Cheltenham in the semifinals.
She chose Duquesne over Canisius, Saint Joseph's, Manhattan and some Ivy League schools.
Gensler said playing AAU basketball for the Western Pennsylvania Bruins at tournaments in front of coaches like McConnell-Serio helped her earn a scholarship.
"I played in front of so many coaches at AAU games that I think that helps players get noticed," Gensler said. "I am so looking forward to playing for Suzie. Everyone looks up to her. She has done so much for women's basketball. She is awesome."
Babe agreed that McConnell-Serio coaching the Dukes is a big draw for the players in the area. McConnell-Serio's recent selection for the 2008 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame adds another impressive accomplishment to her resume.
"I am excited to play for Suzie," said Babe, after she made a verbal commitment. "She said she was looking for a point guard. I know I will be able to get some playing time if I work hard enough. I can't wait to be a part of what she is trying to build at Duquesne."
