Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Morgan Gesinski, Franklin Regional’s Thomas Bridges

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 4:26 PM

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Morgan Gesinski

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Gesinski, a dynamic forward, became just the second girl in program history to score 100 career goals, registering a hat trick to reach the milestone in a 5-0 win over Hopewell. A Robert Morris commit, Gesinski is second on the Lady Vikings’ goals list now behind Jordan Toohey, who scored 143 goals. Gesinski led the WPIAL last regular season with 36 goals.

What was it like reaching the milestone?

It feels amazing. I’ve been working hard for all four of my years to reach this point, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.

Describe your 100th goal. How did it happen?

I won the ball off of the defender and drilled down the sideline and shot the ball to the front post and scored.

How has the season gone so far?

Good. The result against West Allegheny was good considering the quality wins this season, and the draw against Burrell was better than the last several games against them.

How has it been playing without Rylin Bugosh and Maddie Barrick, two other dynamic forwards who graduated?

We are adjusting to a different style of play that is based more on defending and learning how to connect with each other while attacking.

You changed your college commitment from Mercyhurst to Robert Morris. What are you most looking forward to about Division I college soccer?

Playing at a high level with a lot of talented players.

What did you work on in the offseason?

Getting faster and improving my shot and skills.

Do you think the school record of 143 goals is attainable? Is it something you think about?

I think it is attainable if I work hard and let the goals happen and not force them to come. I have thought about it, but I’m more focused on a section championship and WPIAL championship.

What has held Mt. Pleasant back from winning a WPIAL title?

Hoping to find that answering this season.

The team hasn’t allowed a goal yet. What have the defense and goalkeeper Laurel Rummel done well?

As a unit we are playing with intensity and grit, which is limiting the opponents scoring chances.

What did you learn about your team in the 0-0 tie against Burrell?

That if we play together and we play with urgency, we can be a good defensive team.

What has kept your team from getting past Burrell in the playoffs?

Burrell’s ability to have a higher compete level in playoffs.

If you could change one rule in WPIAL soccer, what would it be?

The overtime in non-playoff games shouldn’t be a thing, and if we have to determine a winner to just go to PKs.

Before every game I must ____?

Pray during the national anthem.

Do you still enjoy baking? What is your specialty?

Yes. Making homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Do you still spent a lot of time in the weight room?

I don’t spend as much time as I used to because my schedule is so busy, but I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

How has the Mt. Pleasant student section been looking this year?

It’s hard to tell since for our first home game they were as asleep as we were during the first half.

Thomas Bridges

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: The middle backer scored two goals and played a strong defensive game this week to help Franklin Regional defeat Norwin (2-1), Franklin Regional (3-2) and Latrobe (3-0).

What are your thoughts about how you played this week?

I thought my effort was good. It was nice to get a victory against Norwin after last year. My teammates and I misplayed a clearing, and their striker got free for a goal. We wanted this win.

What was the key to the victory against Latrobe?

Latrobe plays good defense, so the key was scoring first. Also, we needed to play a good game because our bodies were tired.

How old were you when you started playing soccer?

I was 2 or 3. My parents (Julie Bridges and Terrell Bridges) got me started. I liked it right away.

Do you play any other sports?

I play basketball. My dad played college basketball for Duquesne.

Do you want to play a sport in college?

I would like to. That is the plan. I am probably leaning towards soccer.

What do you like so much about soccer?

I enjoy playing with my teammates and friends. We have good team bonding. We are friends off the field.

Being a defender, how were you able to score?

The goals came off corner shots. Coach (Nick) White likes to use our height. I am 6-foot-2, and I managed to score twice. My dad thinks I am going to get taller.

What is your job as a defender?

To make my goalie’s life as stress-free as possible.

Do you have a favorite player?

I like the way Neymar Jr. plays.

What is your favorite movie?

The new “Deadpool” movie.

Who is your favorite artist?

I listen to Gunna a lot.

Where do you and your teammates or friends head for a snack after a game or practice?

We go to Moe’s and I get a ‘Stack’.

What is the favorite meal your mom makes?

I like my mom’s homemade nachos.

Did you go on vacation this summer?

No, I stayed home to work on my craft. We went to Myrtle Beach a couple years ago.

Is there a place you would like to go on your bucket list?

I would love to visit Europe and see the different countries.

Who is your favorite Pittsburgh team?

I like the Steelers. I hope they make the playoffs.

Do you have a dream car?

I would like to own and Nissan GT-R.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant