Winning isn't everything.

Just ask seniors Claire Crytzer of Freeport, Carly Bozzo of Knoch and Robby Carmody of Mars. For them, winning is only part of the package.

That trio is among the 21 winners of the WPIAL scholar/athlete awards for the 2017-18 school year. They will be honored at a luncheon May 14 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Greentree.

“This is such a rare honor for any kid,” Knoch athletic director Kurt Reiser said. “You have to excel in the classroom and the athletic field ... and there are so many worthy candidates throughout the WPIAL.

“To be in this select group is a very special accomplishment.”

Crytzer, Bozzo and Carmody have gone above and beyond in academics and athletics.

Crytzer was the libero on Freeport's Class 2A state championship volleyball team. She is also a member of the Yellowjackets' unbeaten softball team.

She carries a 4.87 grade point average and will major in political science at Gettysburg College. Crytzer will play volleyball there as well.

“I'm my own biggest critic and I'm a people pleaser,” Crytzer said. “I don't want to let my teachers or myself down.

“Just like I want to get a little better every day I'm in the gym, I want to learn a little more every day I go to school.”

A shortstop and third baseman in softball, Crytzer only recently returned to the team after coming off a back injury.

“You hit the floor a lot as a libero and I got a little banged up,” she said. “I've got the bruises and scars to show that's a tough position.”

Bozzo was a libero and captain of Knoch's Class 3A state championship team. She also played for the Pittsburgh Volleyball Association club team that recently reached nationals.

She is headed to Franklin & Marshall College and carries between a 4.2 and 4.6 GPA.

“This is quite an honor, receiving this (scholar-athlete) award,” Bozzo said. “I was completely surprised by it.

“I've been playing volleyball since seventh grade. I love the sport and I'll be playing in college.”

Reiser said Bozzo could have gone on to play at a larger university, but chose Franklin & Marshall for the academics.

“I admire here for doing that. She knows how to make right choices for herself,” he said. “Carly has worked hard for everything she's gotten. She deserves to be in this select group.”

Carmody has received numerous statewide honors for his play on the Mars boys basketball team. He is graduating as one of the top 10 scorers in WPIAL history and will continue his career at Notre Dame.

He is carrying a 4.1 grade point average and will major in business and finance while playing for the Fighting Irish.

“I have to give my mom credit for making sure I kept up with my academics,” Carmody said. “She always emphasizes that academics will carry me through life once basketball is done with.

“I stay up late to do my homework a lot especially after road games. But I try not to stay up past midnight.”

Carmody described playing basketball for his father, Mars coach Rob Carmody, as “a special time in my life.”

These three are likely on their way to special futures as well. And they recognize the magnitude of the WPIAL scholar/athlete awards.

“To be part of this group of accomplished young people who have reached the highest levels in athletics and academics ... yes, it's a great honor,” Crytzer said.