BUFFALO TWP — Claire Cryzter figured there would be a small part of her that would still long to compete.

After all, the Freeport graduate played at a high level in two varsity sports for the Yellowjackets.

She was a standout libero for the Freeport volleyball team that won a PIAA Class AA title in 2017 and was also a dangerous hitter and shortstop/third baseman for the softball team.

But when she ventured off to Gettysburg College last fall, she left athletics behind — and thought that would be it.

She was wrong.

“I didn't really realize how much I would miss it,” Crytzer said. “I personally underestimated the value and place sports took in my life.”

Part of the reason why she gave up sports was because of a back injury that plagued her during the spring of 2018.

“I was constantly in pain,” she said. “I needed a break.”

Crytzer, though, found she needed a sport more.

After her first semester at Gettsysburg College, she decided to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh. She became the team manager for the volleyball program, figuring that would satisfy her craving to be a part of a sport again.

It didn't.

So, again, she transferred — this time to Juniata College, where she will be on the volleyball court again in the fall as a libero and defensive specialist.

Her journey, she believes, is finally over.

“I've had a crazy college year this year,” Cryzter said, chuckling.

“I just really missed the competition aspect and the team aspect,” Cryzter said. “I just missed competing and winning.”

Crytzer won a lot for the Freeport volleyball team.

Cryzter was the soul of the team during the Yellowjackets' state title run.

After Freeport fell in the WPIAL playoffs, it was Cryzter who galvanized the Yellowjackets by saying, “If we can't win the WPIAL, let's win the state title.”

They did.

“I'm not going to say I think about that every day, but I do frequently,” Cryzter said of winning the state title with Freeport. “I wouldn't be the person I am today with Freeport volleyball.”

Cryzter had played some volleyball during her hiatus in a coed league with her brother, Grant, who is a junior at Armstrong High School.

It wasn't the same.

Cryzter is now focused on preparing for her return to the court.

“I'm not super nervous about it,” she said. “I feel confident in my abilities. I can pick up what I had and improve upon it. I've watched a lot of volleyball and I think that has improved the mental part of the game.”

Being a libero is no easy task.

Cryzter was one of the best during her career at Freeport because of her mental toughness, anticipation and keen ability to keep the ball off the floor.

“You have to be hyper-focused on that particular point,” Cryzter said. “If you lose the point, you have to move on to the next and accept what you can't change.”

Juniata has one of the top NCAA Division III volleyball programs in the country.

The Eagles went 28-4 last season and advanced to the national semifinals.

“I had been contacted by a few schools, but Juniata was the best fit for me,” Crytzer said. “I'm all in.”