FREEPORT — Volleyball hadn't been an important part of Carlie Bieranowski's life.

The Freeport senior didn't start spiking and serving on the court until she was in the seventh grade, and then it was only something to do with her friends.

But it didn't take long for her to realize she was very good at it.

These days, Bieranowski is a lot more into the sport than she was in junior high. But it doesn't define her.

"I play other sports," she said. "I have a job. Playing for Freeport is enough. Freeport volleyball is pretty much a year-round thing anyway."

Bieranowski was named to the PIAA Class AA team by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association last year as a junior.

Many of the other names on that all-state team play year-round for club teams and traveling teams.

But not Bieranowski.

It seems she doesn't need it.

"I'd have to say she is one of the best players I've coached since I've been here," said Freeport coach Tom Phillips, who is entering his ninth season with the Yellowjackets.

Bieranowski's strength is her hitting power. Not the tallest player — she stands 5-feet-10 — she has the leaping ability that makes her play much taller, Phillips said.

In many respects, her game is flawless.

"Her biggest strength is ball placement," Phillips said. "She has a strong arm swing and a strong upper body. She is magnificent. She is a great leader and just a rock for us."

Bieranowski is getting looks from Division I and Division II colleges. Geneva College has contacted her and she wowed people at the Penn State University camp this summer.

"Carlie was one of the most outstanding players there," Phillips said.

Bieranowski started as a freshman, a feat that is rare at Freeport and other programs. She has shown marked improvement since then.

"I was surprised when (Phillips) told me I was starting as a freshman," she said. "I was nervous, but the older players helped me."

With Bieranowski leading the charge the last two seasons, the Yellowjackets posted a 32-2 record. But both seasons ended with losses in the WPIAL quarterfinals.

As this season approaches, Bieranowski said nothing short of a state tournament appearance will satisfy her or her teammates.

"I think this is definitely going to be the year for us," Bieranowski said. "Last year, we had some team issues and we weren't as mentally tough as we needed to be. This year, we are so close on and off the court. When something happens, good or bad, we meet in the middle of the court and either say, 'Good job' or cheer each other up.

"We want to win the section, but that isn't our ultimate goal anymore. We want to make it to states."

That's a lot of pressure to place on a team before it has even played a match. But Bieranowski doesn't shy away from pressure.

She has heaped some on herself heading into the season.

"I had a really good year last year, but I want to be better," Bieranowski said. "I play the game for fun, but I also want to succeed."

Bieranowski isn't sure if she will play volleyball in college. It all depends on whether the school she chooses for her major — radiological sciences — wants her as a volleyball player, too.

"Right now, I'm focused on this high school season," Bieranowski said. "Beyond that, whether I play volleyball or not after college is not a big thing."