SV's White makes U20 national volleyball team again
JACKSON TWP — Like just about everyone else, the coronavirus pandemic stripped away a great deal from Sarah White last year.
The Seneca Valley standout volleyball player can't get enough of the sport, but she found herself uncomfortably idle for stretches of 2020.
No serves. No spikes. No sets.
It also seemed to cost her an opportunity of a lifetime.
The 5-foot-11 setter was selected to the U.S. National U20 team, but never got the chance to compete.
White, though, will get another bite at the national-team apple.
She was selected again this year and will travel to Las Vegas to train June 28 through July 7 with the chance to make the travel team and compete in the 2021 U20 FIVB World Championships in Belgium and the Netherlands at the end of July.
“Last year when COVID hit, I was selected as well, but we weren't able to do anything,” White said. “I'm so grateful to get another shot.”White capped off her stellar high school career at Seneca Valley with her fourth consecutive all-state selection and the Butler Eagle Volleyball Player of the Year Award.Versatility is her hallmark. She recorded 265 kills, 212 assists, 97 digs and 25 aces for the Raiders and was also a finalist for the PA Gatorade Player of the Year.When she touches down in Vegas next month, she hopes to soak up the experience.“I just want to learn as much as I can while I'm out there, especially with the amazing coaches,” White said. “I just want to learn a lot and take it all in. I just can't wait to be around all the amazing players and get a chance to set to them.”White also has every intention of making the travel team.She will join 19 other players in Las Vegas at the training camp with 12 making the travel roster.“To get the opportunity to represent Team USA overseas would be incredible,” White said. “Just getting a feel for what it's like playing internationally would be another amazing thing that could possibly come out of this. I'm really looking forward to that.”White is also looking forward to — finally — putting on an Ohio State University uniform.She verbally committed to play for the Buckeyes three years ago.She won't have to wait long — White will be on campus June 7 in scarlet and gray.To get ready for the next level, White as resumed her hectic volleyball schedule from before the pandemic.She played for Pittsburgh Elite and has also ramped up her training.“I really like pushing myself and trying to nail down the details and just getting as consistent as I can,” White said. “I'm training a lot now on strength and conditioning and doing a lot of volleyball. I'm trying to fit in as much as I can. It does feel like it's getting back to normal, the routine of what it used to be and I love that. It's perfect.”One thing White if focusing the most on is her quickness and tempo.“The college game, it gets super fast and I have to play fast and on target,” White said.That hasn't been a problem for White throughout both her high school and club career. Neither has playing any position.White has pretty much done it all on the volleyball court.“You get a new respect for each position,” White said. “That's helped me as a setter. Being able to play all those different positions has helped me become a better overall player. I take a lot of pride in that.”White also recently received another big source of pride.She received the Seneca Valley 2021 Sherman Female MVP Award.Seneca Valley athletic director Heather Lewis wrote a letter about White's accomplishments.“Since the very first day you donned a middle school jersey, the spotlight has shone on your talents and accomplishments,” Lewis wrote. “You are a young woman of few words, but your competitive desire and engaging leadership have made those around you better every single day — a testament to your excellence, character, and selflessness. ... With the tenacity you have displayed, there is no doubt continued greatness awaits you on and off the court. ...”White was moved by the letter.“It was incredible and so sweet of her,” White said. “It makes me proud.”
