JEFFERSON TWP — Skylar Burkett's future in marketing may be just as bright as the one she has in volleyball.

When longtime Knoch High School coach Diane Geist convened her volleyball team to discuss what their mantra was going to be for the 2019 season, the players sat for a spell in silence.

Until Burkett's eyes lit up and she cried out, “Win!”

Geist wasn't sure what she meant.

“I was like, 'Duh,'” Geist said, chuckling. “Of course we want to win.”

But then Burkett explained it further and the Knights knew they had their motto.

Win had a much deeper meaning.

“What's Important Now,” Burkett said, embellishing on the acronym.

It has a lot of synergy. Three words and three sets for a victory. Knoch is looking for a third straight WPIAL championship, and when the players hold up three fingers, it forms a W.

“When she told us more about it, we were all like, 'Yeah, this is alright,'” Geist said.

Within the WIN is two other, longer slogans:

“Work small, imagine big, not mediocre,” and “Win as one, influence the competition, never give up.”

It may bode well for the Knights. The last time Burkett came up with a mantra — “Stairway to States” — in 2017, Knoch won a PIAA 3A title.

“I think it's a good sign,” Burkett said, chuckling.

The synergy of three also translates to the court, where the Knights may have one of best trios in the state in Burkett, Kennedy Christy and Hannah Rowe.

All three are seniors and all three are coming off standout junior campaigns.

Burkett emerged as a star in 2018 with 194 kills, 356 digs and 61 aces.

Christy and Rowe shared the Butler Eagle Volleyball Player of the Year award after combining for 583 kills, 124 blocks and 693 digs.

And here's another scary thought for Knoch opponents, courtesy of Rowe: “I think we all got a lot better.”

“The majority of our lineup played club and we've all improved in every aspect of our game and our volleyball IQ,” Rowe added.

After having just one senior last season in Kerrie Fitzpatrick, Knoch has nine of them this year.

Fitzpatrick, her 695 assists and her leadership will be difficult to replace, but Burkett will be one of the players who will step into that void as a part-time setter.

Burkett has experience at the position — she was a setter during her freshman season.

Burkett didn't play much on the state title team in 2017, but she said it was an invaluable experience for her breakout campaign last fall.

“Honestly, I'm glad it happened that way,” Burkett said. “It allowed me to really get the mental part of the game down. It made me a better player.

“I definitely think my confidence level has really gone up,” Burkett added.

Burkett and Rowe have developed a strong set-kill connection already.

“I love Skylar's sets,” Rowe said. “I just love them. They're just beautiful.”

Rowe got a fair share of confidence herself while playing for a state championship team in 2017 when she was a raw sophomore with a deep reservoir of talent. She got better and more consistent at the net as the year wore on.

Now, two years later, she's a polished force all over the court.

Christy is as well. She recently committed to play at Juniata College.

“I went to visit in the middle of July and I knew instantly that was where I wanted to go,” said Christy, who agonized over making a decision for the better part of a year as she fielded interest and offers from a slew of schools. “The campus felt like home and they have such a competitive program.”

With that choice off her shoulders, Christy is looking forward to her final season in a Knoch uniform.

She wants it to be a special one, not only for her, but for the team as well.

It has been a memorable two years for Knoch, which won 48 consecutive matches before falling to Warren in the state semifinals last year.

That loss, albeit painful, may give the Knights an edge this season, Rowe said.

“It definitely gave us all a reality check,” Rowe said. “It definitely showed us that it's harder to stay on top than to get there.

Once again, the target will be on Knoch's back.

Just the way the Knights like it.

“It definitely fuels our fire in a way,” Rowe said. “Everyone will be out to get us. It makes us play our best game.”