JACKSON TWP — Karen Martini remembers Sarah White as a lanky seventh-grader with jaw-dropping volleyball talent.

The Seneca Valley coach would often stop her varsity scrimmages to explain things to White, who was in the gym regularly to observe.

At the time, White didn't fully grasp the finer points of the game. The raw ability was there, however, and that intrigued the longtime coach.

“Through the years of coaching volleyball, you occasionally encounter an athlete who is just something special,” Martini said. “She is a pure, natural athlete. Her ability was uncanny.

“I'm blessed to have the opportunity to work with her.”

At 5-foot-11, White has the size to play anywhere in the rotation, but setter is where she has found a home.

She has the touch, communication and leadership skills and competitive streak to excel at the position, which is one of the most demanding in the game.

As a freshman for the Raiders last fall, she made the Class 4A all-state team. White was the only freshman to receive that honor.

Her prowess has gotten White lots of attention from college coaches, who have seen her play during the club season with Pittsburgh Elite and at various camps.

White rattled off a who's-who of Division I college volleyball programs that showed an interest in her.

“WVU, Pitt, N.C. State, Iowa, Texas A&M — a lot of Big Ten schools,” White said.

They aren't recruiting her anymore.

White, despite just entering her sophomore year, committed earlier this week to Ohio State University.

“They checked all the boxes,” White said. “It just clicked. I really loved it there — the campus, the team, the competiveness there, the coaches. Everything. It was a really tough decision, but I'm really happy knowing where I'm going to go now.”

It's unusual for a player to commit so early to a college program, but White isn't concerned she made the choice too early.

“I wasn't really worried,” White said. “I was taking the time to make sure and that I was comfortable with the decision. Once I came to Ohio State, I knew that's where I wanted to go.”

Martini may have to wear rival colors now to support White.

“We're all Penn Staters in my family,” Martini said. “But I told her I would wear an Ohio State volleyball shirt for her.”

The colleges began showing an interest in White when she was an eighth-grader.

That took White a little by surprise.

The attention only intensified last season.

“They said that they liked my athleticism,” White said. “They liked how I was fiery on the court and I was a good leader.”

White certainly doesn't skimp on playing.

She's on the court virtually year-round through high school, club and showcases.

White has never been worried about burning out on the sport, one she decided to focus solely on five years ago.

“I love it so much I don't think I'd ever get tired of it,” she said.

White said her development as a player has been aided by her involvement in club volleyball.

“It's very competitive and you play against teams from all over the country,” White said. “Being around all those different players really helps and I think it has helped develop my volleyball IQ.”

White also said it has made her a better teammate.

“Volleyball is a team sport,” White said. “As a team you have to work to get better. I hate to lose and love to win.”