Alyson Peters decided she wanted a career tending to people in need, and that’s how a lot of opposing players felt as they hopelessly watched the ball rocket to the floor during one of her many kills over her volleyball career.

Maybe their pride was hurt more than anything else as Peters struck for 281 kills this season. The senior will now be making college players experience that same sense of helplessness as she’ll travel west to attend Clarion University next fall, announcing it at the National Letter of Intent early signing period at Whitehall High School recently.

Peters said that her decision to attend Clarion University was largely based on their excellent nursing program. She’s open to anything in the field, but being on staff at an ER is something that would be most welcome.

Peters said that she attracted attention from Clarion head coach Jennifer Herron who witnessed her playing for East Coast Power Volleyball at one of their events. Herron sent her an email about that event, noting that she had previously watched Peters on film, but that match was the first time she saw her in live action.

That introduction led to a visit, and Peters said that she felt a tug of camaraderie as soon as she met with everyone involved with the program.

“I went out for a visit and fell in love with the school and team,” said Peters.

Peters possesses a great all-around game. She can score from anywhere on the floor, and her 109 blocks also led the team. Peters was an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference first team all-star section this season, and will bring that versatility to Clarion where she’ll join a team that was one of the best in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

First year head coach Eric Budge said that Peters brings the whole package to the Whitehall volleyball program.

“Aly is a tremendous volleyball player, leader, and individual on and off the court,” said Budge. “She is extremely hard working and coachable. I could not have asked for a better captain and team leader. Simply put, Aly’s work ethic and personality will make any team she plays on better.”

Peters and her fellow incoming classmates will look to make Clarion better. The Golden Hawks recently completed their 2018 season, losing to Wheeling Jesuit University in the second round of the NCAA Atlantic Regional. They finished the season 22-12. Herron, who just completed her twelfth season, is the winningest volleyball coach in the school’s history with 265 wins at the start of the 2018 season.

First and foremost, Peters said that she plans to be a good teammate when she arrives next fall.

“I want to support my team and help them get to the postseason,” said Peters.

That falls in line with her desire to make her academics a priority since nursing requires a lot of study, striving for all As.

Her fondest memory is making the postseason in all four years as a member of the varsity program, and playing in her first district match as a freshman.