FREEPORT — There were times when Zoe Pawlak felt her head spinning.

There were other times when she was at a loss for words.

The recruiting process for Pawlak, an all-state volleyball performer at Freeport, was frenetic.

“Honestly, it was really stressful,” Pawlak said. “I had to keep in touch with all the coaches and the schools.”

The most difficult part, she said, was one of the most simple things.

“Finding something to talk about with the coaches,” Pawlak said, laughing. “I had to keep the conversation going and there were a lot of awkward pauses.”

There has been nothing awkward about Pawlak's athletic career at Freeport. A star in three sports, volleyball is the one that has granted the junior a path to Division I Loyola and Maryland University.

Pawlak chose Loyola over a slew of others, including Mid-American Conference schools like the University of Buffalo and Akron University.

“There was a few schools up there,” Pawlak said. “(Loyola) is a really good school with very good academics.”

That was one of the main draws for Pawlak, who averaged 19.5 kills per match in the playoffs and 12.8 kills per match in the regular season.

Another was getting an opportunity to play for a program that is rebuilding.

Loyola was 2-27 last fall, has a new coach and a young roster.

Pawlak has enjoyed nothing but success at Freeport. The Yellowjackets have won nearly 60 matches in her three years, including a WPIAL Class AA title in 2013.

“I hope to start my freshman year (at Loyola),” Pawlak said. “Obviously, I want to get better. I still have a lot of things to do.”

What has made Pawlak so good on the volleyball court has been the 5-foot-11 hitter's tenacity at the net and her powerful right arm.

“The thing about her is she reads the blocks so well,” said Freeport volleyball coach Tom Phillips. “She reads the court so well, where the defense is, and to be able to change up some shots and (tap) the ball over, it frustrates the other team. Very smart player.”

She also has a devastating jump serve in her arsenal.

Pawlak is also an accomplished swimmer.

This winter, she placed seventh at the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships in the 50 freestyle.

“That was really exciting,” Pawlak said. “I didn't think I would make it on the podium.”

Pawlak also is one of the best javelin throwers in Butler County.

Last spring, she had the best throw in the event at 119 feet, 2 inches.

Pawlak said even though she has committed to play volleyball at a D-I school, she won't sacrifice her high school experience.

“I think it's important to keep the social aspect in high school,” Pawlak said. “I love competing and I love track and swimming. I think they make me a better athlete.”