When her season ended after 13 games with a knee injury last season, Skyler Searfoss admittedly was frustrated.

After leaving Jim Thorpe as the school’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,787 points, Searfoss stayed on track at Holy Family College in suburban Philadelphia. The 5-8 guard averaged 13 points a game, and was among the team leaders in several categories, helping her gain CACC Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Over her high school basketball career at Thorpe, Searfoss had her share of nicks and bumps, but she was never sidelined for a period of time. Yet, it proved to be a time that was beneficial for her future.

Searfoss decided to digest all the information she could from Holy Family head coach Bernadette Laukaitis on the bench to take the initial steps toward following in the same profession in her future.

When her injury happened, however, it wasn’t easy.

“It was heartbreaking,” recalled the current junior. “We had a really good chance at a championship, and some other girls got injured, too. At one point, we were down to seven girls. It was very frustrating.

“But I decided to take advantage of the situation.”

Searfoss decided to view the game from a coach’s perspective, and began offering her input and insight to Laukaitis. Her role as an unofficial bench coach kept her engaged in the game and opened a new avenue.

“You can see things differently when you’re watching as a coach,” said Searfoss. “Coach (Laukaitis) and I would talk before and after the game. She valued my opinion and perspective, and I learned more about the game from her.

“I really enjoyed myself, and I gained a deeper appreciation of the game, and what coaches go through. I can see now how coaches have to deal with player’s needs and game situations.”

Laukaitis appreciated Searfoss’ efforts, and saw her further develop as a player.

“When her season ended due to injury last year, she was able to grow into an even better leader from watching and leading from the sidelines and getting stronger both mentally and physically,” said Laukaitis.

“She is a true leader in every sense of the word, and knows how to perform her role. Her time away from competition has made her even more focused on our team goals, and hungrier than ever.”

This season, Searfoss hasn’t shown any remnants from her injury, as she was recently named the CACC Defensive Player of the Week. Over two games, Searfoss recorded 18 defensive boards, five steals, and two blocks. It was the third time she received the honor in her career.

Searfoss scored a season-high 22 points against Caldwell on Jan. 18, and is averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game — second on the team in both categories. She also has a team-leading 59 assists and 37 steals.

The Tigers are currently 15-3, and 7-0 in the conference.

Searfoss has played her role, and was anxious to get back on the court.

“I feel fine, and haven’t had any issues,” said Searfoss. “I am wearing a brace, and have some soreness once in a while. But I was surprised how quickly I adjusted coming back both physically and mentally. It was a matter of reacting to everything on the court, and getting back into the flow of the game.”

Laukaitis was confident Searfoss would adjust swiftly.

“Skyler is the ultimate competitor and teammate,” said Laukaitis. “Nothing can stop her from making an impact both on and off the floor, injured or not. She has worked tirelessly to come back, and is playing her best basketball to date.

“I could not be more proud of her, and I am looking forward to watching her lead her team as we continue our journey together this season.”

With a budding future on and off the court ahead, Searfoss hasn’t forgotten her roots. She keeps in weekly contact with her family and former Olympian teammates Leila Hurley and Olivia Smelas — both junior standouts at Kutztown University. Her father, John, who has brought her through the game since second grade, has been a driving force.

Searfoss still recalls hitting the winning basket against Dunmore in the state playoffs that sent her team to the final four.

“That’s the biggest high school memory for me,” said Searfoss. “My dad comes to every game, and he gives me his advice and opinion about how I played. He has coached me all through my career, and he’ll send me video clips to help me work on things.”

As a college player, Searfoss had to make some adjustments to her game. Through her first 17 games, Searfoss was shooting .462 from the field, .775 from the free-throw line, and .421 from the three-point stripe.

“It was a matter of scoring all three levels,” said Searfoss. “I had a good jump shot in high school, but I had to work on my three-point scoring.

“The game is a little quicker and more physical, but I have been able to change where needed.”

So far, she hasn’t had any regrets about her stay.

“This was a really good fit for me,” said Searfoss. “I didn’t want to be that far away from home, and I really like the Philly area. During my freshman year, I missed seeing my parents every day, and I had to make that adjustment.

“Since then, everything has worked out well.”

A sports marketing management major, Searfoss wants to stay in a sports-related field in some capacity, but coaching has made a move to the forefront.

“I always had thoughts about being a coach,” said Searfoss. “But after being on the bench, I really would like to pursue it. I want to stay involved with sports in some capacity, and I know it will be in my future.”

As for her present state, Searfoss has plenty more to contribute to her basketball career.

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Former Northern Lehigh standout freshman Aubrey Pollard recorded her first double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds off the bench for DeSales University on Jan. 15.

Through her first 13 games, Pollard has averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.

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Tamaqua grads, freshman Lexi Buchala and senior Hailey Toth, have been swimming for the Penn State Altoona team this winter.

In a meet against Lock Haven on Jan. 17, Buchala was third in the 500-yard freestyle in a time of 5:58,93, and Toth was third in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:16.50.

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Leila Hurley tied a career and season high with 22 points in a 71-52 win over Mansfield Jan. 13 for Kutztown.

Through her first 18 games, Hurley averaged 10.2 points, while Olivia Smelas averaged 8.1 points and 6.5 rebounds.

College Corner will be published periodically. Feel free to submit any information on a local athlete currently playing in college to tnsports@tnonline.com