Russ Rose Then (1996): “Nikki had a fractured back last Spring and was unable to train or play. She saw limited action early in the season and then was in rehabilitation most of the year. We recruited her because we believe she has the potential to come in and be a primary passer as well as a good ball handler and outside hitter and blocker for us. I’m not sure she handled the rigors of volleyball as a freshman as well as we would have hoped, but if she can turn it around, get healthy and get her confidence back, then that will be the most important factor as to what Nikki can do. She has all the skills and a great knowledge of the game.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Nikki didn’t stay all four years, but while she was here, she practiced hard and contributed to the program. She was a terrific multisport athlete in high school and had a good frame for college volleyball at that time — she was 6 feet or 6-1. She was a person that could ball handle and play well at the net.”
1996 Season (Sophomore): Nikki Higley’s first goal for the 1996 season was to stay healthy … she spent much of her freshman season (1995) rehabilitating from injuries that limited her to action in 11 matches and 13 sets … a fractured back then kept her out of Spring competition, but she was expected to return in the 1996 season ready to make a valuable contribution on the Lady Lion front line … a skilled ball handler as well as hitter, Higley recorded 6 kills, 6 digs and 4 service aces in 1995 … her best match came early with a season high 4 kills, 2 digs and 2 blocks against St. Bonaventure.
Season Recap: Higley answered the call when needed as an outside hitter coming off the bench … saw action in 10 games in 7 matches … she set career-bests with 5 kills and 4 digs against St. Bonaventure (9/7).
Before Penn State: Higley was named first-team MNVBCA Class AA All State in 1994 and was a Volleyball Monthly “Fab 50” selection … guided North Branch High School in Minnesota into the history books during the 1993 season, as the Vikings placed 3rd in their very first state tournament appearance … that same year, Higley reached the state semi-finals as a starter for the basketball squad … North Branch proved the performance was no fluke, as the spikers returned to the state tournament in 1994, finishing 4th … a 5-time All-Rum River Conference selection twice in volleyball – earned first-team all-state honors as a senior when the squad won its second consecutive conference crown … tabbed by
Volleyball Monthly as a “Fab 50” selection in 1995 … twice an honorable-mention all state basketball contributor, Higley also found time to compete on the softball team that captured the 1993 conference
title … she was awarded sportsmanship banners in all three trips to the state tournament.
“Reserves now getting a chance to crack into Lady Spikers lineup,” The Daily Collegian, Nov 19, 1997
