Russ Rose Then (1991): “Because Laura sat out last season as a medical redshirt and was unable to practice with us in the spring, she lost a year of development. She’s really at the level of a true freshman. The worst thing about her knee injury is that it prevented her from playing high level volleyball. Laura is a big, strong, intelligent, competitive athlete who is not yet a well-rounded volleyball player. She could be a key player this fall.”
1991 Season (RS Freshman) Highlights and Awards: Academic All-Big Ten.
Season Recap: Laura Cook earned a starting assignment as a setter/hitter on 4 occasions last season when Salima Davidson was sidelined with a knee injury … led the squad to 3 wins in Davidson’s absence … saw action in 16 of 32 matches and 35 of 121 sets, including both NCAA Tournament contests … season-highs: 6 kills twice, 3 blocks 3 times, 8 digs vs. Michigan State (10/12).
Before Penn State: Cook lettered in 4 sports at Chesapeake HS and earned 1st-team all-county honors in volleyball and basketball…a setter/hitter, she was selected to compete in an All-Star match in 1989 … was a softball 2nd-team All County pick at shortstop … placed 5th in the state in the shot put her senior year … won the region title in the discus and finished 2nd in the shot… also was a member of the 4x 100-meter relay team … served as captain in volleyball, basketball and softball.
