The Penn State women’s volleyball program held its second weekly media availability of the 2023 season Tuesday afternoon before practice at Rec Hall.

Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, senior outside hitter Jess Mruzik, and senior defensive specialist Maddy Bilinovic answered questions ahead of the No. 14 Nittany Lions’ home opener against No. 22 Western Kentucky Friday at 7 p.m. in the Penn State Invitational.

The Nittany Lions also play Colgate and James Madison Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. BTN+ will stream all three Penn State matches this weekend.

Penn State (0-2) lost to Florida and Georgia Tech in four sets last weekend in the season-opening Road 2 Tampa Bay Invitational at Amalie Arena and USF’s Yuengling Center. They dropped six spots in this week’s AVCA coaches’ poll, while the Gators climbed to No. 8 and the Yellow Jackets rose to No. 11.

Mruzik led the Nittany Lions by a fairly wide margin offensively last weekend, recording 31 kills — 15 against Florida and 16 against Georgia Tech. Taylor Trammell was Penn State’s second-most prolific offensive option with 14 total kills in Tampa. Mruzik and Allie Holland are tied for the team lead with three aces apiece. Mruzik is second in digs with 19, trailing Gill Grimes’ 27, and added three total blocks.

After leading the Nittany Lions with 437 digs while handling libero duties as a junior in 2022, Bilinovic served as Penn State’s primary defensive specialist last weekend, starting both matches alongside Grimes, the new libero to start the season. Bilinovic had six digs against the Gators and 12 versus the Yellow Jackets. She also added an assist in the season opener Friday night. You can read our previous Tuesday press conference transcript from August 22 featuring Mac Podraza and Taylor Trammell here.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley

What are some of your general thoughts on last weekend? Were there any positive takeaways you could glean from it?

“The positive takeaway is that we’re home this weekend. We have to get back to work today and have a couple good practices in a row, try some different things, and maybe get some new people in. I think both Florida and Georgia Tech are great teams. It was a great challenge. We had opportunities to score points, to close out sets, and we didn’t do that, so we have to learn from that and get better.”

Florida’s Kennedy Martin was named AVCA National Player of the Week. What did she do particularly well?

“She’s a great player. I think she’s physical. She found ways to score. She can play the whole game. I just think that she’s a great competitor.”

What’s your relationship like with the three other head coaches down there in Tampa [in Florida’s Mary Wise, Georgia Tech’s Michelle Collier, and USF’s Jolene Shepardson]?

“It was great. It was fun. We did a panel together. Obviously, I’ve known Mary a long time. She’s been coaching a long time. Michelle and Jolene, I just thought they were great people, fun to be around, true competitors. I thought all the teams there were super competitive. We didn’t play South Florida, but watching them play, they were super scrappy and competed hard. I think every team in that tournament is going to do some good things this year.”

How do you think Gill Grimes did in her debut at libero? What about your defensive specialists as a whole?

“I think Gill passed really well. I think, defensively, as a group, we need to be better. But I thought Gill did a good job passing. I think she needs to be a little bit more vocal on the court, but I think she’s doing some really good things.”

Heading into this weekend, what are some things you need to see from the team?

“To go for more balls. I think there were some balls that fell that, in the past, we haven’t let that happen. I think we need to be aggressive and confident in our skills, and get the quality reps in practice that we need to feel good about that.”

What stands out about Western Kentucky?

“I think Western Kentucky has a great coach [in Travis Hudson], and they’re always ready to go. I think they’ve been highly competitive and very good for his whole time there. Much respect for him and the program and what he’s done there, and how he continues to have great players and great teams. I expect nothing but a battle from them.”

Former Purdue libero Jena Otec joined their coaching staff this offseason. What are some benefits of having a younger coach and recruiting coordinator like that?

“She was a great player. She’s a special person. I think she’s going to be a tremendous asset to their program and to the coaching world.”

What did you see from Jess Mruzik and Mac Podraza last weekend? What would you like to see them improve?

“I think Jess is a great all-around player. I know she was frustrated with her play and knows the areas that she needs to work on. I think Mac, at times, was tight, and maybe it was a little bit of nerves with the whole new group and how we do things here, but I think both players are going to be more than fine, and will work hard. I mean, they’ve already been in the gym today. I know they’re eager to get back out on the floor.”

What kind of crowds are you expecting this weekend at Rec Hall? How important is that support?

“Yeah, it’s nice to have football this weekend. Opening up at home, just with the second week being in school, I think we’ll have a good crowd. I know the girls are excited to be here and to be able to play multiple matches in Rec Hall.”

What kind of things do Tina Readling and Sydnie Mabry bring to the program, especially on a travel weekend?

“That’s a great question. Tina does everything. Period. Tina does everything from organizing what’s going on with the group, to the hotel, to the food. She keeps everyone moving in the right direction. Obviously, Sydnie, I think, is one of the best tech people around. She does a great job coding and helps us with statistics and in-game information that I need. I’m very lucky to have them both on staff.”

You have a loyal booster club here at Penn State. How important is that to the program?

“Oh, it’s great. I think we had quite a few booster club members from State College who were there [last weekend]. The Tampa chapter [of the Penn State Alumni Association] was there. I think Penn State’s a special place, and our players know that. I’m super grateful for them coming to the matches.”

Are you expecting a big turnout of Penn State volleyball alumnae this weekend?

“Yeah, this weekend, we’ll have a few in town. We’ll have more as the season goes on. We’re honoring the 2008 and 2013 teams [October 6-7]. I’m excited to have a lot of people back this year. I know that they’ll be proud of how the team plays.”

How valuable is that to have them talk to the team?

“It’s awesome. I think our players really enjoy that, and I think it’s important for them to know the players who came before them, whether it was five years ago, 10, 20, or 30. I think that was one thing that Coach Rose did was always continue to bring everyone back together. It’s really special. I think our players really respect the past.”

Kendall White and Simone Lee have had a lot of success lately, both professionally and with USA volleyball. What’s it been like watching them?

“It’s been awesome. I’m so happy for them. I think both are playing exceptionally well right now and making their own mark with USA volleyball and international play, so I’m excited that we’ll get to see them a little bit more with the Pro Volleyball Federation [in Kendall’s case].”

Micha Hancock, Ali Frantti, and Haleigh Washington also began competing today for USA volleyball at the NORCECA Continental Championship. What stands out about them?

“I think that all those girls are playing at such a high level right now. I’m excited to continue to watch them play. It’s great for our players to know that you can continue to do that, but I think that those are special players who had to work really hard to get to the position that they’re at. It’s taken a bit for some of them, but I think that they’re doing Penn State real proud. I’m happy for them.”

What are some of the benefits of having these new pro leagues established here in the U.S.?

“What a privilege for these girls to be able to have that opportunity. I hope that they continue to get the funding they need and the support that they need to carry on, but I know that our players are really excited to have that possible opportunity.”

What are your thoughts on Nebraska having a match at Memorial Stadium Wednesday?

“I think it’s great for the sport. I think that volleyball, obviously, is booming now, and there are more and more girls wanting to play. I think any time you have events like that, that are on TV, it’s only helping all of us. I think that’s going to be really neat to see.”

Do you ever see Penn State volleyball playing a match in the Bryce Jordan Center or Pegula Ice Arena?

“Oh, I would love it. It would be a cool atmosphere, for sure. I know Coach [Rose] had said that they talked about having one at the BJC when he was here, but it never [materialized]. I want to win matches. I love Rec Hall. I think to try and do something somewhere else could be a great experience, but I’m happy here at Rec.”

What are some of your favorite memories in Rec Hall, as a player and a coach?

“As a player, it’s the fans, it’s the band, it’s just the support that you feel that, no matter what was happening, they’re always cheering for you and your teammates. I think, as a coach, sometimes, I sit there and I just look around and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I’m in this position now.’ I’m grateful for the experience I had as a player and as an assistant coach with Coach Rose and where I’m at now. The support for Penn State volleyball is like no other.”

You subbed Quinn Menger in to serve in a pretty big moment last Friday on set point, up 24-21, in the fourth set against Florida. How important is it to have that trust in her?

“I totally trust Quinn in coming in to serve. She’s been in that position before. She works on it a lot in practice. I know that she’s ready to go. She’s always aware of what’s going on in the match. I’m never afraid to put her in.”

She seems to have pretty good leadership traits. Have you noticed that as well? 

“Yeah, for sure. Quinn works really hard. I think she’s super helpful for all of the players, not just the young ones. I think she’s a great leader.”

I heard she wants to be a lawyer. What are some of the nice things about going to a place like Penn State and having those opportunities down the road?

“I think the contacts that she’s made [are valuable]. I know she did an internship this summer. I know she’s connected with some Penn State alums and is looking forward to [taking the LSAT]. I don’t know where she’s going to go yet. Obviously, she doesn’t either. I’m happy for her. That’s her dream, and I know that she’ll definitely achieve that.”

Alexa Markley did some nice things last weekend and is known as a particularly strong blocker. What stands out about her?

“I think Alexa’s a great blocker. I think Alexa can be a dominant attacker/blocker. I think, sometimes, the play is up and down, but I think she’s gotten much better, and will continue to get better this week and into the weekend. I think she understands that she’s going to make errors, and that she needs to be able to be flexible. It’s okay to make an error, but to come back and be better and find a way to score and to help herself. I’m excited to see what she’s going to do this year.”

What are some things you want to see from Zoe Weatherington and Cam Hannah?

“I think we need to get Cam in a little more. The luxury with Cam is that she can play left side and right side. I’m hoping to see what she can do this weekend. I’d like to see Zoe continue to work on being consistent. Zoe’s a big presence out there. I think she continues to get better at blocking and finding ways to score on the floor. She’s been working on her serve a lot. We saw that a little bit last weekend. She’s working to get better. I think she understands that every day is a challenge, and she’ll take advantage of it.”

Taylor Trammell and Allie Holland were pretty consistent in Tampa. Taylor made the all-invitational team. What have you seen from them?

“I think Taylor and Allie both played well. I think they both are really good blockers and see the game well. I think we need to get them going attacking a little bit more and giving them some more opportunities to score. I think they’re very good at what they do and they want to be better. They watch film. I think they’re very eager to be better every match.”

What do you want to see from your team in practice this week?

“I want to see us compete. I want to see us continue to work on our serve-pass game and put ourselves in the best position to compete this weekend and to be good.”

Jess Mruzik

What are some of your thoughts on opening weekend? 

“Yeah, I mean, it was nice to just have everyone out there competing against somebody different. Preseason is always hard, because you’re eager to play other people, but it’s always nice to see new faces across the other side of the net. Obviously, the matches last weekend weren’t the results that we wanted, but I think that we’re a pretty mature group, and we’re mature enough that, obviously, we love winning, but we have to learn from the losses. I think, coming out of the weekend, we’ve learned so much, so I’m just excited that we get to get back in the gym and apply those toward the weekend.”

What’s your relationship like with Mac Podraza?

“Mac’s awesome. We’ve known each other for a while. We played club against each other [at Legacy and Mintonette Sports]. Now, we live together. It’s kind of a full-circle moment for us. Her and I just have a great connection off the court, and I think that shows on the court as well. I’ve never had a setter who basically knows what I’m thinking, and I know what she’s thinking. Our relationship is great.”

Speaking of club, what was your experience like at Legacy Volleyball Club and then going back and coaching with them?

“Yeah, I loved Legacy. I made the late switch in my club career to go over there, and it was probably one of the best decisions I could have ever made. Jen and Ricky [Cottrill] were my coaches the two years that I was there, and then I was able to coach with them again this year. It was just awesome seeing club from a different perspective, and it was cool to make an impact on girls at that age, because when I was their age, I was always hoping that someone who was playing college ball would come back and coach me, too.”

What club were you with before that?

“I started out at Team Detroit. They were a smaller club to begin with, but they’ve grown, and they’re doing great things. But I’m very happy I switched over to Legacy.”

What’s the volleyball culture like in Michigan?

“It’s awesome. It’s growing. It’s definitely not as big as the West Coast or maybe down South, but Midwest volleyball is growing, and it’s growing really fast. It’s awesome to see more and more people come out of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, all those places, and thrive in college.”

What are some things you’ve learned from Megan Hodge Easy?

“Megan’s a great person. It’s just awesome to be in her presence every day. I feel like any time she opens her mouth, she says things that I haven’t necessarily heard before. She just brings a totally new perspective, which I respect a lot. She definitely has the credibility to back it up, so I’m just lucky to be coached by her every day.”

What stands out to you about Alexa Markley and Anjelina Starck?

“Lex and Anj are just incredibly hard workers. They’re even better human beings than they are volleyball players, but I know both of them are determined to get in the gym every day and get, at least, one percent better, if not more, and I think that shows in practice. It’s going to continue to show throughout the matches as well.”

You said before that Rec Hall is your favorite place to play in the Big Ten. What do you think it’s going to be like playing there this weekend?

“I’m so excited to play in Rec this weekend. It’s going to be great. I hear we have a lot of fans coming. I know a lot of the other sports [teams] are coming to support as well. It will be awesome to just get Rec packed and hopefully pull out three Ws.”

What have you seen from the Penn State fan base so far?

“The Penn State fan base has always been something that I’ve admired, because everyone is so dedicated to Penn State. I feel like volleyball, especially, between parents, fans, boosters, alums, everyone is so supportive of this volleyball program. It’s really unlike any other place in the country.”

What stands out about your defensive specialists?

“They’re gritty. They’re little firecrackers. They’re great people off the court, but when it comes to being on the court, they’re probably the most competitive people I’ve ever met. I think that’s definitely what it takes at that position.”

How have you seen yourself grow as a player from freshman year to now?

“I’m a totally different person than I was when I was a freshman. Walking in freshman year, I felt like I didn’t even know what I was doing. It’s weird to be in a veteran role now, especially at a new place. I’m new, but I’m old. But it’s just been so much fun to develop more as a person than anything. I feel like I’ve grown more as a person, which has helped me as a volleyball player. I think those two go hand-in-hand really well.”

What’s your impression of campus and some of the classes you’re taking so far?

“I kind of see campus only in my little bubble. I’m in the [Smeal College of Business] a lot, but when I’m able to go walk around campus, it’s awesome just to see campus booming. The campus is small and there are a ton of people. You can definitely tell how excited and how homey campus feels to people. It’s just awesome to see.”

What are you pursuing for your master’s?

“I’m pursuing my MBA.”

Maddy Bilinovic

Obviously, it wasn’t the result you wanted last weekend, but what were some of your takeaways?

“Obviously, we’re disappointed. We all are eager to get back in the gym and work out some of the kinks that we’re having. I think that some positive takeaways were our middles had a great weekend. Taylor [Trammell] and Allie [Holland] did awesome. I think we have to get back in the gym and work out some connections, get passing reps, and go from there. I think we’re hungry.”

What did you think of Gill Grimes’ debut at libero?

“I’m really proud of Gill. I think that she’s super loud. She’s energetic. Every team needs that in the libero shirt, so I’m happy.”

What’s your relationship like with Lina Perugini and Cassie Kuerschen?

“Lina and Cassie have been awesome. We always work together outside of practicing, helping each other with film. Lina sends us notes on the girls we’re playing. That was awesome. Just getting in the gym, we help each other in any way possible.”

What’s your impression of Joce Nathan and Kate Lally?

“Joce and Kate are awesome. I think that they’re fiery and they’re young freshmen who want to come in and get better. I think that they want to showcase what they can bring to the team in any way possible.”

What have you seen from Karis Willow? You two played against each other in high school in Ohio.

“Karis has been awesome. She wants the ball. I think Karis is a pretty fast attacker. It’s really hard for us defensively, blocking and back-row wise, reading her, to tell where she’s hitting the ball. I think that she should just keep getting stronger and keep getting her reps.”

I’ll bring up the other freshman, Catherine Burke, too. What stands out about her?

“Burke’s awesome. I think that she always has a smile on her face. She brings up the energy in the gym and she’s positive. She also has great role models to look up to in the middle position [in Allie Holland and Taylor Trammell]. She gets to watch them every day at practice and strive to be as great as them one day.”

What does Megan Hodge Easy bring to the team from a coaching perspective?

“Megan’s a Penn State girl, obviously. She’s a very decorated alumna here. I think that we need that. Some of the girls on the team were recruited by Russ [Rose], some Katie [Schumacher-Cawley] and the new staff. Megan brings the Penn State volleyball grit and Penn State volleyball attitude to the program. She helps us see that every day. She’s always hyping us up, so I’m really happy to have her.”

What’s it like having alumnae come back to watch matches, speak to the team, and support you?

“I love our alumnae. In Tampa, we had some come visit us and talk to us. It’s nice to take a step away from volleyball and look at it from a different perspective. It’s always bigger than volleyball, for me. We had [Kris Brown and her family] come last weekend, and she was awesome. She talked to us. It’s always just different perspectives on what she sees and what she thinks. She said that we need to be way more gritty on defense, things like that. We really appreciate outside views.”

How would you describe the support the program gets from the Penn State fan base? What are you looking forward to about being back in Rec Hall this weekend?

“I’m so excited to be in Rec Hall this weekend. Basically, the matches last weekend were home matches for Florida, and it was a pretty neutral site for Georgia Tech. But the wRECking Crew and Rec Hall, there’s really no place like it. Our crowd and our fan base, boosters are very energetic. They want to see us win. They want the best for us. We’re excited to do some things for them this weekend.”

How have you seen yourself grow as a player from freshman year to now?

“I think I’ve taken a lot of different roles on in my, now, fourth season here. I think that, every year, things shift, we get new players, new staff. It’s always a learning experience, no matter if you think, ‘Well, now, I’m going to be a senior. I know all there is to it.’ It’s never like that. I think my leadership skills have definitely grown with always getting newcomers, whether that be freshmen or transfers, just getting everyone on the same page, all on board, and just making the energy in the gym always as high as I can.”

What was it like seeing [former Penn State teammate and Florida outside hitter] AC Fitzpatrick last weekend?

“It was awesome. I love AC. AC’s my best friend ever. It was awesome to see her and her family. I’m happy for her in her new journey at Florida, and I always wish her the best.”

How important is NIL for the team and college athletes in general? What are some positives that you’ve seen from it?

“NIL is awesome. I think that, every year, we learn more about it, because we’re obviously new to it. It’s just a matter of getting connected with the right people, and Penn State helps us a lot with that. In any way we can, we want to engage in that.”

Is the team going to try and make it to the football game against West Virginia Saturday night at Beaver Stadium?

“We’ll see how Saturday goes with our competition this weekend, but we’ll be cheering them on.”