The Penn State women’s volleyball program held its sixth weekly media availability of the 2024 season Tuesday afternoon before practice at Rec Hall.

Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, fifth-year senior pin hitter Camryn Hannah, and junior pin hitter Alexa Markley answered questions ahead of the Nittany Lions’ away matches against Michigan State and Indiana. Penn State remained No. 3 in this week’s AVCA rankings.

Hannah is having an excellent season midway through her second campaign with the Nittany Lions, hitting .302 with 184 kills, good for second on the team behind Jess Mruzik’s 220, after Penn State’s sweep of the Spartans Friday in East Lansing.

Markley has played in seven matches so far this season, recording 13 kills (.273), four blocks, and three digs. Markley is one of Penn State’s most talented blockers and is routinely singled out by Schumacher-Cawley for her prowess in that area. She’s also an outstanding student, carrying a 4.0 GPA, according to Schumacher-Cawley, and will graduate this spring after only three years.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley

You guys had a pretty close match with Michigan State the first time around. What were some of the things that you learned about them?

“I think Leah [Johnson] does a great job at Michigan State, her and her staff. I think they compete. They caused us some problems. I don’t think we passed well, but I thought we rebounded well and did some good things. I thought we competed hard and found a way to win. I think they’ll be better at home. We need to be sharp. We had a good practice yesterday (Monday) and are looking forward to today. It’s nice we have a little bit longer week to train. Just getting better every day.”

You guys have stayed undefeated in Big Ten play so far. What has allowed the team to succeed?

“It’s only four matches. Let’s not get too crazy, okay? Ask me that when we win, like, eight in a row. No, the conference is so competitive. I think the team, playing at home, I think we’ve done some good things. I think to win on the road is hard, but I know this team will be focused. I think it’s just been consistent play and players getting better, taking advantage of being at home when you are and being able to steal some matches on the road.”

Now, you go on the road for two straight [matches]. What’s the mentality going into this road trip?

“We’ll get a little break in between. It’s Friday-Sunday. Like I said, it’s been a little bit longer week here to train, which has been nice. I think this team likes to be together. They enjoy the travel and all of that. We’ll get there and have a good practice on Friday, stick to the game plan, and execute.”

What can the team do in the future to not get off to a slow start like we’ve seen?

“I wish. They should pay you the big bucks to figure that out. It’s something that they talk about a lot. Once you’re ready to go for warm-ups, that kind of has to be your start to go. We’re still working on that. We’re doing it in practice and we’re trying to get going with faster drills right away in practice to get them in that mindset. They understand that they have to be better at that, so we’ll continue to work on it. I’ll let you know Friday.”

What advantage does your team get when Gillian Grimes and Ava Falduto are on the court at the same time?

“I think they’re both great players. I think that they have high energy. They’re fast. They’re both great passers for us and defenders. I think they’re just great energy and they’re really good players to be around. They compete hard. I love when they’re both on the floor. They generate a lot of points for us.”

What has impressed you most from your middle blockers so far this season?

“I’m super happy with Maggie [Mendelson], Taylor [Trammell], Jordan [Hopp], and Catherine [Burke]. I think all four of them — I know we haven’t seen the other two play a lot — but they’re pushing their teammates in practice and they’re doing a great job. I think our middles are improving every day. I think Izzy [Starck] is doing a good job setting them and getting them involved in the offense. I’m happy with where they’re at, and they know that they can get better, too.”

What are some of the things that make [Camryn] Haworth special from Indiana?

“She’s an exceptional athlete. I think she’s been good from day one. I know she’s their team leader and does a lot of great things on and off the court there at IU. She leads well and I know she’ll have the team ready, along with Steve [Aird] and Kevin [Hodge]. Both [of those] IU coaches are Penn Staters, just so you guys know.”

What has impressed you the most about Ava [Falduto] so far during her freshman season?

“Ava came in the spring, so she’s been training here since January. I just think her improvement in her game. I mean, she was really good when she got here, but I think college is a little bit different. The speed of the game I think she’s done a really good job with. I think her serving has really improved. She scores from the end line for us. Ava comes in the gym and she’s ready to go every day. There hasn’t been one day where I was like, ‘Oh, she’s not ready to go.’ I think she’s committed to Penn State and to getting better and to being a great teammate.”

You mentioned Ava’s serving. It seemed like, against Oregon, every time you guys went on a run, she was the one serving.

“She works on it. She puts the time in. Serving is a skill that’s like a free-throw in basketball. It’s your routine. It’s your style. We just have her hitting different areas of the court. She’s strong and can move the ball around. It’s a skill that she works on every day.”

What are the benefits of having game-ready players like Catherine [Burke] and Jordan [Hopp] off the bench as you approach mid-to-late season?

“I wouldn’t hesitate to put them in at all. They know that. I know that they’re ready to go. Their time will come.”

How has your relationship with Jess [Mruzik] evolved?

“It’s great. I love Jess. I love all my players. I think you guys know that. Not only is she a great player, she’s a great person. I’m so happy that she’s here at Penn State and that she’s enjoying her experience here. Her family as well. I think they really enjoy the Penn State culture and being a part of this. I’m excited for the season that she’s having. I think we’re always on the same page of what needs to be done. I’m excited for her second half of the season here, but also for her professional career. I think she’s going to do some special things.”

Quinn [Menger] and Anj [Starck] are the last two remaining members of the 2021 [recruiting] class. What’s it been like seeing them grow as players?

“It’s crazy. I can’t believe they’re seniors. I say it all the time. I knew them before they came here. They’re great [representatives] of Penn State, of Penn State volleyball. I’m excited for their futures. Quinn wants to be an attorney. Anj wants to go overseas and play. I’m excited to help them both get where they need to be.”

What impressed you most from Taylor [Trammell] so far this season?

“I think Tay’s improved a ton. She’s stronger. I think she worked really hard in the offseason. I think she’s put a lot of time in working with our setters, especially Izzy [Starck], to get that connection better. This is Taylor’s last run. I think she’s really embracing it and enjoying it. I’m looking forward to the next couple months with her.”

Signing day is coming up [fairly] soon. You can’t talk about those players yet specifically, but what can you say about the future of the program as a whole?

“I’m so excited about not only this group, but the future players who are committed to Penn State and coming here. I think it’s a special group. We’ve had our official visits [for the 2026 commits]. It’s been amazing. Obviously, they all got to go to football [games] and enjoy the fun and be with the team. I know they fit in really well, so I’m happy. They all come from amazing families.”

What’s it like having players who can show recruits around campus on visits?

“It’s great. Our players, there’s no gray area here. Anything they can talk about. I think that our players are proud to be here. I think they portray that to future players and kind of show them how hard it is to be here, but also, you can enjoy it and have a great experience.”

What are some things you admire about Steve Aird?

“Well, I went to school with Steve. Steve was one of my best friends in college. Being on the men’s [volleyball] team, our class was really close. I think Steve’s done a great, great job at IU. They’re lucky to have him. I think Steve is a grower of the game. He wants it to be better. He’s always trying to do things differently to make it better. I’m a proud Penn Stater with him and I’m happy for his success.”

What kind of impact has Maggie [Mendelson] made since coming here to Penn State?

“I think Maggie’s made her mark. She came in January as well. This was the first spring season that she only played volleyball. She was playing basketball before at Nebraska. I think this spring was great for her in that it was all volleyball training, lifting, and conditioning. I think Maggie is so eager to be great and she’ll do whatever it takes for the team. You can’t say that about a lot of people.”

From your perspective, how has Gillian [Grimes] helped Ava [Falduto] develop?

“I think Gill’s gotten better because of Ava, and I think Ava’s gotten better because of Gill. I think they’re so competitive in practice. That’s what great players do. They make the person next to [them] better. I think they both push each other and understand [what] their role is right now. They’ll do anything to help each other out.”

How much do you rely on the players on the court for you to know whether to challenge a play or not?

“Oh, I trust them. They know that. They know I won’t challenge something if it’s bologna. No, they know that. We have a good relationship with that. We like to win challenges. We don’t throw them out there if we don’t think it’s a good one.”

What’s the schedule like from the match ending Friday to first serve on Sunday?

“Friday night, we’ll fly to IU, so we’ll actually get to Bloomington after the match on Friday. We’ll have Saturday in Bloomington. We’ll have team breakfast and film Saturday. We’ll have practice. The girls will have study time. We’ll have a team meal and do film twice. Game day, it’s early, it’s a 1 o’clock, so it will be early for us. We’ll have breakfast, film, and then [we’re] pretty much at the gym. They’ll have more free time on their hands on Saturday, but all of them are really great students. They’ll study and hang out. If they have family coming, they’ll get to see their family. It will kind of be a nice break for these guys, from going back-to-back to having a little bit of a breather in between two matches. Oh, and we’ll watch football, right? That’s what we’ll do.”

What were some ways that you learned how to be mentally tough as a player that you can translate now to your players?

“Gosh, I don’t know. I think our players understand how grateful they are to be in this position. I think life is hard. They’re playing a college sport. Is it a grind? Sure. But there are very few who can say that they’ve done it. I think it’s just pushing them as hard as we can. I think I’m hard on them, but I love hard, too. I think it’s just having that good balance.”

How do you think the game has evolved since changing to the rally scoring format [in 2008]?

“The game’s changed so much. I think it’s faster. Obviously, the Big Ten is so big size-wise. You guys see these players. I think it’s fun to see how aggressively that these ladies play. Besides the rally scoring, the opportunities are out there now to play in college. More girls are playing. I just think, the sport itself, as much as we’re on TV, has so much exposure. We’re in a great situation. I know they like it.”

We’re going to talk to Cam [Hannah] and Alexa [Markley] later. What impresses you about them?

“It’s been really fun to coach Cam. I knew Cam in high school. We’re from the same area in Chicago. I just think she’s taken a huge step forward in her game. I think she’s a great teammate. I think everyone enjoys being around her. I’m excited to see where her pro career goes, too. She wants to play professionally, and she’ll have opportunities for that. Alexa, too. It’s hard. Alexa is embracing her role right now. For us, Alexa can play on the left side or the right side. It’s tough not playing and being in the position, because she started a little bit before. I think Alexa’s a team player. She’s gotten better. I know she’s ready to go. Alexa has a 4.0 [GPA] in school. I think everything she does is with purpose. She wants to be great at all of it.”

How enjoyable has it been to make it to some home football games this year with the team and everyone?

“It’s great. I didn’t go last weekend [to the UCLA game], but I went to the Illinois game. It’s awesome. I’m happy for the team, because we never really have those opportunities to do that. Last weekend, I know all their parents who were in, they all tailgated, they grilled out. The dads brought food and all that. I know they enjoyed it. I was happy for them, that the weather was great, and that they could have that experience.”

How have Gill and Ava’s defensive play-making ability put the offense in a good position?

“Whether they’re passing or digging balls, they put us in a position to score. I think they’re both fast and aggressive. I think they see the game well. They put Izzy in a position to get better balls to the hitters. Without Gill and Ava on the floor, I think it would be a different story. It’s fun seeing them fly around and get the crowd into it. I know they’re excitable players to watch. They’re great.”

Camryn Hannah

What are some of the biggest things you’ve learned about your team through the first four matches of Big Ten play?

“I think we’ve learned that we play really well when we all have each other’s backs and we’re looking for things outside of each other’s positions. When the outsides are telling the middles what to swing and when the back row is talking to the front row, when we can all cooperate together as a team, that’s when we’re really good.”

How has the success of your middle blockers provided more opportunities for you this season?

“Oh, my god, it opens up the entire floor, because people have to think about them. You have to respect them, wherever they are on the floor, even if Izzy [Starck] is off the net, which I think she does a great job of forcing them, so that the other team has something else to think about but the outsides.”

What’s your relationship like with the other outside hitters?

“So good. We’re all best friends. I think that’s why you come here, to get better, to be challenged. I don’t think that any of us walk into the gym and we’re like, ‘I hate this girl because she’s not playing or because she is playing.’ We don’t have that relationship. We’re all a team. We know what the goal is. We push each other.”

How are you preparing for two away matches in one weekend?

“Focusing on ourselves, I think. That’s what we do every day. We walk into the gym and it’s one opponent at a time. Right now, we’re focused on Michigan State again, because it’s hard to beat [a team] twice, especially in the Big Ten. Once that game is over, then we’ll focus on Indiana. Right now, we’re really trying to hone in on the fundamental things while we have time in the gym.”

How has Gill [Grimes] and Ava [Falduto’s] defensive play-making ability helped the offense?

“I think their digs and their pursuit to balls keeps us accountable for our own position, as well as trusting them behind us. If I can’t get to something, I know that she can, so giving her a little bit more space allows me to focus on other things.”

How have Maggie [Mendelson] and Taylor [Trammell] contributed to the offense as a whole, just being leaders on the court, to you?

“I think they both are such a big presence. They both bring huge personalities. When they get kills, it fires up the whole team. Like I said before, it opens up the rest of the court for us, because [other teams] have to respect them. I think they’re a huge part of our offense.”

What are some of the things that make Jess [Mruzik] special?

“Her leadership, her ability to score. I think her attitude as well. She brings this swagger to the court that’s kind of contagious to us all. We feed off of her a lot.”

How has your connection with Izzy [Starck] grown throughout the season?

“Oh, I think a lot. In the beginning, she was really quiet. I was like, ‘Izzy, it’s okay to yell at me. If it’s a good set and I didn’t get there, yell at me and tell me that.’ So just bringing her out of her shell has made us closer as friends, too. It’s cool.”

Last season, you hit .257 on the season. This year, you’re over .300. What has been the biggest change for you offensively?

“I think knowing when to swing hard and when to keep the ball in play and kind of play it safe. As an outside, you get a lot of balls that might not be a perfect ball for you to swing at. I think, last year, I was very close-minded and I just wanted to hit everything, but now, I have to be a little bit smarter, knowing that people are going to scout those things.”

How has Alexa [Markley] helped you as a blocker?

“Alexa is really good at seeing what’s happening on the court and then letting us know. It’s never just like, ‘We’re all on the court and the bench is separate.’ I think she does a really good job of, if I’m missing something or if I’m struggling with something, she can help me to see that and fix it right away before it’s too late.”

How do you stay focused on winning throughout all the travel this weekend?

“I think that’s always the goal. I don’t think we ever stray from that focus. That’s what you come to Penn State for.”

What are some things that stand out about Michigan State on film?

“I think they are really good at knowing what our weaknesses are and exploiting them. They swing high, they play the corners really well, so I think they make it really hard on us to score, and we have to work harder. But it’s just another challenge we’re going to have to face.”

What do you and the rest of the outside hitters have to do to continue to dominate Big Ten play?

“Swing high and continue to open up our tool box and bring new things to every game, because the more that we play, the more people are going to scout us, the more they’re going to pick up those balls that we hit all the time. So just pushing each other to score in new ways and find new things.”

What are some things that you like to do on an away-trip flight?

“Sleep. That’s all I do ever.”

Any music that you like to listen to while you’re on the road?

“I’m a big R&B fan, like old R&B, like 2000s. If I’m listening to music, that’s what it is.”

I see you like to wear colorful shoes [during matches]. You have some Kobes that you like. What’s it like expressing yourself in that way on the court?

“I think it’s so cool that they allow us to express ourselves in that way. I think our equipment team does a really good job of knowing what we like and trying to get that for us, so that we can be ourselves. That’s part of being at Penn State. They treat you like a pro, so you’re able to express yourself and be who you are.”

Katie [Schumacher-Cawley] said you have plans to play professionally. Do you want to play here in the [United] States or go overseas? Do you have any preference?

“I don’t. I would love to travel the world and get paid to do it, so that would be really cool, but also, I would like to be close to family. However the cards play out for me is how it goes.”

Who are some of the people who have shown you the way, as far as professionals who you look up to?

“I look up to Haleigh Washington a lot. Megan [Hodge Easy], obviously, she helps a lot with just  questions that I have or anything that I don’t know about. I’d also say Zoe [Weatherington], for sure, and Mac [Podraza]. They’ve answered a lot of my questions.”

Alexa Markley

You’re obviously close with Caylen Alexander. What’s it been like seeing her play really well for Hawaii?

“Yeah, I’ve known Caylen since we were 14. We played for the same club together at A5. I’m super proud of her and all the hard work she’s put in. She’s doing awesome. I wish nothing but the best for her. It’s so exciting to see other A5 players succeed in college.”

How have veterans on the team like Taylor [Trammell] contributed to the culture you guys have built?

“I think a big part of Penn State is tradition. The older girls do a really nice job of welcoming the younger girls and teaching them about our values and what we do at Penn State.”

How has Ava [Falduto] and Gillian [Grimes’] defensive play-making ability helped put the offense in a good position?

“They’re both so scrappy. I mean, all of our defensive specialists are — Joce [Nathan], Kate [Lally]. Everyone just works so hard and keeps the ball off the floor. It’s great for hitters when we just put the block up and it goes right to them.”

What’s it like playing with Jess [Mruzik] and Cam [Hannah]? How have they helped you as a player?

“Jess and Cam are great. They’re excellent role models to look after. They’re great players and even better people. They’re definitely people I look up to on the team.”

*Editor’s note: Markley was coming straight from class to practice, so there wasn’t as much time available for the media to speak with her as Hannah.