Russ Rose Then (2002): “Cara needs to have a year where she steps back into the picture as one of the premier players in the conference.  As a freshman she had some real good flashes and then last year she was in a bit of a sophomore slump.  Cara is a very bright student-athlete.  She works hard every day and I know she is competitive and likes to get into the mix, which is very good.  Hopefully, the experience of her sophomore year will be motivating to her to get her to do the things she has to do to make a larger contribution.  I believe she is willing to make the commitment to have the type of year we want for her, and hopefully she wants for herself.  She is a key player for us because she has started for two years, knows the conference opponents and she knows the system.  Her greatest strength is her quickness and her desire to succeed.  We will need Cara to provide additional leadership and feed off her emotion.”

Russ Rose Now (2025):

Before Penn State: A four-year starter at middle hitter and three-time captain at Harrison High School; was a member of the Unior National team in the summer of 1999; in 1998, led high school team to a school-record 31 wins and a state final four appearance; played in the 2000 Indiana State All Games in both volleyball and basketball; also lettered four years in basketball and one year in track.