Russ Rose Then (1999): “Mishka is a player that has all the potential in the world. She has great vision as a hitter and her knowledge of the game is good. Her ability to ball handle in the back row is positive. Mishka will have an opportunity to see how competitive the conference is and will have opportunities to contribute immediately.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Mishka was one of the top attackers in the country and was recruited by all the top programs. Her future was in her own hands — she could play any of the front row positions as she was very bright, possessed a very calm demeanor, and was never afraid of the big moments. She was a good student so she could have gone anywhere she wanted. She was an integral part of our success.”
1999 Season (Redshirt Freshman) Highlights and Awards: 1999 National Champion … named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Season Recap: Played in 32 of 37 matches (starting 16) and 89 of 125 sets as a true freshman … ranked 5th on the team with 1.82 kills/set, hitting .340 for the season … ranked 2nd on the team with 1.21 blocks/set … recorded a total of 55 digs … recorded 1st career double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs against Nebraska (8/28) … came off the bench to record 8 kills and match-high 7 blocks in win at No. 20 Michigan (9/25) … totaled 10 kills on .438 hitting vs. Indiana (11/5).
NCAA Tournament: Among the 6 starters against UCLA (12/10), with her two solo blocks scoring the final two points of set 1, totaling a career high 8 blocks anld 10 kills, hitting .444 … totaled a new career high 9 blocks in National Semifinal start against Pacific (12/16) … started in National Championship match versus Stanford (12/18), where she had 3 kills and 5 blocks (1 BS and 4 BA).
2000 Season (Redshirt Sophomore)
Before Penn State: A four-year starter at middle hitter for Episcopal High school; captained the Knights for her junior and senior seasons; named to Volleyball Magazine’s 1998 “Fab 50” team; three-time first-team All-Greater Houston selection; second-team All-American in ’97-’98; led team to four consecutive Southwest Prep titles; All-Southwest Prep Conference pick in each of her four years.
“Heavy Burden to Carry,” The Daily Collegian, October 18, 2001
“PSU atmosphere wins Levy’s heart,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 1, 2000