Russ Rose Then (1999): “Hilary is as exciting of an outside hitter as we’ve had at Penn State in a number of years. She hits the ball very hard, is very explosive and plays the game with a passion, and that’s something we were very excited about.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Hilary was an explosive, fast twitch player. I loved how hard Hilary hit the ball. I mean, back when she was in club volleyball, there’d be a big crowd watching her court when she was playing because of how dynamic she was. She jumped so well, so she kind of gave hope to the shorter people. She had long arms, like her dad, she could pass very well, she was a terrific defensive player, and she was a very strong attacker. She’s still giving back as a high school and club coach.”
1999 Season (Freshman): 1999 National Champion … played in 19 of 37 matches (2 starts) and 35 of 125 sets … recorded a kill (no errors) and a block assist against Ohio State (9/6) … averaged 0.60 kills/set on .366 hitting … averaged 1.63 digs/set, good for 6th on the team … recorded 6 total blocks … started in season opener vs. Florida at the State Farm/NACWAA Volleyball Classic …tallied 14 digs and 2 assists in the loss to Florida (8/27) … played in all 4 sets versus Nebraska (8/28), totaling 15 digs and 2 assists … had 3 kills on 5 attacks against Purdue (11/27) … came off the bench to knock down 5 kills with 3 digs and 2 blocks vs. Robert Morris (12/3) in opening round of NCAA tournament.
Before Penn State: Lettered two years at Crystal Lake Central before transferring to Prairie Ridge High School; was a two-year starter and captain; a “Fab 50” selection by Volleyball Magazine; a three-time all-conference selection; named MVP her junior and senior years; a Chicago Tribune second-team all-state honoree; named Player of the Year by the Northwest Herald; Voted all-area by the Chicago Times.
“Sexton plays volleyball with reckless abandon,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 20, 2001
“Out to prove the critics wrong,” The Daily Collegian, Nov. 9, 2000
“Sexton shines in relief” — The Daily Collegian, Oct. 7, 1999