Russ Rose Then (1999): “Dawn’s potential is to come in and make things happen. She seems to be an exciting player that has an aggressive serve and a willingness to get in the mix. I think Dawn will also have some opportunities this year to step in and get some points for us.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Dawn was a multi-sport athlete and a really bright individual who was looking to come to Penn State and study. You’d watch her play and she was really quick and athletic, and she could jump and hit. But she wasn’t going to hit for us. Back then, I had a big collection of back row players. Dawn came in and made valuable contributions as a back row player.”
1999 Season (Redshirt Freshman): 1999 National Champion … Academic All-Big Ten … Letterwinner.
2000 Season (Redshirt Sophomore)
Before Penn State: Was a three-sport standout at Merritt Island High School, lettering in volleyball, basketball, and golf; first-team all-conference in volleyball (1996 and 1997) and in golf (1998); also garnered second team all-conference nod in hoops her senior year; member of the 1998 Florida State All-Star Volleyball Team; participated in 1998 Cape Coast Conference All-Star games for volleyball and basketball; captained the golf and basketball teams for a season; named MVP of golf squad in 1998; earned a Who’s Who Among High School Athletes; three-time National Student-Athlete and Scholarship Athlete.
“Women’s volleyball team rebuilds back row,” The Daily Collegian, Aug. 29, 2001