Russ Rose Then (2005): “It is my hope that Roberta is going to make an immediate impact as a jump server and backrow player. She’s explosive, serious about competition, and quick to the ball. In addition, she is entering as a freshman with close to 40 college credits. Her maturity and passion for the game will shine through.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Roberta could have easily been a starting libero and she could have been a starting hitter at any number of schools. She was an incredibly skilled and talented player. She was home-schooled and played for a good club team. Her mom and dad were volleyball people, and Roberta and her siblings all had long and distinguished volleyball careers. Roberta was quick and she had a really good jump spin serve. I had 100% confidence in anything she did as a player. I knew that she was going to make good decisions, and she was going to play hard. Roberta was exceptional. She was tough and skilled. She was a great indoor player and a great outdoor player. And she was one of those lucky individuals in life that could roll out of bed and go play a big match and be a major contributor to your success. Since she graduated, she’s been involved in coaching club volleyball, and has been very active in the club volleyball scene in the Philadelphia area. I’m a big fan of Roberta the player and Roberta the human being, for the contributions she made to our program and for what she continues to give back to the sport.”
2005 Season (Freshman): Played in 59 games and 33 matches as a serving and defensive specialist … made collegiate debut in the opening match of the season against Stanford (8/26) at the AVCA/NACWAA Showcase … recorded 1st career dig against Hawaii (8/27) at the tournament … tallied a career-high 3 service aces against Southern California (8/31) at the Hawaiian Airlines Classic … recorded at least 1 ace in 8 matches, including 3 multiple-ace contests … provided a dig in 14 matches … had 3 or more digs on 6 occasions … tallied a career-high 4 digs twice, including at Hawaii (9/2) and at Purdue (11/11).
Before Penn State: Four-year volleyball letterwinner and two-year basketball letterwinner for the Christian Home Educators Network (CHEN), as she was homeschooled … was team captain for the Bravehearts from 2002-2004 … led the squad to a four-year scholastic record of 74-1 and the Homeschool National Championships in 2001 and 2004 … team was the Maryland Christian Athletic League (MCAL) champions in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the Maryland/D.C State Private School Champions in 2002 and 2004 … led CHEN to a No. 5 ranking in the Baltimore Metro area during senior season … averaged 4.7 kills per game in 2004, earning All-American, Baltimore County/City Player of the Year and First Team All-Metro honors … was named the Most Valuable Player of the Model Tournament in 2003 and 2004 … averaged 5.9 kills per game during junior season, picking up Baltimore County/City Player of the Year, First Team All-Metro, MCAL Most Valuable Player and Baltimore Sun Athlete of the Week accolades … was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Maryland Christian Athletic League for basketball in 2001 … member of the Time Out Orange Crush club volleyball team in Towson, Md. … named to the 2004 All-Tournament team at the Junior Olympic Nationals as the squad finished third, earning the regional championship … named to the President’s List at Harford Community College.