Russ Rose Then (2017): “Nia is improving every season and by the end of last year was one of our key players as an outside hitter. She has the potential to help us in any of the front row positions since she’s such a dominant net player. She continues to better understand the game, and I’m looking forward to a strong season from her.”
2017 Season (Redshirt Junior) Highlights and Awards: Academic All-Big Ten.
Season Recap: Played in 25 matches, and 52 sets … averaged 1.29 kills per set and .40 blocks … posted a career-best 11 kills on .421 hitting percentage against Wisconsin (10/25) … tallied a career-high 5 blocks at Texas A&M (9/2) … put down 7 kills twice on the season — 7 vs. Stanford (9/1), and 7 vs. Ohio (9/16).
Before Penn State: 4-year starter at Immaculate Heart Academy … led her high school squad to 4 consecutive non-public state championship titles, picking up Bergen Record Player of the Year honors in 2012 and 2013 … earned Star Ledger Player of the Year accolades in 2011, 2012 and 2013 … earned Big North Conference All-State honors from 2010-13 … competed with the “Digs” club team …played on the USAV Girls’ Youth A2 team in 2012, serving as an alternate on the Youth National Team in 2013 … a 2013-14 Under Armour All-American … a Mizuno First Team All-American … 3-time New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year from 2011-13.