Russ Rose Then (1995): “Amanda’s a very good backrow player and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if she’s traveling this year as our first backrow sub. She has a good serve, competes very hard, and is a solid backrow player. The only thing she doesn’t have is experience at the collegiate level. Amanda’s a competitive person and, hopefully, she’s going to recognize her opportunity to play is there.”
1995 Season (Freshman) Season Recap: Gained an introduction to college volleyball while playing in 18 of 35 matches and 28 of 116 sets during her freshman season … in limited time, she collected 22 digs and demonstrated a polished serve with 4 aces … … hustled for a season high 6 digs in a win over Lehigh (9/15) and served up a season high two aces against Michigan (10/20).
NCAA Tournament: Played in 2 sets in the NCAA tournament loss to Nebraska (12/8).
Before Penn State: Thomas was the 3-year starting setter for the Huntingdon Area HS squad that finished the 1992 and ’93 regular-seasons undefeated … Thomas was recognized as a Second-Team All-State athlete in 1994 and was tabbed honorable mention in 1993 … the 3-time First-Team All-District 6 performer led the Bearcats to 3 consecutive District AAA titles and a runner-up finish in 1994 … Thomas participated as the starting setter for 3 years at the Nittany Region All-Star game … her father, Bruce, played football for the University of Virginia from 1963 to 1967.