Russ Rose Then (2003): “We are going to depend on Cara to do a number of things this season.  She was an All-American last season and was one of the top players in the conference.  She is a great offensive player, especially in an environment where the opponent knows she is going to be hitting the slide and she still is able to terminate the ball at a high rate, both in and out of the conference.  Much of that has to do with how competitive a person she is.  She has made strides to increase her offensive potential to hit different sets, which is going to make her a more dangerous player.  Cara has all of the tools and has worked hard enough to contend for Player of the Year consideration.”

Russ Rose Now (2025):

Before Penn State: A four-year starter at middle hitter and three-time captain at Harrison High School; was a member of the Unior National team in the summer of 1999; in 1998, led high school team to a school-record 31 wins and a state final four appearance; played in the 2000 Indiana State All Games in both volleyball and basketball; also lettered four years in basketball and one year in track.

“Smith eclipses 1000-kill milestone in Lions’ weekend win,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 22, 2003