Russ Rose Then (2004): “Cassy emerged in the spring as one of the top offensive players that we have had in recent history.  She was hitting the ball well and was playing with confidence and working hard.  She has been slowed down by some injuries, and hopefully she will be at full strength by the time the season comes around and will be able to follow up her Freshman of the Year awards both in the conference and the region.  Cassy is a rising star in the college game and I hope she has the type of season she deserves.”

Russ Rose Now (2025):

Before Penn State: Four-year volleyball letterwinner at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colorado; team captain in 2001 and 2002 for the Buffaloes; led Smoky Hill to state championships in 2001 and 2002 and the state semifinals in 2000; was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2002 Colorado state tournament; named to the state all-tournament team in 2001 and 2002 and named All-Colorado by the Denver Post in 2002; member of the 18-Black Front Range Volleyball Club team that won the 2002 18-Open Junior National Championship; also named all-region in 2001 and 2002; member of the senior honor roll; awarded the 2003 “Commitment to Excellence Award” by the director and coaches of the Front Range Volleyball club; tabbed as a “Fab 50” selection by Volleyball Magazine; named one of the Hot 100 recruits in the class of 2003.

“Women’s volleyball wins five postseason honors,” The Daily Collegian, Dec. 2, 2003