Russ Rose Then (2006): “I’m hopeful that Cassy is physically healed from some of the challenges she has had throughout her career.  A great deal of the success that we may have and can hope for this seasson will be based on Cassy’s impact offensively, blockingwise, and her leadership skills.  She has had some great highs and some disappointing lows in her career, and I hope for her that she has a great offensive year and blocks well.  Dennis [Hohenshelt] has been working with her on blocking and I think that is going to show in how she plays the game.  Cassy has always been a team player and has embraced the opportunity to be a team leader.”

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