Russ Rose Then (2001): Dawn is a focused and determined back row player.  There have been days when she has dug every ball and made some outstanding defensive plays in practice, so we know that those intangibles are with her.  We need her to focus all of the time and be able to concentrate on the things that she needs to do so that she can bring that on a day-to-day basis.

Russ Rose Now (2025): Dawn was just a really bright individual who was looking to come to Penn State and study.  You’d watch her play and she was really quick and athletic, and she could jump and hit. But she wasn’t going to hit for us.  Back then, I had a big collection of back row players.  Dawn came in and made valuable contributions as a back row player.

Before Penn State: Was a three-sport standout at Merritt Island High School, lettering in volleyball, basketball, and golf; first-team all-conference in volleyball (1996 and 1997) and  in golf (1998); also garnered second team all-conference nod in hoops her senior year; member of the 1998 Florida State All-Star Volleyball Team; participated in 1998 Cape Coast Conference All-Star games for volleyball and basketball; captained the golf and basketball teams for a season; named MVP of golf squad in 1998; earned a Who’s Who Among High School Athletes; three-time National Student-Athlete and Scholarship Athlete.