Russ Rose in 1989: “JoAnn has as much potential as any player at Penn State. If she focuses all her energies toward volleyball, she could be an All-American, which is one of her goals. We need her to have an exceptional year if we’re going to make it to the final eight.”
Russ Rose Now (2026): “Joanne was a very talented left-handed attacker who could have been an excellent setter. She had long arms, big hands, and back then we would run her on a slide — a left-handed slide — going away from the setter. This was long before people were hitting off one foot, but she was such a unique player at that point in time. She was great under stressful situations. And very bright. She continues to play in various age-specific events around the country.”
1988 Season (RS Sophomore) Highlights and Awards: Second-Team Atlantic 10 All Conference … ranked in the top 10 in hitting efficiency (.306), kills/set (2.95) and blocks/set (1.49) … was one of 3 Penn State players named to the A-10 All-Tournament … named to all tournament teams at the Penn State Preview and Reebok Classic.
Season Recap: Totaled 368 kills, 173 blocks and 199 digs … … recorded 15 or more kills in a match 7 times … season and career highs: 26 kills (vs. North Carolina State), 14 blocks (vs. North Carolina State and Tennessee), and 13 digs (vs. George Washington).
Before Penn State: Elwell participated in the 1986 Keystone State Games in both volleyball and basketball … led the Conneaut Lake HS volleyball team to the state tournament 3 times.
