Russ Rose in 1987: “JoAnn has the physical potential to be one of the top players in the country. She has shown pretty good determination to hang in there and work hard. She will make a good contribution to Penn State women’s volleyhall.”
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.”
1987 Season (RS Freshman) Highlights and Awards: 1987 Atlantic 10 Conference Freshman-of-the-Year … All-Northeast Region selection at middle blocker … named Atlantic 10 Freshman-of-the-Week (Oct. 18) … earned a spot on the Baden Invitational All-Tournament team.
Season Recap: Led the conference in hitting efficiency (.329) and finished 4th in blocks-per-set (1.42) … posted season totals of 245 kills, 177 blocks and 106 digs.
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.
