Russ Rose in 1989: “Julie epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete at Penn State. She has demonstrated proficiency in academics and athletics throughout her career.”
1988 Season (RS Junior): Highlights and Awards: Recipient of the Freshman Academic-Athletic Award in 1986, she was named twice to the Dean’s List … named to the Atlantic 10 honorable-mention Academic All Conference team.
Season Recap: Saw action in all 40 matches, recording 14 service aces and 86 digs … totaled a career-high 8 digs against George Washington.
Before Penn State: Firth won Most Valuable Player honors in track and volleyball 3 consecutive years at Eisenhower HS … First-Team all-conference selection her junior and senior seasons, she twice was elected volleyball captain … qualified for state competition as a hurdler her senior year … a guard in basketball, she set career records for highest free throw shooting percentage and steals (530) … majoring in exercise science.