The Penn State women’s volleyball program held its 13th weekly media availability of the 2023 season before practice Wednesday at Rec Hall.
Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, senior pin hitter Camryn Hannah, and senior defensive specialist Maddy Bilinovic answered questions ahead of the Nittany Lions’ final home weekend of the regular season.
No. 14 Penn State (17-8, 11-5 Big Ten) climbed five spots in this week’s AVCA rankings after beating Michigan and then-No. 2 Wisconsin last weekend at Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions host Michigan State, which beat them for the first since 2013 earlier this season, before welcoming Northwestern, a team they swept already, this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
Hannah is second on the team with 242 kills, trailing only Jess Mruzik, who has 411. Hannah also has 55 total blocks, 36 digs, eight aces, and two assists so far this season. The Chicagoland standout is hitting .255 and has 14 matches with double-digit kills in 2023, including a season-high 20 at Michigan on October 27 and a match-high 19 in Penn State’s 3-1 win over Wisconsin.
Bilinovic, who hails from Independence, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, is fourth on the team with 149 digs heading into Friday’s rematch against the Spartans. She also has 33 assists, 11 aces, including a career-high four versus Michigan State on October 28, and three kills this season. Bilinovic had 10 digs in each of Penn State’s wins last weekend.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley
What are some of the positives of getting that huge win [over Wisconsin] last weekend? What does that do for the team moving forward?
“I think any conference win is a big win for us, but being able to play well Friday night and then into Saturday, I was happy for the team, to see them be able to compete back-to-back nights and be successful, and to be able to string along a couple really great sets.”
What would you like to see from your team heading into this weekend’s matches?
“Our conversations have been to get better every week, so [it’s] to continue growing off of some positive things from last weekend and learning from maybe some of the things we didn’t like. But we’re excited to compete at home and to send our seniors off in a great light.”
Speaking of those seniors, what have they meant to the program?
“I think everyone who’s leaving the program has made a great impact and has been a lot of fun to be around. I know they’re grateful for their time here at Penn State, and I hope that they continue to come back and support their teammates and the program.”
What do you think it will be like having Jonni [Parker] back at Rec Hall?
“It will be great. I’m excited to have Jonni. I’m excited to support her foundation, [Chasing Greatness], and to have it be recognized even more. I think she’s doing wonderful things. I think it’s great for her and the community.”
How would you assess Mac [Podraza’s] performance lately after being named Big Ten Setter of the Week again?
“I thought Mac had a great weekend. She’s been improving. She pushes herself and her teammates to get better. I think she’s made some great strides. She knows that she needs to get better in a few areas and is always working.”
What stands out about Michigan State? What are some things you learned last time against them?
“I think losing to Michigan State on the road was hard. I think that they’re a team that has gotten better as the season has gone on. I think Leah [Johnson] and her staff do an amazing job. They have their team playing hard and they’re playing well. We need to be able to serve aggressively and stick to our game plan to beat them. They’re a very good team.”
What stands out about Northwestern? They’ve had some nice wins this season.
“Yeah, same thing. We played them early in the season and I think that they’ve gotten a lot better since we saw them that first weekend [of Big Ten play]. We’re at home and we should be comfortable, but we need to compete, come out strong, and be able to maintain a strong level of play for an entire match.”
How would you assess Cam [Hannah’s] performance against Wisconsin?
“I thought Cam took some great swings. I think Cam has gotten a lot better since she’s been here at Penn State in the gym. I think she’s working really hard, both on and off the court. I’m happy for her and happy for her to continue to grow these next [few] weeks.”
What’s it like for you as a coach to see your players improve as they go throughout their careers here?
“It’s exciting. They’re putting in the time and I think they’re trusting the coaches and the staff, that we want them to get better and we’re helping them get better in a few areas of their game that’s going to help us win.”
How would you assess your defensive specialists at this point in the season?
“I think all of them have made an impact. I think Gill [Grimes] has gotten better. I think Maddy [Bilinovic’s] been doing some nice things. I think Lina [Perugini], Cassie [Kuerschen], and even Joce [Nathan] have been doing some really good things in practice, and I know they’re ready to go.”
What would you like to see from your outside hitters moving forward?
“I would like to see them continue to be aggressive at the net, both offensively and defensively. I think just being aware of the whole game and being aggressive, having an aggressive mindset and finding ways to score.”
Do you have any hobbies or things that you particularly enjoy doing outside of time spent on volleyball?
“Right now, no. When I’m not in-season, I’m recruiting. For me, any time I have off, it’s usually with my girls and being able to see them do some things that they enjoy doing, playing club volleyball, school volleyball, and school basketball. Any opportunity that I have to see them doing what they love to do is where I’ll be. I would say the majority of my time is with them if I’m not [doing something] volleyball-related.”
What are some things you admire about [Penn State wrestling head coach] Cael Sanderson?
“I think Cael, obviously, is a winner. He also is super kind and easy to talk to. I enjoy seeing him and talking with his whole staff. His [athletes] compete and they’re quality people. I enjoy my conversations with them. I think Cael’s done a tremendous job for this university and the sport of wrestling. I’m happy we’re in the same hallway [at Rec Hall].”
What are some things that your team’s done this season that you’re proud of?
“I’m proud that they keep pushing each other. I’m proud that they haven’t stopped. I know it’s been really challenging for some of them not to be playing, maybe not to be playing a lot, but that they’re pushing themselves in practice and helping their teammates become better, because it’s crucial at this point, and I think that they’re understanding that everyone is able to contribute.”
What are some things that Anjelina [Starck] bring to the team?
“I think Anje brings a great volleyball IQ. Anje has consistently been one of the best passers in the gym. For us, when we pass well, I think that we’re really good. I think Anje does that. Everyone really likes her. She’s a great teammate and someone who people like being around.”
Camryn Hannah
How would you describe the environment last Saturday, getting that huge win over Wisconsin?
“I think it was great. The crowd really helped us a lot. I heard coming into this conference that Penn State is a hard place to play at, for visitors, obviously, and I can definitely see why. Our fans are very rowdy. They really helped us out a lot.”
How do you think you’ve improved this season?
“A lot. I think my teammates do a really good job of making me comfortable taking a swing from wherever, but I think the coaches have also done a really good job of giving me opportunities to make mistakes and kind of feel out things that I needed to work on. We watch film a lot and I’m getting extra reps a lot. It helps to improve over time.”
How would you assess Mac [Podraza’s] play of late?
“I think Mac is incredible. I think, in the beginning, we had a rough time. She didn’t know me very well, I didn’t know her very well, playing-wise. I think, now that we’re connecting really well, we’ve talked through a lot of things, like in certain situations, what she wants from me and what I want from her. I think she’s improving greatly.”
What’s it like seeing Zoe [Weatherington] have some great performances lately?
“It’s amazing. Zoe and I are very close, so it’s good for me to see her succeeding and playing and being happy and free, because that’s exactly what she wants, especially for her last year.”
What are some things the team is focused on heading into this weekend?
“Honestly, we’re just focused on one game at a time. We’re not thinking about what happened before, we’re not thinking about what’s going to happen the next time. We’re taking it one game at a time and focusing on defense and serving, for sure.”
You’ve had the chance to serve more lately. What are some keys for you when you’re at the line? What do you think about?
“I always tell myself it’s just me and the ball. The people around you don’t matter. What’s going on doesn’t matter. For me, we focus a lot during practice about what happened before you, so if someone missed a serve before you, or if that play is a big momentum play for us, then knowing we have to keep that ball in and put it in play and just let people play, let them make mistakes. That’s been really important, just keeping it in play and letting my teammates play, because they can do it. They’re amazing.”
You guys have had some fun with your ace celebrations lately. What’s it like celebrating with your teammates on the court?
“They’re so funny. I love getting an ace, because we run in and we do our little Griddy, and then we run back out, and hopefully I can do it again. It’s really fun.”
How have you seen the younger players on the pins improve this season?
“I think just decision-making and strength overall. I think they’re all getting stronger, and you can see it in the way they hit the ball and the way they’re aggressive on the court. It’s really cool to get to see them learn the game the same way that all of us have, all of us fifth-years or seniors. I’m excited to be a part of their process.”
Your parents have been sitting front row [at Rec Hall] for some matches recently. What’s it like having their support?
“It’s incredible. They’re always there, they always have been, so it’s nothing new for me. But I really do appreciate that they come and they support me all the time, whether I’m doing good or bad, knowing that I’ll always have someone who’s going to be my critic, but also be my biggest fan, so that’s awesome.”
When this team is playing its best this season, what are some common themes that are present?
“When we have all of our hitters involved, when we’re playing gritty defense, and we’re running down balls, I think that’s when we’re at our best. We’re having fun, we’re playing free, we’re just going for anything, because we think that there are no limits.”
What are some things that stand out about Michigan State?
“I think that they’re a good defensive team, and that’s one thing that we struggled with the first time around, so definitely working to out-work them this weekend.”
What do you think the atmosphere will be like for senior night against Northwestern?
“Everyone’s families will be here. We’re all happy to play in front of our families. It should be a pretty good environment.”
What are some of your goals for the team moving forward with only four matches left in the regular season?
“I think just finishing out the Big Ten season as well as we can. I’m not going to say win or lose, because anything can happen in this conference. Everyone’s good. But for us, we’re going to put our best foot forward every game and give it all we’ve got.”
What advice do you have for younger pin hitters?
“I would say work on making yourself a well-rounded player. Passing, defense, and just being aware of what’s happening on the court is sometimes more important than just being the big hitter.”
What are some things you enjoy most about being at Penn State?
“I will say, the gym atmosphere is incredible. It’s so special to get to be a part of that. But I think the culture here is different, too, than most places. We expect to win. When we don’t win, we get back in the gym and we get better the next day. It’s always about what’s happening in the moment and then what’s going to happen after that. It’s never about three weeks from now or what’s going to happen at the end of the season. It’s right now. We’re in this together. Whatever happens, happens, and we’ll deal with it together.”
Who are some volleyball players or athletes in general you admired growing up?
“Actually, Megan Hodge and Alisha Glass were big [players] who I watched. And Lauren Carlini.”
Is there any story behind you picking No. 8 to wear this season?
“I used to be 24 for Kobe [Bryant]. My dad and I were big Kobe fans while I was growing up. Here, Quinn Menger already had No. 24, so I chose Kobe’s other number to kind of embody the way he played and the way he went about his life.”
What are some things you admire about Kobe?
“I admire the way that he didn’t have to be like his other teammates and the way that he thought anything is possible. He could work at anything and he made himself the player he wanted to be, and that’s inspiring.”
Speaking of Quinn, she’s going to be dancing in THON. What do you think that experience will be like? What have your teammates told you about it?
“I’ve heard so much about it. I’m a little nervous, because I’m kind of afraid of being in front of a large crowd [for the pep rally], so that will be interesting for me. But for Quinn, I know that she loves that environment and she loves kids, so it’s such a good cause for her. I’m excited for her to get to have that opportunity.”
Maddy Bilinovic
How would you describe the feeling of getting that win over Wisconsin last weekend?
“It was awesome. I’m really happy that Rec Hall actually had a good turnout. It’s nice to come off that. A couple of my teammates and I got to go to the Michigan game at halftime and be recognized [as academic award winners]. Seeing that kind of crowd [at Beaver Stadium] and then having that translate into Rec Hall that Saturday night was awesome. Wisconsin’s a great team. We needed that as a collective effort. It was really good to come off a win like that.”
How would you assess Mac [Podraza’s] play lately?
“I think Mac’s doing awesome. She’s in here every single day getting extra reps. I always say this. She’s such a smart player. Her volleyball IQ is super high. She knows what her hitters need and she’s always trying to tend to that.”
How have you helped bring the younger defensive specialists along this season?
“I think it’s always important to just reiterate that at Penn State, at our program, we have this rich history of having a lot of DSs on the team. But it doesn’t matter how many are on the team. Everyone gives the same amount of effort, so that means going for every ball, even if there’s no chance that you’re going to be able to get a touch on it, running, diving, hitting the floor, all that translates to a lot during the games. I think it’s important to keep that competitive effort and competitive persona of the DS.”
What do you think it will be like catching up with Jonni [Parker] this weekend and showing support for her foundation?
“I’m excited to see Jonni. She’s awesome. I haven’t seen her since probably the last Silent Set. I’m really excited for her and I’m happy she’s doing awesome things with her foundation.”
What are some things you’re proud of the team for showing this season?
“I think we always say, any win’s a good win, playing in the Big Ten. It’s just a matter of working hard all week, no matter how our bodies feel, no matter how mentally exhausted we are. I think, every weekend, we have to take every opponent seriously and try to get as many wins as we can.”
You’re a big Cleveland sports fan. What’s it like going to those games with your family and friends?
“Cleveland’s a great city, no matter what anyone says. We have a lot of good sports teams. Growing up, I’ve always [gone] to a lot of events with them. It’s super fun.”
What’s some advice you have for your club program, [Academy Volleyball Cleveland], as their players head into the spring season?
“I would say work hard and be the loudest one in the gym, on the court, always.”
What’s it like working with [Penn State’s] coaching staff?
“They always have a lot of good things to say. It’s just a matter of being a sponge and taking in what you can.”
What are some things that you’ve done this season that you’re proud of yourself for?
“I would say just the mental side of it. Going into my senior season, like I said, our mental exhaustion is at an all-time high. I think just being mentally tough and doing anything I can to help the team.”
How do you think your serving has improved this season?
“Yeah, every season I think I’ve gotten exponentially better with serving. For serving, it’s really just a matter of getting touches in the gym, so continuing to do that and help the team on the service line in any way I can, get some points, get the [other] team out-of-system, stuff like that.”
What are some things that stand out about Michigan State?
“I think that we’re all pretty eager to play them. We didn’t have the outcome we wanted last time. They’re a competitive team. We know that they’re not going to go down without a fight, so we have to keep that in mind and really take it to them on Friday.”
What are some things that the team needs to focus on heading into Northwestern as well?
“It’s senior night, so everyone’s super excited about that. But again, just taking every opponent seriously and doing our work here this week in the gym, and taking it to Northwestern.”
What do you think senior night will be like for you and the rest of the senior class?
“I’m really excited. We have a really good group of girls. Quinn [Menger’s] been saying how she’s planning so much. I’m just really excited to experience that with them and be able to be honored in a way that’s really special.”