The Penn State women’s volleyball program held its sixth weekly media availability of the 2023 season Wednesday afternoon before practice at Rec Hall.

Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, junior defensive specialist Cassie Kuerschen, and graduate senior setter Ally Van Eekeren answered questions ahead of No. 15 Penn State’s road matches against Illinois and No. 13 Minnesota Friday and Saturday in Champaign and Minneapolis.

The Nittany Lions (8-3, 2-0 Big Ten) opened conference play with sweeps of Rutgers Wednesday at Rec Hall and Northwestern Sunday at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Jess Mruzik was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time this season Monday for her efforts in the wins.

Kuerschen, a Knoxville, Tennessee, native, is currently second on the team with 83 digs, trailing only sophomore libero Gill Grimes, who has 120. Kuerschen had a particularly good weekend at the Penn State Classic, combining for 26 digs in wins over UMBC and Seton Hall, including a season-high 15 against the Pirates.

Van Eekeren, who hails from Naperville, Illinois, has played in five matches so far this season, serving as Mac Podraza’s primary backup at setter. She played a significant role in Penn State’s sweep of Colgate on September 2 at Rec Hall, tallying a season-high 12 assists, three digs, and a kill in the win. Van Eekeren is one of the most accomplished backup setters in the Big Ten and all of college volleyball, as she was named the Big South Setter of the Year last fall at High Point.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley

With a few days to reflect on the Northwestern match, are there any things that stand out looking back at the film?

“I think it was one of our better matches, collectively. I think, defensively, we can be a little bit better, so we’re going to work on some team defense today and some blocking. I think there’s always room to improve, but overall, I was happy with how we competed. We need to continue to get better every day and get ready for Illinois.”

Jess [Mruzik] was the Big Ten Player of the Week again. Where has she improved from the start of the season until now?

“I’m super happy for Jess. She works hard. I think she’s a great player. She competes all the time. She just wants to help in any way she can. I think that, defensively, she’s getting better. I think she always wants the ball attacking. I think that her range in attacking is great. I think she finds ways to score. Blocking and back-court defense are two things that she wants to get better at, so she’s focused on that.”

Cam [Hannah’s] really starting to get going lately. Where have you seen her improve?

“Cam works hard in practice. I think Cam is a great athlete. We kind of moved her around from the beginning of the year. She was on the left side. Now, she’s on the right side. I thought the last couple matches, she’s done a great job. I think her blocking needs to be better, and she knows that. I think that’s one of the skills that she’s been working on a lot. She was able to score a lot these last two matches. She’s competitive. She’s getting pushed in the gym. I think other players are making her better, and that’s what we want.”

What are you looking forward to about heading to Illinois and what stands out about their team?

“I think, despite their record or whatever, they’re a great team. I think they play hard. I think they have some pretty special players. I think [Kennedy] Collins is great. [Raina] Terry is great. They find ways to score. I know that they play well at Huff Hall. We need to be focused and play a great game to win.”

What impresses you about Raina Terry?

“I think she’s similar to Jess in that she can hit anywhere along the net. She’s aggressive. She’s high and she finds ways to score. She’s going to get her kills. For us, it’s going to be taking care of what we can control, and making sure that we’re taking care of the ball on our side.”

What advice do you have for the team as far as playing in these hostile road environments?

“I think it’s to enjoy it, to embrace this conference and how competitive it is, and that you have to be ready to go and compete. It’s hard to win on the road, but I think, if you can find ways to win on the road, you can be successful.”

The following night, you have Minnesota. They’ve had some up-and-down performances, but they’re still a talented team. What stands out about them?

“I think both matches this weekend will be tough for us, and we’ll have to play some great volleyball to separate ourselves. I think Minnesota has a great team. Despite some of their losses, I think that, when they get it going, they’re very good. We need to be aggressive and be able to serve tough in their gym.”

What impresses you about Taylor Landfair?

“She’s a special player. She was [Big Ten] Player of the Year. She’s high and she can score when she wants. We definitely need to be able to slow her down a little bit, but she’s going to have some real flashy kills, and it’s just how we respond. I think she’s a great player. I think Keegan [Cook] is a really good coach, and he’ll have them prepared.”

What motivates you to put in the long hours?

“I think the will to win and to continue Penn State volleyball for Coach Rose and the alums here, my former teammates. I love this place, and I would love to see our players have the success that my teammates and Megan [Hodge Easy’s] teammates had. It’s to compete and to win.”

Haleigh Washington, Ali Frantti, and Micha Hancock, who was injured, helped USA volleyball qualify for the Paris Olympics. What was it like watching that?

“It’s great. I’m so happy for them. They all contribute and I think are great leaders. I’m really happy for them and that they were a part of it.”

How big of a recruiting tool is it to be able to pitch your former players’ international success to prospects?

“I think it’s great. I think that, obviously, having that many Penn Staters who are competing for the USA, and even the pro leagues with some of our other players, you can come here and get better, and put yourself in a position if you do want to play professionally or to move on. I think that we have the tools and the resources to help players do that.”

What are some things that players can do in practice to show you that they’re improving and making progress, even if they’re not playing a ton in matches?

“I say every day in practice, ‘Everyone has to get better,’ and that all 19 are contributing to this team’s success. I know it’s hard to not be the one who’s playing all the time, but it’s really competitive in our gym, and I think that both sides are making each other better, and that’s what you need to do. You have to be getting better as the season goes on.”

I’ve heard that Lina [Perugini] writes up scouting notes on the other teams and gives them to her teammates. How important is it to have that veteran leadership?

“I think Lina is a great teammate. I know she’s doing everything she can to help the team all the time. I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do. She’s getting better, and I’m totally confident in putting her in any of the back-row spots. She’s aggressive and she has a lot of experience. I know her time will come.”

What impresses you about Anjelina [Starck] and her passing skills?

“Anje is a great volleyball player. I think her IQ of the game is great. She’s an excellent passer, and that’s why she’s in the spot that she is right now. She knows the game and I think that she’s getting better. I think she’s aware and can help us.”

How do you think the combo of Gill [Grimes] and Cassie [Kuerschen] works well together?

“I think they’re both doing a great job. I think Cassie is still finding her stride with serve receive, but I think, defensively, she’s reading well and picking up quite a few balls for us. She comes in all the time and gets extra reps. She’s focused on being a better passer, because that’s where she has to be better, but I’m happy with her play, and I think that she’s doing some really good things.”

Your middle blockers were efficient again versus Northwestern. What would you like to see from them moving forward?

“I think to continue that. All the middles are working really hard with the setters. They’re working really well together, trying to find that connection, and be able to hit some different tempos and move along the net. I’m looking for them to continue doing that and for both Taylor [Trammell] and Allie [Holland], defensively, to get good touches and block balls.”

You said earlier this season that Alexa [Markley] has gotten more aggressive, but where would you like to see her take that next step?

“Alexa can find ways to score, and she needs to continue to be aggressive attacking and being smart with her shot selection. I think, every day for her, there’s something new for her to work on in the gym, and she’s eager to get better. I know she’ll get there.”

What are some things that you want to see in practice this week?

“I want to see us continue to compete, to go hard, and to hold each other accountable. Everyone has an impact and needs to help the group get better.”

How important is it for your players to be able to take constructive criticism?

“I tell them all the time that I want them to be great, I want to tell them the truth all the time, and help them achieve their goals. Hey, you’re at Penn State, and the expectations are super high. Sometimes, you hear things that you don’t want to hear, but it’s all to help you and to help the team.”

What do you enjoy most about Penn State’s campus and just walking around when you get some free time?

“I think it’s just how friendly everyone is and how beautiful the campus is. I think we’re really lucky with the support we have. It’s a beautiful campus. People are friendly. People want to help you and support you. I think it’s a really special place.”

Do you have a favorite flavor of ice cream at the Creamery? Maybe a top three?

“Oh, geez. That’s a tough one. Alright, I’ll give you my top three. I like [WPSU] Coffee Break. I like Alumni Swirl. And I like Coach Rose’s Russ ‘Digs’ Roseberry.”

What’s it like having his support and being able to bounce questions and ideas off of him here and there?

“It’s great. Coach is the best. He’s so helpful in more ways than he knows. I’m lucky he’s still around here and wants to help.”

Cassie Kuerschen

What were some of the positives that you noticed during the Northwestern match?

“I thought the hitters did really well. They were hitting shots and making good plays. I thought we kept the chaotic plays a little more under control. I thought Mac did a really good job. The back row did well. I thought it was pretty good all around. Everything could use a little more improvement, but yeah, I thought it was good.”

What impresses you about Gill [Grimes] and her performance this season?

“Gill came in and she was a very sound player. She’s good at every skill. She’s very level-headed. She doesn’t get too up or too down. She’s always consistent, and that’s a huge thing to have in the Big Ten.”

What’s your relationship like with Quinn [Menger] and Anje [Starck]? I know you all are roommates.

“Yeah, we’re all really close. We all live together with Lexi [Skripek]. We see each other every day, do pretty much everything together. It’s awesome. It’s nice to have really close friends.”

What impresses you about them as players?

“I think they’re both really good. Starck is probably one of the best passers I’ve ever seen. Quinn has probably the hardest serve I’ve ever seen. They’re both really talented.”

What do you enjoy most about playing for this coaching staff?

“I enjoy that they’re always willing to help you, work with you, and get you better. If you need extra reps or want to watch film, they’re going to be there. They’re going to be supporting you. Coach Katie, especially, has helped me with a lot of job-shadowing positions. Even outside of volleyball, they’re always going to be there.”

What do you think you want to do when your volleyball playing career is over?

“I want to go to dental school and specialize in orthodontics.”

What motivated you to want to get into that?

“I’ve always been interested in the medical field. My mom, [Kathy], worked in a hospital for a long time. There were the pros and cons that come with that. Being an orthodontist, I could own my own practice, make my own schedule, and have a family. It fits a little better into having a family and whatever else comes next.”

How would you describe the academic support that the team gets here?

“It’s really good. Pretty much whatever you need, they’re going to have it or they’re going to work on getting it for you. They’ve gotten me tutors for every class that I needed. The teachers are super helpful here, too, and they understand athletics, and they’re willing to help in whatever way they can.”

What advice do you have for the younger players on the grind of a Big Ten season?

“Just enjoy it. I feel like it flies by. I can’t believe I’m already a junior. Enjoy all the good and bad that comes with it — the stressful days and the wins and losses. It’s such a great experience. To be able to experience it is very special.”

What do you think you’ve improved as a player? What do you still want to work on?

“I think my serve receive has improved a lot, just staying calm and keeping everything together. Everything in my game, I think, I can always improve on. There’s not really one specific thing. Probably from this past weekend, my serving. But yeah, everything can always improve.”

What goes through your head while you’re serving? Do you have any tips you focus on?

“Just stay confident. Don’t think about it too much. Serve the ball in the court, get it to the zone, and serve it hard.”

I saw previously that you went snowboarding out west. How long have you been snowboarding?

“That was my second time snowboarding ever. My brother and I went to a place close to Knoxville the beginning of Christmas break and he taught me how to do it. We went out west and that was the real challenge. I stayed on the bunny slopes. It was fun, though. Hopefully I get to do it more.”

How important is your family’s support while you’re away at school?

“They’ve gotten me through this whole college thing, being away from home. I think it’s a big change, but no matter what I do or where I go, I know they’re going to support me. Having that support is so amazing. I couldn’t do it without them. They’re my biggest blessings, for sure.”

How would you describe the camaraderie of this year’s team?

“I think it’s good. I think it’s hard to bring in a lot of new players and gel together, but I think we’ve gelled really well. We spent all summer together. We get along. We love each other. We compete with each other. [It’s been] really good.”

What impresses you about your setters, Mac [Podraza] and Ally [Van Eekeren]?

“They’re awesome. They’re good leaders. They’re very vocal. They’re just great players in general. They’re just really good people and really great players.”

Jess [Mruzik] and Cam [Hannah] are really starting to get going for you guys. How important is their impact on the team?

“It’s huge. I think having pins who can dominate balls and put the ball on the floor, that’s what every team needs. I’m glad I’m on their side of the net. I would hate to go against them. It’s really important. They’ve done huge things for us so far. I’m sure they’ll just keep getting better, too.”

What advice do you have for your high school program, Knoxville Catholic?

“Enjoy it. Like I said, it flies by. It’s so weird that I’m a junior. Enjoy it, make the most of it, compete hard every game, and have fun. It’s a fun sport.”

What are you most looking forward to about playing Illinois Friday?

“I’m looking forward to getting a win. I think, last year, we kind of let it slip out of our hands. Getting that win under our belts and getting to compete again, that’s always something to look forward to.”

Ally Van Eekeren

What was it like having a lot of family and friends in attendance at the Northwestern match?

“It was great. I had about 20 or so people, so it was great to feel that support system all the way back home. I love being home, so it was great. It was a great atmosphere.”

What advice do you have for your high school program, Benet Academy?

“Keep grinding. It’s going to be hard. It’s always going to be hard. There’s always another challenge coming. Just keep working.”

How would you describe the tradition of success there?

“I came into a tradition. I came into a varsity team that had already established itself. It was known Benet was going to state. It was known that was the expectation of the program, so I was happy to be a part of it and to contribute to it.”

What’s your relationship like with Mac [Podraza] and how do you two help each other improve?

“We work alongside [each other] really closely, especially in practice, because we’re setting all the hitters, communicating on what they need, what we need to do better to make them better, and just giving them the best opportunity to score.”

You’ve played in three different conferences now. How does the Big Ten compare to some of the other conferences and teams you’ve played against?

“Definitely some of the toughest competition I’ve ever played. Everyone wants to beat you. Everyone is ready to go. Everyone especially wants to beat Penn State, which hasn’t necessarily been the case at my other schools. I was at the top of the conference there, but the competition wasn’t as fierce. I like being surrounded by good volleyball all the time.”

How do you think you’ve grown as a player from your freshman year to now?

“I think I’ve grown a lot, not only as a player, but also as a person. I’ve grown into someone who I’m proud to be. I’m really proud of the volleyball player I’ve become as well.”

It seems like you and your roommates are pretty close. What’s it like having that relationship with them?

“Yeah, we are really close. We do a lot of things together. I think it was nice, all four of us being transfers, coming in fresh to everything, being new to Penn State. I had obviously done it once before, being the new kid, but being surrounded by other people going through the same thing, it definitely helped us find our place here.”

Editor’s note: Van Eekeren lives with Mac Podraza, Jess Mruzik, and Lina Perugini.

What are some things you like most about Penn State, just the school in general?

“I have all online classes, so I’m really enjoying that. In terms of volleyball, it’s always a competitive atmosphere in the gym. I like showing up and knowing it’s going to be a competition, knowing everyone is working toward the same goal. We all want to win. Being in that atmosphere makes it easy for me to thrive.”

What are you pursuing for your master’s degree?

“Children’s literature.”

What do you think you want to do after your volleyball playing career is over?

“I want to be an elementary school teacher. Second, third, or fourth grade. It will be fun. I’m excited.”

What motivated you to get into that?

“My mom, [Amy], was a teacher. She absolutely loved it. I have three other siblings, so she didn’t get to teach for very long, but she always talked about how much she loved it. I absolutely love kids and being around kids, so that seemed like the profession for me.”

What are some things you think you do particularly well as a setter?

“I think I have an offensive mindset, which really helps me in the front-row rotations to constantly be analyzing the other side, looking for ways to score for myself, which also helps open up the hitters. And I think I balance the offense really well.”

How do Jess [Mruzik] and Cam [Hannah] really benefit the team?

“They’re some of the craziest volleyball players I’ve ever seen. They’re very athletic, great teammates, very hard-working, want to do what’s best for the team, and they’re also just great people. They’re great to be around and great to be on the team with, too.”

What impresses you about the team’s middle blockers?

“I think they’re very athletic laterally. They work really hard to close the blocks and they work really hard to get up in transition, so it makes it easy to get them the ball. At other places, if the middles aren’t up, it makes it harder to get them the ball as much as we’re able to here.”