Russ Rose Then (2008): “Kelsey is a well-skilled player who last season was caught behind two All-Americans in Mel and Christa and a great young talent in Ari, and I think she was a little discouraged at times. She made terrific strides in the spring and working to get that fire back so that she becomes a person who we can depend on. Kelsey is calm under pressure and that is why last year it wasn’t uncommon for me to put her in at key times to serve. She has a good serve and is a person who is willing to take a good swing at it. She will hopefull be able to make valuable contributions this season in various roles, as she is a good team player and is always smiling.”
Russ Rose Now (2025):
2008 Season (Junior): Academic All-Big Ten … Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree … appeared in all 38 matches and 88 games … saw action primarily as a serving specialist, but also at middle hitter … finished the season with 16 service aces and 15 digs … recorded two service aces against George Washington (9/6) … had a season-high four kills against New Hampshire (9/20) on .600 hitting (career-high) … tallied one service ace each against Nebraska in the NCAA Semifinal and Stanford in the NCAA Championship.
Before Penn State: Three year volleyball letterwinner and two year basketball letterwinner at State College Area High School … volleyball team captain for the Little Lions during senior year … aided the squad to two District 6 volleyball championships in 2004 and 2005 and also the 2004 District 6 basketball championship … named Most Improved Player as a freshman … won the Player[apos]s Choice Award as a sophomore … named First Team All-State following junior season … three-time First Team All-District and MAC First Team honoree … earned the Maroon and Gray Award and the Power of the Paws Award … member of the Pittsburgh Renaissance club volleyball program … squad finished 15th in the 18 Open Division at the 2006 Junior Olympics.