Russ Rose Then (2005): “Considering that Laura had ACL reconstructive surgery in November, she made an incredible progression in order to not only be playing, but being a key player in her club team’s repeat as National Champions.  She’s a player that we are going to depend on because she is equally comfortable with the offensive and defensive nuances of the game.  She’s a well-trained player and has the ability to be an effective hitter and blocker.  She enters Penn State with the credentials and desire to contribute immediately.”

Russ Rose Now (2025):

Before Penn State: Four-year volleyball letterwinner at Barrington High School in Barrington, Illinois; team captain for the Fillies during senior season; Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year in 2004; led her Barrington High School team to two Illinois state runner-up titles and compiled a 68-9 record over the last two seasons; was named the Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year and all-area, Daily Herald all-area and all-conference and the MSL Co-Player of the Year in 2004; ranked the 16th senior in the nation by prepvolleyball.com; was a member of the 2002 abd 2003 state championship all-tournament teams; earned all-area by the Pioneer Press, all conference by the Daily Harold, and second team All-State by the Chicago Tribune in 2003; finished her high school career with 1095 kills, including 308 her senior campaign; member of the Sports Performance club since 2001; her 18-1 team won the gold medal at the AAU Nationals in 2003 and the squad captured the Junior Olympic National Open Championship in 2004 and 2005; member of the National Honor Society and the all-academic team.

“Freshmen the difference in win,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 26, 2005