Russ Rose Then (1989): “Leanne possesses the best physical potential of any volleyball player to come out of Pennsylvania in the past three years. She’ll certainly make a major contribution during her career at Penn State.”
Russ Rose Now (2026): “Leanne was an undersized, 5’11” middle hitter who was the MVP of the Big 10, and played professionally as well as on the national team. Leanne was one of the greatest competitors that that I’ve ever coached. I remember a match when her back went out, and she rode the bike the next day during practice, even though she could hardly walk. Then that night, she put a beatdown on Michigan. She was great and she’s had an incredibly successful career as the head volleyball coach at Shippensburg University.”
1989 Season (Freshman) Season Recap: Opened the 1989 season as the starting middle hitter but spent most of the campaign in a reserve capacity … appeared in 27 of 41 matches and totaled 51 kills, 56 digs and 16 blocks … posted a .183 hitting % … season highs: 6 kills vs. Cincinnati (9/1) and St. Bonaventure; 11 digs vs. Indiana (9/2); 4 blocks vs. Cincinnati (9/1).
Before Penn State: Kling was recognized by Volleyball Monthly as one of the top 50 collegiate prospects in the country … a middle blocker and 4-time all-conference selection at Shippensburg HS, she earned First Team All-State honors her senior season … competed in the inaugural Pennsylvania East-West all-star match … member of the Cenn-Penn junior team … won gold medal in the 300-meter hurdles and captured the silver in the 100-meter hurdles in the 1989 state track and field championships … also ran on 4x 100 relay team which claimed the bronze medal. .. earned 4 letters as a basketball forward.
