Russ Rose Then (2000): “Mishka is one of our best offensive players. She has always had great vision as a hitter and she is going to have to carry an increased offensive load for us this season.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Mishka was one of the top attackers in the country and was recruited by all the top programs. Her future was in her own hands — she could play any of the front row positions as she was very bright, possessed a very calm demeanor, and was never afraid of the big moments. She was a good student so she could have gone anywhere she wanted. She was an integral part of our success.”
2000 Season (Redshirt Sophomore) Highlights and Awards: Volleyball Magazine All American … AVCA All-Region … All-Big Ten First Team … Big Ten Player of the Week (8/28).
Season Recap: Played in all 36 matches and 125 of 128 sets … led the team with 4.54 kills/set, with a .269 hitting percentage … set a single-season attack record with 1,350 … 4th on the team with 0.79 blocks/set … ranked 7th on the team with 1.94 digs/set … recorded 22 service aces, ranking 4th on the team … posted 20+ kills in each of the first 3 matches of the season … posted 8 double-double efforts for the season … totaled double-digit kills in 30 matches, including 15 of the last 16 … totaled a pair of 30+ kill efforts — 30 kills at Michigan (10/7) and a career-best 33 kills on 96 swings (plus career-best 16 kills) in five-set loss to Minnesota (11/4).
NCAA Tournament: Ripped a team-best 20 kills in Pacific Regional Semifinal win over Colorado State (12/7) … tied for team-lead with 15 kills versus Southern California in Pacific Regional Final (12/8).
1999 Season (Redshirt Freshman)
Before Penn State: A four-year starter at middle hitter for Episcopal High school; captained the Knights for her junior and senior seasons; named to Volleyball Magazine’s 1998 “Fab 50” team; three-time first-team All-Greater Houston selection; second-team All-American in ’97-’98; led team to four consecutive Southwest Prep titles; All-Southwest Prep Conference pick in each of her four years.
“Heavy Burden to Carry,” The Daily Collegian, October 18, 2001
“PSU atmosphere wins Levy’s heart,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 1, 2000