Russ Rose Then (2001): “She was recognized as an All-American last year and it was a well-deserved honor. She handled the transition from being a middle blocker on the 1999 National Championship team to an outside hitter last season without any real preparation and provided us with consistent big swings throughout the year. Mishka is a quality person who keeps her head high and looks you in the eye when it’s time for the exchange of information and ideas. We’ll depend on big production from her this year.”
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.”
Before Penn State: A four-year starter at middle hitter for Episcopal High school; captained athe 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.