Russ Rose Then (2011): Nia was a little banged up this year so she didn’t play a full high school season. We’ve had her in camp for a few years and she can touch 10-6 and 10-7. She has the potential to play all three front row positions for us. She has a good frame with long levers. She will have to embrace what it takes to be a competitive Division I player and get stronger and get in the weight room. We’re projecting that she’s going to get stronger, quicker and help us this year.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Nia was a good high school player and exceptional athlete in Ohio. Nia played a lot for us and always hit for a high percentage. Nia was quick off the ground and could really hit the slide well. We had great success while Nia was playing, and her numbers were always good. She was a valued contributor to the program’s success and played pro ball for a number of years, both in Europe and for Athletes Unlimited. I know she remains active in the game through club ball and I believe she just started a recruiting service for kids to play internationally.”
2011 Season (Freshman)Season Recap: Appeared in 32 of 33 matches (started all 32) and 117 of 122 sets at middle hitter … was 2nd on the team with 107 total blocks, averaging 0.91 blocks/set … had at least 1 block in 30 matches … totaled 151 kills for the season with a .346 hitting percentage … recorded at least 1 kill in 30 matches and had 3 double-digit kill matches … had 11 kills on 17 errorless swings and was 2nd on the team with 8 blocks in collegiate debut vs. USC (8/27) … put up 5 blocks at Nebraska (9/21) … combined for 9 total blocks in matches vs. Wisconsin (9/30) and Minnesota (10/1) … had 10 kills vs. Illinois (10/8) … 2nd on the team with 10 kills at Purdue (10/14) … posted 9 kills in 11 errorless swings vs. Ohio State (10/19) … had 8 kills on .455 hitting vs. Michigan (10/22) … had 5 blocks vs. Nebraska (10/29) … had a personal-best 9 blocks at Minnesota (11/4) … tallied 9 kills and had 6 blocks at Wisconsin (11/6).
NCAA Tournament: Combined for 10 kills on .692 hitting with 6 blocks vs. Liberty and Delaware (12/2-3).
Before Penn State: Three-year varsity letterwinner and team captain at Howland High School in Warren, Ohio … led the team in kills and blocks as a freshman … earned the Outstanding Achievement Award for volleyball as a sophomore … named the District I Volleyball Player of the Year, named MVP, and picked up District I Division I First Team honors as a junior … named to the Under Armour Watch List as a senior … Volleyball Magazine ‘Fab 50’ … four-year letterwinner in track & field.
