Russ Rose Then (1994): “Last year, Salima separated herself as one of the top players in the nation. To be selected the MVP of the Big Ten, to be recognized as an All-American, an All-Tournament selection at the NCAA Championship, really just highlights the kind of year she had. More importantly, her strength is what she does for the team. Salima’s really more than just the setter. She is, without question, the most influential person we’ve ever had at Penn State and the effect that she has had on the team is immeasurable. Her contributions are magnificent. It’s impossible for someone to place a barometer on how important she really is.”
Russ Rose Now (2026): “Salima had so many different roles while she was at Penn State. As a player, from the first time she came in, she always had that smile. She always had a swagger to her game. She had long arms and very large hands, and she was a natural leader — and not just for the volleyball program, but for women’s athletics and Penn State at that time. After she was here, she went to Captain the national team, and since then has spent a great deal of time in the coaching world, some of it at Oregon State and Pitt, and at Penn State. At present, she’s the head coach at Notre Dame.”
1994 Season (RS Senior) Highlights and Awards: AVCA First Team All American … First Team All-Big Ten … her 5,455 career sets ranked 2nd all-time at Penn State (to Michelle Jaworski’s 6,596 assists from 1987-1990) … her 12.82 assists/set ranked 3rd in the Big Ten … totaled 366 digs (3rd on the team).
Season Recap: Played in all 35 matches and all 117 sets … recorded 1500 assists (12.82/set) … posted 123 kills (.354 hitting %) … totaled 116 blocks (3rd best on the team).
NCAA Tournament: NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team … NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team.
Before Penn State: A letterwinner in three sports at Penn Hills HS, Davidson earned first-team all state, all-section and all-league honors … two time MVP at the Keystone State Games … starred at forward on the Penn Hills state chan1pionship basketball team … also competed in track.
