Russ Rose Then (2003): “Sam had a very good freshman season and demonstrated that by being recognized as the Freshman of the Year in the conference and selected to the All-Big Ten team.  She is going to be a stronger leader this year, given the experience she gained playing in the USA Volleyball National tournament.  She certainly had the luxury of playing on a team with former professional players who gave her a better feel for what the expectations of other people should be.  Sam’s skills are good but she needs to get better at leading people and willing them to a higher level of competition.  She says the right things and she works hard in the weight room.  She can get stronger, quicker and tougher, but I like the transition from her freshman year to her sophomore year.  She is one of the bright stars at the setting position in the country.”

Russ Rose Now (2025):

Before Penn State: Volleyball Magazine’s “Fab 50” selection; a four-year letterwinner at Joliet Catholic Academny in Joliet, Illinois; two-time captain for the Angels; also a member of Sports Performance for eight years (1994-2002); led Sports Performance 18-1 to 2002 AAU National Championship; Chicago Sun-Times 2001 Player of the Year for Volleyball; 2000 USA Youth National Team member; four-time AAU All-America honoree; 2001 AAU Most Valuable Player; member of the 2000 Junior Olympic All-Tournament team; led Sports Performance to a second-place finish at the National Junior Classic in 2000 and first place finishes at the National Junior Classic and AAU Nationals and claimed the Junior Olympic Silver Division championship in 2001; named Best Setter at the the 2000, 2001, and 2002 National Junior Classic; member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and earned a high school leadership scholarship.

“Senior week is special,” The Daily Collegian, Oct. 10, 2005