Russ Rose Then (1999): “Solena has great quickness, and as long as she continues to concentrate and work hard, I would anticipate Solena getting some opportunities to play in the back row and make some contributions.”
Russ Rose Now (2025): “Solena was from New York. She was a terrific back row player who always had a smile and always was very mature and responsible. So she was a good student and teammate and was the perfect example of someone who made the group better. She worked hard in practice. She was a pleasure to have in the program.”
1999 Season (Redshirt Freshman): 1999 National Champion … played in 24 of 37 matches and 36 of 125 sets … averaged .72 digs/set … totaled 7 service aces.
2000 Season (Redshirt Sophomore)
Before Penn State: Four-year letterwinner for the Minisink High School Warriors; earned all-state and all-conference honors; Warriors team captain and MVP in 1996; also lettered one year in track.
“PSU women’s volleyball team moving on after 2 weekend losses,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 27, 2000
“Looming Big Ten opponents a growing concern to Rose,” The Daily Collegian, Sept. 7, 2000
“Young and restless,” The Daily Collegian, July 26, 2000
“Solena Quick-ly igniting fire under Lions off bench,” The Daily Collegian, Nov. 5, 1999