Russ Rose Then (1992): “Zeynep is a very explosive young player. She’s going to contribute right away. Her skills are very good. She is not as physical as some of the top high school players in this country, but she has played volleyball for a long time and boasts a lot of experience. Zeynep did all she could do in Turkey to develop her volleyball skills. I think she can contribute with good ball-handling until she can acquire the strength needed to make an impact in the Big Ten.”
1992 Season (Freshman) Season Recap: Zeynep Ton played her way into contention for Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Year honors in 1992, despite the fact she was not a starter. .. is a gifted athlete who came to Penn State with highly advanced skills thanks to her involvement in Turkey’s Junior National program … saw action in 26 of 32 matches and 50 of 100 sets as a backup outside hitter … led all reserves in kills, total attempts, hitting percentage and total blocks … season and career highs: 16 kills vs. Minnesota (Nov. 21), 4 blocks (twice), 6 digs (3 times).
NCAA Tournament: Played in both the NCAA Tournament matches — against Notre Dame (12/3) and Stanford (12/10).
From Turkey to America: “When Zeynep Ton walked into her first practice as a member of the Penn State women’s volleyball team in 1992, she [barely knew] a word of English. Coming directly from Turkey, 16-year-old Ton walked into practice having memorized the media guide for that year. Penn State coach Russ Rose recalled that when she saw a teammate she would recognize their picture from the guide, and greet them by saying, ‘Hello (fill in name) from (their hometown).’ In Ton’s four years on the team, she not only learned another language, but she proved herself as both a standout athlete and scholar. ‘She was a breath of fresh air everyday,’ Rose said. ‘I think most college students, given the opportunity could do all the right things, some elect not to do all the right things, or elect to do what they think is important. Zeynep did all the right things.'” From “Former Penn State athlete finds success as professor,” by Jocelyn Syrstad, The Daily Collegian, Dec. 8, 2009.
Before Penn State: Ton competed on 3 national championship high school teams, a junior national title club team and the Turkey Junior National squad … a team captain, Ton led Uskudar HS to national titles in 1989, 1990 and 1991 and the International School Championship in 1990 … led her junior club team to the national title in 1990, a 2nd place showing in 1991 and a 3rd-place finish in 1992 … was a participant on Turkey’s Junior National team which placed 7th at the 1990 European Championship … also experienced success on the sub-junior level, competing on teams that placed 3rd nationally in 1990 and 1991.
