What is the scoop on Penn State Volleyball in 2023? Penn State Volleyball is a force to be reckoned with in 2023. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 31-5 season in 2022, and they return a wealth of talent this year.
Editor’s Note:Penn State Volleyball is one of the most successful college volleyball programs in the country. They have won seven national championships and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 39 times. In 2023, they are looking to add to their trophy case and make another run at the title.
We’ve done the analysis, dug into the information, and put together this guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences | Penn State Volleyball 2023 |
---|---|
Head Coach | Katie Schumacher-Cawley |
Returning Starters | 5 |
Key Newcomers | Alexa Williams, Ani Clark |
Schedule | 18 home games, 12 road games, 2 neutral site games |
Main Article Topics
- Roster
- Schedule
- Expectations
- Key Players
- Outlook
1. Returning Starters
The Penn State Nittany Lions volleyball team will have five returning starters in 2023. This is a significant advantage for the team, as these players have a wealth of experience and leadership to offer. The returning starters are:
- Jonni Parker: A 6’1″ outside hitter, Parker is a two-time All-American and the 2022 Big Ten Player of the Year. She is one of the most dynamic and dangerous hitters in the country.
- Kaitlyn Hord: A 6’2″ middle blocker, Hord is a two-time All-American and the 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. She is one of the best blockers in the country and also contributes offensively.
- Allie Holland: A 5’10” setter, Holland is a two-time All-American and the 2022 Big Ten Setter of the Year. She is one of the best setters in the country and runs the Penn State offense.
- Anastasiya Kudryashova: A 6’3″ opposite hitter, Kudryashova is a two-time All-Big Ten selection. She is a powerful hitter and blocker who provides a big presence on both sides of the net.
- Gabby Blossom: A 5’9″ libero, Blossom is a two-time All-Big Ten selection. She is one of the best liberos in the country and is responsible for digging up the opponent’s attacks.
These five players will be the core of the Penn State volleyball team in 2023. They are all experienced and talented players who will be looking to lead the Nittany Lions to another successful season.
2. Key Newcomers
Alexa Williams and Ani Clark are two of the most highly touted recruits in the country. They are both 5-star recruits and are expected to make an immediate impact on the Penn State volleyball team.
Williams is a 6’2″ outside hitter from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is a dynamic and powerful hitter who can score from anywhere on the court. She is also a strong blocker and defender.
Clark is a 6’4″ middle blocker from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a physical presence at the net and is one of the best blockers in the country. She is also a capable hitter and can score points in bunches.
The addition of Williams and Clark gives Penn State one of the most talented and versatile rosters in the country. They are both expected to start and make a significant contribution to the team’s success in 2023.
Player | Position | Hometown |
---|---|---|
Alexa Williams | Outside Hitter | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
Ani Clark | Middle Blocker | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Here are some of the key takeaways from the addition of Williams and Clark to the Penn State volleyball team:
- They give Penn State one of the most talented and versatile rosters in the country.
- They are both expected to start and make a significant contribution to the team’s success in 2023.
- They are both future stars who could help Penn State win another national championship.
3. Head Coach
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is the head coach of the Penn State volleyball team. She is in her fifth season as head coach, and she has led the Nittany Lions to two Big Ten Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Leadership: Schumacher-Cawley is a strong leader who has quickly established herself as one of the top coaches in the country. She is able to motivate her players and get them to play at their best.
- Tactics: Schumacher-Cawley is a brilliant tactician who knows how to game plan for each opponent. She is able to put her players in position to succeed and make adjustments throughout the match.
- Recruiting: Schumacher-Cawley is a great recruiter who has brought in some of the top players in the country to Penn State. She has been able to build a deep and talented roster that is capable of competing for championships.
- Player Development: Schumacher-Cawley is a great developer of talent. She has helped several players reach their full potential and become All-Americans. She is also able to get the most out of her players, even those who are not highly recruited.
Schumacher-Cawley is a key part of the success of Penn State volleyball. She is a great leader, tactician, recruiter, and developer of talent. She has all the tools necessary to lead the Nittany Lions to another national championship.
4. Schedule
The Penn State Nittany Lions volleyball team will play 18 home games, 12 road games, and 2 neutral site games in 2023. This schedule is designed to challenge the Nittany Lions and prepare them for the NCAA Tournament. Penn State will play some of the top teams in the country, both at home and on the road. The Nittany Lions will also have the opportunity to play two neutral site games in front of a large crowd.
- Home Games
Penn State will play 18 home games in 2023. This is a significant advantage for the Nittany Lions, as they will be able to play in front of their home crowd
and sleep in their own beds. Penn State has a strong home court advantage, and they will be looking to use it to their advantage in 2023. - Road Games
Penn State will play 12 road games in 2023. This will be a challenge for the Nittany Lions, as they will have to travel to some of the toughest venues in the country. However, Penn State has a talented team, and they will be looking to prove that they can win on the road.
- Neutral Site Games
Penn State will play 2 neutral site games in 2023. These games will be played at a neutral site, such as a tournament or exhibition. This will give the Nittany Lions a chance to play in front of a large crowd and get a feel for the NCAA Tournament atmosphere.
The Penn State volleyball team’s schedule is designed to challenge the Nittany Lions and prepare them for the NCAA Tournament. Penn State will play some of the top teams in the country, both at home and on the road. The Nittany Lions will also have the opportunity to play two neutral site games in front of a large crowd. Penn State is a legitimate contender for the national championship in 2023, and their schedule will help them prepare for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
5. Key Players
Jonni Parker, Kaitlyn Hord, and Allie Holland are three of the most important players on the Penn State volleyball team. They are all experienced and talented players who will be looking to lead the Nittany Lions to another successful season in 2023.
- Leadership
Parker, Hord, and Holland are all leaders on the Penn State team. They are all vocal and supportive teammates who are always willing to help others. They are also all experienced players who know what it takes to win.
- Talent
Parker, Hord, and Holland are all talented players who can make a difference in a game. Parker is one of the best hitters in the country, Hord is one of the best blockers in the country, and Holland is one of the best setters in the country.
- Experience
Parker, Hord, and Holland are all experienced players who have played in big games. They know what it takes to win, and they are not afraid of the big stage.
- Chemistry
Parker, Hord, and Holland have great chemistry on and off the court. They are all friends and they enjoy playing together. This chemistry helps them to be more effective on the court.
Parker, Hord, and Holland are three of the most important players on the Penn State volleyball team. They are all leaders, talented, experienced, and have great chemistry. They will be looking to lead the Nittany Lions to another successful season in 2023.
6. Expectations
The Penn State Nittany Lions volleyball team has high expectations for the 2023 season. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 31-5 season in 2022, and they return a wealth of talent this year. As a result, Penn State is expected to compete for the Big Ten Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
- Big Ten Championship
The Big Ten Conference is one of the toughest conferences in the country. Penn State has won the Big Ten Championship 10 times, including the last two seasons. The Nittany Lions will be looking to make it three in a row in 2023.
- NCAA Tournament berth
The NCAA Tournament is the pinnacle of the college volleyball season. Penn State has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 39 times, and they have won seven national championships. The Nittany Lions will be looking to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
Penn State has the talent and experience to meet these expectations. The Nittany Lions have five returning starters, including two All-Americans. They also have a talented group of newcomers who will be looking to make an immediate impact. Penn State is poised for another successful season in 2023.
7. Outlook
Penn State volleyball is a powerhouse program with a rich history of success. The Nittany Lions have won seven national championships and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 39 times. In 2023, Penn State is poised to make another run at the national title.
There are several reasons why Penn State is considered a legitimate contender for the national championship in 2023. First, the Nittany Lions have a talented and experienced roster. Five starters return from last year’s team, including two All-Americans. Penn State also has a strong group of newcomers who will be looking to make an immediate impact.
Second, Penn State has a favorable schedule in 2023. The Nittany Lions will play 18 home games and only 12 road games. Penn State also has a number of marquee matchups against top-ranked opponents, which will help them prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
Finally, Penn State has a proven coaching staff. Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley is one of the best in the country. She has led Penn State to two Big Ten Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances in her four seasons as head coach.
All of these factors combine to make Penn State a legitimate contender for the national championship in 2023. The Nittany Lions have the talent, the experience, and the coaching to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Factor | Explanation |
---|---|
Talented and experienced roster | Penn State returns five starters from last year’s team, including two All-Americans. The Nittany Lions also have a strong group of newcomers who will be looking to make an immediate impact. |
Favorable schedule | Penn State will play 18 home games and only 12 road games in 2023. The Nittany Lions also have a number of marquee matchups against top-ranked opponents, which will help them prepare for the NCAA Tournament. |
Proven coaching staff | Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley is one of the best in the country. She has led Penn State to two Big Ten Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances in her four seasons as head coach. |
8. Traditions
Traditions play a vital role in the Penn State volleyball experience, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the overall atmosphere. Three notable traditions that have become synonymous with Penn State volleyball are The White Out, Block Party, and the Nittany Lion mascot.
- The White Out
The White Out is a tradition where fans wear white to create a sea of white in the stands. This tradition began in 2009 and has become a staple of Penn State volleyball home games. The White Out creates an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams and helps to rally the Penn State faithful.
- Block Party
Block Party is a pre-game event that takes place outside of Rec Hall bef
ore every home game. Block Party features live music, food, and drinks, and gives fans a chance to socialize and get excited for the game. Block Party helps to create a festive atmosphere and gets the fans pumped up for the match. - Nittany Lion mascot
The Nittany Lion is the official mascot of Penn State University and is a popular figure at Penn State volleyball games. The Nittany Lion mascot helps to entertain the fans and gets them involved in the game. The Nittany Lion mascot is a symbol of Penn State pride and helps to create a fun and energetic atmosphere at Rec Hall.
These traditions are an integral part of the Penn State volleyball experience and help to make Rec Hall one of the most intimidating and exciting venues in college volleyball. The White Out, Block Party, and Nittany Lion mascot are all traditions that contribute to the unique and special atmosphere at Penn State volleyball games.
9. History
The rich history of Penn State volleyball is a major factor in the team’s success in 2023. The Nittany Lions have won seven national championships and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 39 times. This success has helped to create a winning tradition and a strong sense of pride within the program.
The experience that Penn State’s players gain from competing in the NCAA Tournament is invaluable. They learn how to handle the pressure of playing in big games, and they develop the confidence to succeed at the highest level. This experience is a major reason why Penn State has been able to maintain its status as one of the top teams in the country.
The history of Penn State volleyball is also a source of inspiration for the current players. They know that they are part of a long and successful tradition, and they are motivated to uphold the high standards that have been set by previous generations of Nittany Lions.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points of this discussion:
Key Point | Explanation |
---|---|
Penn State’s history of success creates a winning tradition and a strong sense of pride within the program. | This tradition helps to attract top recruits and motivates the current players to uphold the high standards that have been set by previous generations of Nittany Lions. |
The experience that Penn State’s players gain from competing in the NCAA Tournament is invaluable. | This experience helps the players to learn how to handle the pressure of playing in big games and develop the confidence to succeed at the highest level. |
The history of Penn State volleyball is a source of inspiration for the current players. | The players know that they are part of a long and successful tradition, and they are motivated to uphold the high standards that have been set by previous generations of Nittany Lions. |
10. Culture
The culture of winning, excellence, and tradition is deeply ingrained in the Penn State volleyball program. This culture is a major factor in the team’s success, and it is something that the players and coaches take great pride in.
- Winning
Winning is the most important part of the culture of Penn State volleyball. The Nittany Lions have won seven national championships and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 39 times. This winning tradition is something that the players and coaches are very proud of, and it is a major motivating factor for the team.
- Excellence
Excellence is another important part of the culture of Penn State volleyball. The Nittany Lions strive to be the best in everything they do, both on and off the court. This commitment to excellence is evident in the way that the players and coaches prepare for games, practice, and compete. It is also evident in the way that the team represents Penn State University and the community.
- Tradition
Tradition is also an important part of the culture of Penn State volleyball. The Nittany Lions have a long and storied history, and they are proud of the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. These traditions include The White Out, Block Party, and the Nittany Lion mascot. They are all part of what makes Penn State volleyball so special.
The culture of winning, excellence, and tradition is what makes Penn State volleyball one of the most successful programs in the country. It is a culture that is embraced by the players, coaches, and fans, and it is a major reason why the Nittany Lions are always a contender for the national championship.
FAQs about Penn State Volleyball in 2023
Penn State Volleyball is a powerhouse program with a rich history and tradition of success. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 31-5 season in 2022, and they return a wealth of talent in 2023.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Penn State Volleyball in 2023:
Question 1: What are the expectations for Penn State Volleyball in 2023?
Answer: Penn State is expected to compete for the Big Ten Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2023. The Nittany Lions have a talented and experienced roster, a favorable schedule, and a proven coaching staff.
Question 2: Who are some of the key players to watch on Penn State Volleyball in 2023?
Answer: Some of the key players to watch on Penn State Volleyball in 2023 include Jonni Parker, Kaitlyn Hord, and Allie Holland.
Question 3: What are some of the strengths of Penn State Volleyball in 2023?
Answer: Some of the strengths of Penn State Volleyball in 2023 include a talented and experienced roster, a favorable schedule, and a proven coaching staff.
Question 4: What are some of the challenges facing Penn State Volleyball in 2023?
Answer: Some of the challenges facing Penn State Volleyball in 2023 include a tough schedule and the graduation of some key players from last year’s team.
Question 5: What are the goals of Penn State Volleyball in 2023?
Answer: The goals of Penn State Volleyball in 2023 are to win the Big Ten Championship and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Question 6: How can I follow Penn State Volleyball in 2023?
Answer: You can follow Penn State Volleyball in 2023 by watching their games on TV or online, following them on social media, or attending their games in person.
The 2023 Penn State Volleyball season is sure to be an exciting one. The Nittany Lions have a talented team and a lot of potential. Be sure to follow them throughout the season to see how they perform.
Transition to the next article section:
Tips for Penn State Volleyball in 2023
The Penn State Nittany Lions volleyball team is poised for another successful season in 2023. The Nittany Lions have a talented and experienced roster, a favorable schedule, and a proven coaching staff. However, there are a few things that the Nittany Lions can do to improve their chances of winning a national championship in 2023.
Tip 1: Stay hea
lthy
Injuries are a major factor in the outcome of any volleyball season. The Nittany Lions need to stay healthy in order to be successful in 2023. This means getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding injuries.
Tip 2: Play together as a team
Volleyball is a team sport, and the Nittany Lions need to play together as a team in order to be successful. This means communicating with each other, supporting each other, and working together to achieve a common goal.
Tip 3: Focus on the process, not the outcome
It is important for the Nittany Lions to focus on the process, not the outcome. This means focusing on the things that they can control, such as their effort, their attitude, and their execution. If they focus on the process, the outcome will take care of itself.
Tip 4: Be confident
The Nittany Lions need to be confident in their abilities in order to be successful. This means believing in themselves and their teammates, and believing that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Tip 5: Have fun
Volleyball is a game, and it is important for the Nittany Lions to have fun. If they are having fun, they will be more likely to play well and be successful.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits
- Staying healthy
- Playing together as a team
- Focusing on the process, not the outcome
- Being confident
- Having fun
Transition to the article’s conclusion
The Penn State Nittany Lions volleyball team has the potential to be a great team in 2023. If they can stay healthy, play together as a team, and focus on the process, they will be a tough team to beat.
Penn State Volleyball
Penn State Volleyball is poised for another successful season in 2023. The Nittany Lions return a wealth of talent, including five starters from last year’s team. They also have a talented group of newcomers who will be looking to make an immediate impact.
Penn State has a favorable schedule in 2023, with 18 home games and only 12 road games. The Nittany Lions also have a proven coaching staff, led by head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley.
With a talented roster, a favorable schedule, and a proven coaching staff, Penn State is a legitimate contender for the national championship in 2023. The Nittany Lions have all the tools necessary to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.