Athletics

      Rose inks five-year contract extension

      Hall of fame coach and women’s volleyball victories leader has led Penn State to a record seven NCAA championships

      Russ Rose's contract extension will keep him at the helm of the Penn State women's volleyball program for the next five seasons.  Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

      UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Women’s volleyball head coach Russ Rose has signed a five-year contract extension, Sandy Barbour, Penn State director of athletics, announced today (Dec. 17).Having directed the Nittany Lions to a record-setting seventh NCAA championship in 2014, Rose has led Penn State to six national championships in the past nine seasons. Having never posted fewer than 22 wins in a season, Rose has kept the Penn State women’s volleyball program among the nation’s elite for 37 seasons. The hall of fame mentor is the winningest coach in NCAA Division I volleyball history with 1,189 career victories.“Coach Rose is synonymous with success in every sense of the word,” Barbour said. “I’m thrilled that this extension means we will enjoy the benefits of his leadership for years to come. Our student-athletes, University and community have been the beneficiaries of his talents and ability to bring the nation’s most talented, brightest and driven student-athletes to Penn State.”“I think it’s obvious I wouldn’t want to coach anywhere else, and it’s great that we can agree to five more years,” Rose said. “Penn State is a special place, and I’m honored to be the coach. I hope we can continue to recruit players who want to continue the rich tradition of Penn State volleyball.”Rose led Penn State to its 35th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament this season. The Nittany Lions are one of only two programs to compete in all 35 NCAA women’s volleyball tournaments. Penn State posted a 28-6 overall record this season, advancing to the NCAA regional semifinals for the 13th consecutive year. The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 1 for the first six weeks of the 2015 season.Five starters return for the 2016 season, including AVCA All-Americans Ali Frantti (Spring Grove, Illinois) and Haleigh Washington (Colorado Springs, Colorado), who also earned CoSIDA Academic All-America accolades this fall.

      Women’s volleyball season ticket deposits for next season are being accepted. Nittany Lion fans have the option to secure their 2016 season tickets by calling 1-800-NITTANY, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

      Last Updated December 18, 2015

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