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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2017 19:30:01 GMT -5
Nebraska is considered to be a fine school well in the same category as PSU who by the way is till referred to by many as THE COW SCHOOL Of course neither have the academic reputation of Stanford but excel in many areas that are not part of the Stanford curriculum. I have followed PSU women's volleyball before Salima became a student. Russ has never promoted any exposure for the spring activity and in many cases it would dishwater dull seeing the drills and routines that he has used when Pitt comes to the spring event. Over the last few years there has been a very closed door philosophy that may well be either the new AD or the Paterno controversy surrounding the entire University. Given his personality I would guess, remember GUESS, that he would prefer it to be more open Thanks for the insights Tillie. I respect your guesses but it goes to illustrate the conundrum that PSU women's volleyball fans face. There's a "closed door philosophy" and no one knows why. I like the results Coach Rose delivers. I guess one of the benefits to the "informational wasteland" is that few can refute a well-crafted assertion. Occasionally, especially on Volleytalk, posters will claim to have "insider knowledge." Their pronouncements generally aren't all that illuminating, but they have mastered the art of the snotty "I know more than you do" put down. I can accept the fact that I'll never get answers to touchy questions. I'm not going to quit being a PSU fan in a fit of pique. I'll simply whine periodically and hope for glimpses and glimmers of what transpires behind closed doors at Rec Hall. |
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 25, 2017 21:27:06 GMT -5
Are there other sports at Penn State that have such a "closed door policy"? I have been told that the administration has been trying for years to encourage an open door policy but a few coaches have resisted. Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 27, 2017 17:29:35 GMT -5
Friend Bob defends his position admirably. To be clear, Coach Sanderson has elevated PSU onto a very small list of schools where wrestlers want to go. He brings in guys from all over the place, and in so doing out recruits the Oklahomas and the Iowas, who used to be the "places to go." Until Sanderson arrived, PSU wrestling was very good, but not in the very top tier. None of my observations were intended to diminish the undeniably impressive work he has done-even while he himself returned to competition. I would also like to point out that PSU has benefitted from a number of other highly successful coaches, including Erica Walsh, who is also raising the school's profile in a very competitive sport. So while I bask in Cross' optimism, I do acknowledge that the VB team missed out on some top talent. I suspect that the reasons we missed out are more complicated and nuanced than deficiencies in our coaching staff, but I am insufficiently well informed to dispute such comments with any true assurance. My only point is until we can find out the reasons for missing out on top talent; it is very unlikely that it will be corrected. I wonder why Nebraska opted for a beach vb team and we did not. Sometimes you roll with the changing times or you get left behind. Obviously most of the PSU coaches are doing an awesome job and we can see the results. Perhaps my expectations are just too high. |
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Post by nyline on Apr 27, 2017 22:00:24 GMT -5
Friend Bob defends his position admirably. To be clear, Coach Sanderson has elevated PSU onto a very small list of schools where wrestlers want to go. He brings in guys from all over the place, and in so doing out recruits the Oklahomas and the Iowas, who used to be the "places to go." Until Sanderson arrived, PSU wrestling was very good, but not in the very top tier. None of my observations were intended to diminish the undeniably impressive work he has done-even while he himself returned to competition. I would also like to point out that PSU has benefitted from a number of other highly successful coaches, including Erica Walsh, who is also raising the school's profile in a very competitive sport. So while I bask in Cross' optimism, I do acknowledge that the VB team missed out on some top talent. I suspect that the reasons we missed out are more complicated and nuanced than deficiencies in our coaching staff, but I am insufficiently well informed to dispute such comments with any true assurance. My only point is until we can find out the reasons for missing out on top talent; it is very unlikely that it will be corrected. I wonder why Nebraska opted for a beach vb team and we did not. Sometimes you roll with the changing times or you get left behind. Obviously most of the PSU coaches are doing an awesome job and we can see the results. Perhaps my expectations are just too high. With all due respect to the importance of "our" knowledge about recruiting, I find it impossible to believe -- that's right, impossible to believe -- that "our" knowledge, or lack of knowledge on the subject will make a scintilla, an iota, or a smidgeon -- that's right, a scintilla, an iota or smidgeon -- of difference in the success of the team. What will make a difference is the collective brain power, skill, judgement and hard work -- that's right, collective brain power, skill, judgment and hard work -- of what I personally believe is the most talented staff in college women's volleyball. They are using, and have been using, that collective brain power, skill, judgement and hard work, and will continue to do so, analyzing how to make the team better, and then working to execute that plan. Just as they always have done under Coach Rose. That they missed on some talent is not evidence to the contrary. It is evidence of why no other program has come close to what Coach Rose and staff have accomplished. It's really, really, really hard to do, and to maintain. They've only missed out for two years now. How long did beach-volleyball Nebraska go? Nine years? Ten years? Slacker staff is on break, so I'm guessing on the number. But the Penn State staff is not on break. They are working hard, and smart, to make the team better. That they don't share their thinking, or plans with us is not evidence to the contrary. Frankly, their m.o. has been unbelievably successful. And a two-year hiatus should make them change? To me, that suggestion is the opposite of irrational exhuberance. |
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Post by elliotberton on Apr 28, 2017 11:52:14 GMT -5
Actually, what I found confusing about last year was not a recruiting issue so much as the performance of our returning players. It is difficult to explain why the ladies struggled to find consistency. There were times when the team got hot and performed at a very high level, but all too many situations where that did not occur. Regrettably high performance and low performance were evident in a single match. While a degree of inconsistency is inevitable (there is an opponent after all) it felt like the variation was more dramatic and noticeable than in prior years. (Maybe the lack of a right side terminator was the difference?)
The point is that last year's performance may not have had too much to do with recruiting top talent. The talent level seemed to be sufficient for success. But last year's group was unable to consistently perform in a way that translated into wins against the other top teams. The inconsistency is difficult to analyze since some of the key players have been consistently excellent in previous years, and presumably have not forgotten how to play.
My hope for the coming year is that the returning players find their confidence and consistency quickly. If they do, Coach won't have to resort to gimmicks or dramatic line up changes. I certainly trust our staff to figure out and address those things which seemed to hold the team back last season.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 17:21:09 GMT -5
What's been missing to me is on-court leadership. Since Micha and Dom departed, it looks as if the team has been missing leadership from within. We can only hope that a leader has emerged from the carefully concealed cauldron of spring volleyball.
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 28, 2017 17:23:51 GMT -5
Actually, what I found confusing about last year was not a recruiting issue so much as the performance of our returning players. It is difficult to explain why the ladies struggled to find consistency. There were times when the team got hot and performed at a very high level, but all too many situations where that did not occur. Regrettably high performance and low performance were evident in a single match. While a degree of inconsistency is inevitable (there is an opponent after all) it felt like the variation was more dramatic and noticeable than in prior years. (Maybe the lack of a right side terminator was the difference?) The point is that last year's performance may not have had too much to do with recruiting top talent. The talent level seemed to be sufficient for success. But last year's group was unable to consistently perform in a way that translated into wins against the other top teams. The inconsistency is difficult to analyze since some of the key players have been consistently excellent in previous years, and presumably have not forgotten how to play. My hope for the coming year is that the returning players find their confidence and consistency quickly. If they do, Coach won't have to resort to gimmicks or dramatic line up changes. I certainly trust our staff to figure out and address those things which seemed to hold the team back last season. An interesting point of view but why should we be choosing to live in la la land. Hope never won a single match. I fully believe the players gave a 100% effort. I fully believe the coaches gave a 100% effort. The days of another competitive season lie before us and we should embrace it as it enhances our perception of overcoming life's obstacles. Perseverance develops character.  |
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Post by toomuchvb on Apr 28, 2017 18:01:10 GMT -5
Hope has certainly never won a single match! These players have the abilities and skills to win tough matches against ranked opponents, win five-set matches, win on the road, and even NOT lose three matches in a row as they did last year. As a fan, I won't live in La La Land. I will find things to be optimistic about throughout the season. For starters, I'm anxious to hear about the team's competition against Brazilian teams. And I'm excited to see how the coaching staff gets each player's best performance in each match this season. They had positive growth last year. With few departures, and another year of experience and reps (barring injury), this will be a very good season for Penn State! Looking forward!
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 29, 2017 9:53:13 GMT -5
Hope has certainly never won a single match! These players have the abilities and skills to win tough matches against ranked opponents, win five-set matches, win on the road, and even NOT lose three matches in a row as they did last year. As a fan, I won't live in La La Land. I will find things to be optimistic about throughout the season. For starters, I'm anxious to hear about the team's competition against Brazilian teams. And I'm excited to see how the coaching staff gets each player's best performance in each match this season. They had positive growth last year. With few departures, and another year of experience and reps (barring injury), this will be a very good season for Penn State! Looking forward! Ironically we continue to grow shorter with our pin hitters. I believe some of our greatest players have been on the taller side such as Nicole Faucett 6-4, Megan Hodge 6-3, Aiyana Whitley 6-5, Blair Brown 6-5 and even some middle hitters like Ari Wilson 6-4, Katie Slay 6-6, and currently Haleigh Washington 6-3. However the left side pin hitters for 2018 and 2019 are mostly shorter than any of the above players. Of course when you can't attract the top elite pin hitters you have no choice but to accept shorter players or look elsewhere for that diamond in the rough. I see you are one of those fans who always insist that our players have the abilities and skills to win the tough matches but seem speechless when it doesn't happen year after year. I'm sure you will keep drinking the kool-aid and not even realize you are already in La La Land. Thank goodness our football and wrestling coaches continue to make the changes necessary to get better. To paraphrase Coach Rose, "We either get better at our jobs or we get worse". |
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Post by toomuchvb on Apr 29, 2017 11:50:38 GMT -5
My commentary was not directed at you in any way of criticism, bob2061. In fact, I agreed emphatically with one of your sentiments. (Note the exclamation mark.). Blue Kool-Aid is tasty and I will continue to drink it. 😊 When other, yes other, elite players choose to attend other universities, it is not only because a coaching staff (ours or others) could not attract them, it is because of any of a plethora of reasons: Some want the Stanford education. Some want the option of a beach program. Some want what they perceive as better facilities or gear. Some want better weather. Some want easy and/or inexpensive travel for friends and family. None of those can be attributed to poor recruiting. Elite players simply have choices. Doesn't mean the PSU sales pitch is lacking. The success of taller players, statistically, has been documented from the best to marginal; and even that depended upon what year the tall player found that success, who the teammates were, and who the coaches were at the time and what were those coaches' specialties, i.e. backrow defense, serving, blocking, attacking. A couple of years out of the Final Four and beyond is not cause to abandon support of or criticize a talented collection of players and coaches. A program that has been a delight to watch and brought pride to a university will get my support. Wonder how those Wisconsin supporters do it? Check out Volleytalk. They're rabid! 😄 Even before Sheffield and the #1 player, who is now gone. Then, one B1G championship tie and one Final Four appearance in a decade (?), yet they support their program and have growing attendance. Is Wisconsin in La La Land? Nah. Weather's too cold! 😉
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 29, 2017 15:51:28 GMT -5
Coach Kelly was very active in recruiting most of Nebraska's players and knows talent when she sees it. She is rebuilding the Louisville team and has to recruit against all the top VB schools. It will probably be several years before we can tell how successful she will become. Meanwhile Penn State has struggled to recruit any top elite players since the 2014 class. When I see the super elite wrestling talent Coach Sanderson continues to bring into Penn State; it becomes obvious that we simply do not have VB coaches that are connecting with the top elite high school players any longer. You can't really make a comparison between PSU Wrestling recruiting and PSU WVB recruiting. Pennsylvania is to wrestling what Florida and Texas are to football. There is a tremendous amount of wrestling talent in PA high schools and clubs. Cael is keeping them at home instead of seeing them go to Iowa, Ohio State and Oklahoma State, as so often happened in the past. Most of our WVB players come from outside the state and often from across the country. It is much harder to recruit players who have a lot of options and have no particular loyalty to anything Pennsylvanian as they are growing up. OTOH the football and wrestling coaches are having such a successful national recruiting that they cannot take many promising PA recruits. I guess it is all in the eye of the beholder. BTW the WVB roster is NOT set in stone, we can find room for a top elite WVB recruit if we can convince one to join our team. |
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Post by traveler on Apr 29, 2017 16:12:32 GMT -5
Hope has certainly never won a single match! These players have the abilities and skills to win tough matches against ranked opponents, win five-set matches, win on the road, and even NOT lose three matches in a row as they did last year. As a fan, I won't live in La La Land. I will find things to be optimistic about throughout the season. For starters, I'm anxious to hear about the team's competition against Brazilian teams. And I'm excited to see how the coaching staff gets each player's best performance in each match this season. They had positive growth last year. With few departures, and another year of experience and reps (barring injury), this will be a very good season for Penn State! Looking forward! Ironically we continue to grow shorter with our pin hitters. I believe some of our greatest players have been on the taller side such as Nicole Faucett 6-4, Megan Hodge 6-3, Aiyana Whitley 6-5, Blair Brown 6-5 and even some middle hitters like Ari Wilson 6-4, Katie Slay 6-6, and currently Haleigh Washington 6-3. However the left side pin hitters for 2018 and 2019 are mostly shorter than any of the above players. Of course when you can't attract the top elite pin hitters you have no choice but to accept shorter players or look elsewhere for that diamond in the rough. I see you are one of those fans who always insist that our players have the abilities and skills to win the tough matches but seem speechless when it doesn't happen year after year. I'm sure you will keep drinking the kool-aid and not even realize you are already in La La Land. Thank goodness our football and wrestling coaches continue to make the changes necessary to get better. To paraphrase Coach Rose, "We either get better at our jobs or we get worse". both Deja McClendon OH and Megan Courtney OH were 6'1". Both received numerous national awards, participated in NCAA Championship wins (Courtney was NCAA Championship MVP in 2014) and set PSU records/are in tops in the record books. Experts, which I am not, could probably explain why outsize height at OH is not as necessary as it might be at MH or RS. One thing that may be pertinent is Coach uses OH to play the entire rotation. Blair Brown, Whitney, Slay did not. Have seen few really tall players do the whole rotation. Also have noted many of the 6'3-and-over players simply don't jump the way 6'1" OH's do. Again, experts could probably explain why. |
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 29, 2017 16:44:45 GMT -5
My commentary was not directed at you in any way of criticism, bob2061. In fact, I agreed emphatically with one of your sentiments. (Note the exclamation mark.). Blue Kool-Aid is tasty and I will continue to drink it. 😊 When other, yes other, elite players choose to attend other universities, it is not only because a coaching staff (ours or others) could not attract them, it is because of any of a plethora of reasons: Some want the Stanford education. Some want the option of a beach program. Some want what they perceive as better facilities or gear. Some want better weather. Some want easy and/or inexpensive travel for friends and family. None of those can be attributed to poor recruiting. Elite players simply have choices. Doesn't mean the PSU sales pitch is lacking. The success of taller players, statistically, has been documented from the best to marginal; and even that depended upon what year the tall player found that success, who the teammates were, and who the coaches were at the time and what were those coaches' specialties, i.e. backrow defense, serving, blocking, attacking. A couple of years out of the Final Four and beyond is not cause to abandon support of or criticize a talented collection of players and coaches. A program that has been a delight to watch and brought pride to a university will get my support. Wonder how those Wisconsin supporters do it? Check out Volleytalk. They're rabid! 😄 Even before Sheffield and the #1 player, who is now gone. Then, one B1G championship tie and one Final Four appearance in a decade (?), yet they support their program and have growing attendance. Is Wisconsin in La La Land? Nah. Weather's too cold! 😉 It will be interesting to see how the team responds now that Carlini has moved on. It seems there is a college movement to squash dissent at all levels lately. |
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Post by bob2061 on Apr 29, 2017 17:16:53 GMT -5
Ironically we continue to grow shorter with our pin hitters. I believe some of our greatest players have been on the taller side such as Nicole Faucett 6-4, Megan Hodge 6-3, Aiyana Whitley 6-5, Blair Brown 6-5 and even some middle hitters like Ari Wilson 6-4, Katie Slay 6-6, and currently Haleigh Washington 6-3. However the left side pin hitters for 2018 and 2019 are mostly shorter than any of the above players. Of course when you can't attract the top elite pin hitters you have no choice but to accept shorter players or look elsewhere for that diamond in the rough. I see you are one of those fans who always insist that our players have the abilities and skills to win the tough matches but seem speechless when it doesn't happen year after year. I'm sure you will keep drinking the kool-aid and not even realize you are already in La La Land. Thank goodness our football and wrestling coaches continue to make the changes necessary to get better. To paraphrase Coach Rose, "We either get better at our jobs or we get worse". both Deja McClendon OH and Megan Courtney OH were 6'1". Both received numerous national awards, participated in NCAA Championship wins (Courtney was NCAA Championship MVP in 2014) and set PSU records/are in tops in the record books. Experts, which I am not, could probably explain why outsize height at OH is not as necessary as it might be at MH or RS. One thing that may be pertinent is Coach uses OH to play the entire rotation. Blair Brown, Whitney, Slay did not. Have seen few really tall players do the whole rotation. Also have noted many of the 6'3-and-over players simply don't jump the way 6'1" OH's do. Again, experts could probably explain why. Great job of pointing out our two best defensive O/Hs and how valuable they were to the team. Makes me even more aware that our current O/Hs are not quite great defensive players. If only we could find a real explanation for how inconsistent we play in many of our tough matches, especially when we win the first two sets. |
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Post by traveler on Apr 29, 2017 18:23:46 GMT -5
Terps added Carp as assistant in Feb. I missed that.
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