Russ Rose Announces Retirement After Illustrious 43-year Career as Women’s Volleyball Coach
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women’s volleyball coach Russ Rose announced his retirement on Thursday ending his illustrious 43-year career.
Rose leaves Happy Valley with an impressive seven national titles, 17 Big Ten championships and a 1,330-229 (.853) overall record which ranks seventh in NCAA Division I history for win percentage.
His 1,330 career victories make him the winningest coach in NCAA Division I women’s volleyball history.
“While I have decided to step into retirement, it has been my pleasure to serve as the head coach of the Penn State women’s volleyball program over the last 43 seasons,” Rose said in a statement. “My time here has provided my family and I many memories and relationships that we will carry with us. I would like to thank the many players, managers and support staff for their dedication, in addition to all of the assistants who helped shape the culture and success of the program.
Rose captured several awards throughout his career such as AVCA National Coach of the Year five times, Big Ten Coach of the Year 13 times and a spot in the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2007.
While coaching the Nittany Lions, Rose produced 112 All-Americans, including Kaitlyn Hord and Jonni Parker, who were just chosen as four-time honorees. He also coached at least one All-American in all but two seasons during his time behind the bench.
During his time at the helm, the blue and white is the only program to reach the NCAA Tournament in every campaign since its creation in 1981.
Penn State will now begin the search to find its next coach. Katie Schumacher-Cawley will serve as the team’s interim coach while Rose remains with Penn State Athletics in an advisory role.
Alex Rocco is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email afr5646@psu.edu
