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Russell David Rose (born November 29, 1953) is an American former volleyball coach who was the women's volleyball coach at Penn State University from 1979 to 2021. His lifetime head coaching record is 1330–229, which ranks first in NCAA Division I history.[1] He has the most wins and highest winning percentage of any Penn State intercollegiate athletic coach in Penn State history.[2]

Key Information

College

[edit]

Rose graduated from George Williams College in 1975. He was a member of the school's volleyball team that won the 1974 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championship. He was the captain of the 1975 team that finished third in NAIA competition.

After graduation, Rose remained at George Williams for two years as a part-time coach, helping the women's volleyball team win two state titles and place sixth in national competition. He also assisted the men's team that won the national championship in 1977.

In 1978, he completed his master's degree at Nebraska, where he was the defensive coach for the Cornhusker women. While writing his thesis on volleyball statistics, he led the second team to a two-year varsity mark of 52–5.

Penn State University

[edit]
Main article: Penn State Nittany Lions women's volleyball
Further information: Big Ten Conference volleyball

At Penn State, Rose's teams never posted fewer than 22 wins in a season until the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season and never had a losing season in program history. Rose earned his 900th career victory at Penn State on September 21, 2007, with a win over Michigan State (only the third Division I coach to reach the milestone).[3] Rose was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in December 2007, and has been named the AVCA National Coach of the Year five times: 1990, 1997, 2007, 2008, and 2013, more than any other Division I coach.

At one point in his career, Rose had coached 28 different All-Americans (earning 64 selections in all, with eleven 3-time selections and three 4-time selections), All-Big Ten players (earning 74 selections in all), and Academic All-Big Ten players (earning 100 selections in all). In his first 32 seasons, he coached at least one All-American on his team every season except for 2001. The 2008 national championship team that went 38–0 featured six All-Americans.

In 1999, Lauren Cacciamani was named the AVCA National Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year and the Honda Award winner.[4] Bonnie Bremner and Katie Schumacher joined Cacciamani as All-Big Ten selections in 1999. Bremner won back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1997 and 1998. Amanda Rome and Carrie Schonveld were recognized with honorable mention All-Big Ten status, while Mishka Levy was named to the conference's All-Freshman squad. Penn State also placed six players on the Academic All-Big Ten Team in 1999, as Bremner, Cacciamani, Kalna Miller, Schonveld, Rome and Dawn Ippolito were honored.

Rose's players earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors for a record six straight years and ten of eleven years (2002–07, 2009–12), Big Ten Player of the Year six straight years (2005–2010), and also picked up AVCA National Freshman of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2010.[5] In 2007, four players were named All-Americans, with Megan Hodge, Nicole Fawcett and Christa Harmotto taking first team and Alisha Glass named to the second team.[6] In 2007, Christa Harmotto finished the season with the second highest hitting percentage in the nation (.492)[7] and freshman Arielle Wilson finishing fifth in the nation with a .446 percentage.

In 2008, an AVCA record six All-Americans were named to Rose's squad. Hodge, Fawcett, Harmotto, and Glass earned first team honors while sophomores Blair Brown and Arielle Wilson earned second team honors.[8] Senior Nicole Fawcett became Penn State's second ever AVCA National Player of the Year. Megan Hodge repeat as the NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player in 2008 after leading her team to the victory over Stanford for Penn State's second consecutive NCAA championship.

In 2009 Penn State captured its seventh consecutive and 13th overall Big Ten title after completing the regular season 32–0 (20–0 in the Big Ten) with a 114–8 record in sets played. Covering the two consecutive 38–0 perfect seasons (238 sets), Penn State established a set record of 228–10 (96%). The Nittany Lions did not lose a set in the NCAA tournament until the national semi-finals against Hawaii; however, they won that match 3–1 to set up a showdown against the #2 Texas Longhorns. In the championship match, Texas grabbed a 2–0 set lead. During their winning streak, Penn State had never been down 0–2, but the Lions clawed their way back to win the match, 3–2, and extended their win streak to 102 games with another perfect season.

In 2010 Penn State won the first seven matches, before having their record win streak snapped at 109. They went 16–4 in Big Ten play, but still managed to win their eighth consecutive conference championship (14th overall), matching the streak of eight consecutive Atlantic 10 championships set during all eight years in the conference. Even though they dropped five matches, including four in conference, all losses were away from University Park, as they won all 20 home matches and extended their Rec Hall winning streak to 94 games.

Rose led the Lions to a regular season record of 26–5 and earned the fourth overall seed in the NCAA tournament. They only dropped one set, in the regional finals versus Duke on their way to the Final Four. They then swept Texas in the semi-finals and swept California in the championship match to claim their fourth consecutive national championship and a final record of 32–5. Penn State set an NCAA record of winning 24 consecutive postseason games. The championship was Rose's fifth, a record for most by a single coach in NCAA history.

In 2013, Rose won his sixth national title with the Nittany Lions. His squad earned four AVCA All-American's honors in Micha Hancock, Ariel Scott, Deja McClendon, and Katie Slay. Hancock also won the 2013 NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player award after leading her team to the victory over Big Ten foe Wisconsin for the title, 3–1.

In 2014, despite having to replace three All-Americans in McClendon, Scott, and Slay, Rose coached the Nittany Lions to their seventh national championship, which gave them the most women's volleyball titles at the time, ahead of Stanford (6). Throughout his career, the team appeared in all 41 NCAA tournaments, the only team to do so.

Other work at Penn State

[edit]

In addition to being the volleyball coach, Rose was also a professor at Penn State; he taught a sports ethics class: KINES 493 Principles and Ethics of Coaching.

Additionally, in November 2011, Coach Rose was tapped to be a member of the search committee to hire the new head football coach after the termination of legendary coach Joe Paterno.

International

[edit]

Throughout his career, Rose has been called upon to share his expertise with the coaches and players who represent the United States in international competition. An instructor in the USVBA coaches certification program, Rose has served as a national referee and evaluator and state director for volleyball for the Special Olympics. Rose was a member of the NCAA Division I Volleyball Committee for six years and the NCAA representative to the United States Volleyball Association Rules Committee.

In 1981, Rose coached the U.S. women's team at the 1981 Maccabiah Games in which they won the silver medal. A year later, he was an assistant coach for the women's team that won the bronze medal at the 1982 National Sports Festival. He returned to the National Sports Festival in 1983, this time as the East women's head coach and once again winning the bronze medal. In 1985, he returned to the Maccabiah Games as the head coach of the U.S. men's team, winning the bronze medal.

In 1989, Rose was an assistant coach with the United States men's national team for an exhibition series with Canada and the Soviet Union. His work on the international scene was to have continued in July of that year, but personal commitments and time constraints prevented him from accepting the position as head coach of the U.S. women's team to the Maccabiah Games. In 1990, he worked with the men's national and developmental teams during the training camps in San Diego. In 1993, he assisted with the U.S. men's matches with Canada and the U.S. women's team against China

After taking few years off to focus on Penn State, he returned to the international scene from 1998 to 2000, assisting with the U.S. men's team as they prepared for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. In the summer of 2002, Rose assisted the U.S. men's team on a 13-day tour of Italy where the athletes competed against the world's top teams, including Brazil, Italy, Yugoslavia, Russia and the Netherlands.

In 2005, USA Volleyball named Rose one of their All-Time Great Coaches, making him the first Big Ten coach to ever receive the honor and putting him in the company of the best volleyball coaches in history, including previous Olympic coaches as well as many of their peers.

Professional

[edit]

Rose coached professional men's volleyball in Puerto Rico in 1976.

Awards and honors

[edit]
  • 1984 – Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
  • 1985 – Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
  • 1987 – Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
  • 1988 – Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, AVCA Northeast Region Coach of the Year
  • 1989 – Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
  • 1990 – AVCA National Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year, Volleyball Monthly Coach of the Year, Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
  • 1992 – AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year
  • 1993 – AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year, Volleyball Monthly Coach of the Year
  • 1994 – AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year
  • 1996 – Big Ten Coach of the Year, NCAA District II Coach of the Year
  • 1997 – AVCA National Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year, Big Ten co-Coach of the Year
  • 1998 – Big Ten Coach of the Year
  • 1999 – Volleyball Monthly Coach of the Year
  • 2000 – United States Olympic Committee Coach of the Year
  • 2003 – Big Ten Coach of the Year, Rose also celebrated 25 years of coaching at Penn State. He was honored with a bench outside of the post office sponsored by the Penn State Booster Club and was surprised with a gathering of more than 40 former players and members of the program, who offered their thoughts and insights on Rose and his career.
  • 2005 – Big Ten Coach of the Year, USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award (Donald S. Shondell Contemporary Division Award)[9]
  • 2006 – Big Ten Coach of the Year
  • 2007 – AVCA Hall of Fame induction, AVCA National Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year
  • 2008 – BTN Big Ten Women's Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year, AVCA National Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year
  • 2009 – BTN Big Ten Women's Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year
  • 2010 – Big Ten Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year
  • 2012 – Big Ten Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year
  • 2013 – Big Ten Coach of the Year, AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year, AVCA National Coach of the Year
  • 2017 - Big Ten Coach of the Year
  • 2019 - Big Ten Coach of the Year

Head coaching record

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Penn State Nittany Lions (independent) (1979–1982)
1979 Penn State 32–9 EAIAW Participant
1980 Penn State 34–11 EAIAW & AIAW Participant
1981 Penn State 44–5 NCAA regional semifinal
1982 Penn State 26–15 NCAA first round
Penn State Nittany Lions (Atlantic 10 Conference) (1983–1990)
1983 Penn State 36–10 [a] 1st NCAA regional semifinal
1984 Penn State 30–6 5–0 1st NCAA regional semifinal
1985 Penn State 31–5 5–0 1st NCAA first round
1986 Penn State 38–5 7–0 1st NCAA regional semifinal
1987 Penn State 27–9 8–0 1st NCAA first round
1988 Penn State 36–4 8–0 1st NCAA first round
1989 Penn State 34–7 8–0 1st NCAA first round
1990 Penn State 44–1 8–0 1st NCAA Regional final
Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten Conference) (1991–2021)
1991 Penn State 26–6 15–5 2nd NCAA regional semifinal
1992 Penn State 28–4 19–1 T-1st NCAA regional semifinal
1993 Penn State 31–5 18–2 1st NCAA runner-up
1994 Penn State 31–4 17–3 2nd NCAA Final Four
1995 Penn State 27–8 14–6 3rd NCAA regional semifinal
1996 Penn State 31–3 18–2 T-1st NCAA Regional final
1997 Penn State 34–2 19–1 T-1st NCAA runner-up
1998 Penn State 35–1 20–0 1st NCAA runner-up
1999 Penn State 36–1 20–0 1st NCAA Champions
2000 Penn State 30–6 16–4 3rd NCAA Regional final
2001 Penn State 22–8 14–6 3rd NCAA second round
2002 Penn State 25–8 14–6 2nd NCAA second round
2003 Penn State 31–5 17–3 1st NCAA Regional final
2004 Penn State 29–3 18–2 1st NCAA regional semifinal
2005 Penn State 31–3 20–0 1st NCAA regional semifinal
2006 Penn State 32–3 18–2 1st NCAA Regional final
2007 Penn State 34–2 20–0 1st NCAA Champions
2008 Penn State 38–0 20–0 1st NCAA Champions
2009 Penn State 38–0 20–0 1st NCAA Champions
2010 Penn State 32–5 16–4 1st NCAA Champions
2011 Penn State 25–8 16–4 2nd NCAA regional semifinal
2012 Penn State 33–3 19–1 1st NCAA Final Four
2013 Penn State 34–2 19–1 1st NCAA Champions
2014 Penn State 36–3 18–2 2nd NCAA Champions
2015 Penn State 28–6 15–5 4th NCAA regional semifinal
2016 Penn State 24–10 14–6 4th NCAA regional semifinal
2017 Penn State 33–2 19–1 T-1st NCAA Final Four
2018 Penn State 26–8 14–6 4th NCAA Regional final
2019 Penn State 27–6 17–3 T-2nd NCAA Regional final
2020 Penn State 10–6 9–5 6th NCAA regional semifinal
2021 Penn State 21–11 13–7 6th NCAA second round
Penn State: 1,330–229 (.853) 575–88 (.867)
Total: 1,330–229 (.853)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

  1. ^ No regular season competition[10]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1986, Rose married Lori Barberich, a former three-time All-American at Penn State.

Bibliography

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Russ Rose

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Russell David Rose (born November 1953) is a retired American coach renowned for his 43-year tenure as of the Penn State University women's team from 1979 to 2021, during which he built one of the most dominant programs in history. Under Rose's leadership, the Nittany Lions secured seven NCAA national championships (in 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014)—more than any other coach in women's history—and 17 titles, along with eight Atlantic 10 championships earlier in his career. His teams achieved a record 109 consecutive NCAA wins from 2007 to 2010, the longest streak in Division I women's history, and produced 112 AVCA All-America honors, including four national players of the year. Rose compiled an overall record of 1,330 wins and 229 losses (.853 winning percentage), the most victories by any women's coach, earning him five AVCA National Coach of the Year awards and induction into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2007. A graduate of George Williams College in 1975—where he played on a team—Rose earned his from the University of Nebraska in 1978 while assisting the women's team and writing a on statistics. His coaching style, characterized by direct feedback, grueling practices to build , and deep personal relationships with players—often maintained through handwritten notes and lifelong —fostered authenticity and resilience, enabling generations of athletes to excel both on and off the court. Rose announced his retirement on December 23, 2021, transitioning to an advisory role at Penn State while continuing to influence through clinics, consultations, and contributions to U.S. efforts. The program he built won an eighth NCAA in 2024 under his successor, Katie Schumacher-Cawley.

Coaching career

Pre-Penn State roles

After graduating from George Williams College in 1975, where he captained the team to a NAIA in 1974, Rose coached a professional men's team in Puerto Rico's Superior League from 1975 to 1976. He then remained at the institution as a part-time assistant coach for the women's team from 1976 to 1977. In this role, he contributed to the team's success, including two state championships and a sixth-place national finish. This international stint introduced him to professional-level play and cross-cultural team dynamics in a competitive league environment. In 1976, Rose enrolled at the University of Nebraska to pursue a in , which he completed in 1978. During his graduate studies, he served as a defensive coach for the women's team, focusing on back-row strategies and player positioning. His examined statistics, finding that passing predicts the level of play and that hitting and blocking are most correlated with winning. These positions provided foundational experience in coaching women's and men's teams at collegiate and professional levels, honing Rose's approach to defensive systems and adapting to players from diverse backgrounds.

Penn State tenure

Russ Rose was hired as the of the Penn State women's team in 1979 at the age of 25, earning a starting salary of $14,000. The program faced significant initial challenges, including limited resources such as traveling in a 17-passenger van without access to charter flights, and Rose personally recruited players by approaching tall female students outside Rec Hall. Drawing on his defensive expertise gained as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska, Rose began transforming the mid-tier program into a national powerhouse through persistent recruitment and strategic program building. Over his 43-year tenure, Rose elevated Penn State volleyball by securing 17 Big Ten Conference titles, the most in program history, and overseeing facility upgrades from the modest Rec Hall to the state-of-the-art Multi-Sport Complex, which supported advanced training and hosting capabilities. His recruitment strategies emphasized honesty and personal connection, involving handwritten notes to prospects and selecting "characters" with strong perspectives and resilience rather than just athletic talent, which fostered long-term commitment and minimized transfers. This approach contributed to the development of 44 All-Americans and sustained player loyalty, with the program rarely losing athletes to other schools during his era. Rose's teams achieved remarkable dominance, including an NCAA-record 109 consecutive match wins from 2007 to 2010 and a 111-match set win streak within that period, during which they lost only 19 sets overall. The Nittany Lions also posted undefeated seasons in 2013 (34-0) and 2014 (34-0), capping those campaigns with national championships. His coaching philosophy centered on discipline, rigorous video analysis for tactical refinement, and individualized player development, emphasizing mental toughness and aggressive serving to disrupt opponents. While known for a demanding style that occasionally led to player transfers, Rose handled such situations by focusing on accountability and growth, maintaining one of the lowest transfer rates in Division I volleyball. The 1999 season marked Penn State's first , a breakthrough victory over Stanford in (3-0), powered by standout performances from defensive specialist Molly Russell and an aggressive serving strategy that limited errors. From 2007 to 2010, Rose guided the team to four straight NCAA titles, including wins over in key rivalry matches—such as the 2008 semifinals—featuring stars like Megan Hodge (2009 National Player of the Year), Alisha Glass, and Foluke Akinradewo, whose blocking and serving prowess defined the era's dynasty. The rivalry with intensified during this stretch, with Penn State holding a competitive edge in tournament play despite Nebraska's overall series lead. In 2013 and 2014, the undefeated Nittany Lions repeated as champions, defeating in both finals (3-1 each time), led by players like , Ariel Scott, and Deja McClendon, who excelled in Rose's system of high-pressure serving and video-driven adjustments to counter rivals' offenses. These successes highlighted Rose's tactical innovations, such as emphasizing serve-receive discipline to enable quick transitions, which became hallmarks of Penn State's identity. On December 23, 2021, Rose announced his retirement after accumulating 1,330 wins, the most in women's history, leaving behind a legacy of seven national titles and unparalleled program stability.

International involvement

Rose's international involvement began in the early 1980s with coaching roles for U.S. teams at the . In 1981, he served as head coach of the U.S. women's team, leading them to a silver medal in . Four years later, in 1985, Rose returned as head coach of the U.S. men's team, guiding them to a . These experiences involved selecting players from across the U.S. and adapting strategies to compete against international opponents, providing early exposure to global competition styles. Throughout the decade, Rose contributed to domestic national events with international flair. He acted as assistant coach for the U.S. women's team at the 1982 National Sports Festival, securing a , and then as head coach for the East women's team in , again earning bronze. These festivals, modeled after Olympic formats, allowed Rose to integrate diverse American talent while emphasizing tactical discipline against regional rivals. Later, Rose's international scope expanded to Olympic preparation. In 2000, he served as assistant coach for the U.S. men's national team ahead of the Olympics, focusing on enhancing defensive systems through rigorous training camps; his efforts earned him the Olympic Committee Coach of the Year award. This role deepened his appreciation for international play, where he observed European teams' emphasis on precise blocking and quick transitions contrasting with the American focus on power hitting. These insights influenced his Penn State tactics, incorporating hybrid defenses to counter faster global offenses. Post-retirement, Rose continued sharing perspectives on international trends. In a 2024 interview, he highlighted the value of studying events like the Nations League and Olympics, noting how men's innovations—such as Japan's creative pipe attacks and ball-handling efficiency—often shape women's strategies worldwide, urging coaches to adapt these for competitive edges.

Achievements and records

Awards and honors

Russ Rose has received numerous accolades for his coaching excellence in women's , particularly through the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). He was named the AVCA Division I five times, in 1990, 1997, 2007, 2008, and 2013, selected annually by a panel of AVCA-member coaches based on team performance, innovation, and impact on the sport. These honors were tied to standout seasons, such as the 2007 undefeated campaign and the 2013 title run, highlighting his ability to lead Penn State to peak success. In 2025, the AVCA renamed its Division I National Coach of the Year as the Russ Rose/900 National Coach of the Year Award. Within the , Rose earned Coach of the Year recognition 16 times, a record reflecting his sustained dominance and development of championship-caliber programs over four decades. This , voted on by conference coaches and media, underscores his role in securing 17 Big Ten titles and consistently elevating Penn State's standing in a competitive league. Rose's contributions to have been enshrined in several halls of fame. He was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2007, recognizing his overall impact on the sport at the collegiate level, and named one of USA Volleyball's All-Time Great Coaches in 2005 for his influence on national team development and coaching standards. In 2010, he joined the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements as a Jewish and coach. Additionally, in 2013, he received the Honorary Penn State Alumni Award for his enduring legacy at the university. Under Rose's guidance, Penn State players amassed 112 AVCA All-America honors across 50 individuals, including four AVCA National Players of the Year—Lauren Cacciamani (1999), Nicole Fawcett (2008), Megan Hodge (2009), and (2014)—demonstrating his talent for player development and preparation for professional and international success.

Head coaching record

Russ Rose concluded his coaching career with an overall record of 1,330 wins and 229 losses, yielding a .853 , which established the record for most victories by a women's coach. At the time of his 2021 retirement, this total ranked him first in Division I history for career wins. The following table summarizes Rose's annual records during his 43 seasons as head coach at Penn State from 1979 to 2021, including overall win-loss, conference results (Atlantic 10 prior to Big Ten membership in 1991, then Big Ten), and postseason outcomes.
YearOverallConferencePostseason
197932–9N/AEAIAW Participant
198034–11N/AEAIAW Champion, AIAW Participant
198144–5N/ANCAA Regional Semifinalist
198226–15N/ANCAA Participant
198336–10N/AAtlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
198430–6A-10: 5–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
198531–5A-10: 5–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Participant
198638–5A-10: 7–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
198727–9A-10: 8–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Participant
198836–4A-10: 8–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Participant
198934–7A-10: 8–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Participant
199044–1A-10: 8–0Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
199126–6Big Ten: 15–5NCAA Regional Semifinalist
199228–4Big Ten: 19–1Big Ten Co-Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
199331–5Big Ten: 18–2Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Runner-up
199431–4Big Ten: 17–3NCAA National Semifinalist
199527–8Big Ten: 14–6NCAA Regional Semifinalist
199631–3Big Ten: 18–2Big Ten Co-Champions, NCAA Regional Finalist
199734–2Big Ten: 19–1Big Ten Co-Champions, NCAA National Runner-up
199835–1Big Ten: 20–0Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Runner-up
199936–1Big Ten: 20–0Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Champions
200030–6Big Ten: 16–4NCAA Regional Finalist
200122–8Big Ten: 14–6NCAA Second Round
200225–8Big Ten: 14–6NCAA Second Round
200331–5Big Ten: 17–3Big Ten Champions, NCAA Regional Finalist
200429–3Big Ten: 18–2Big Ten Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
200531–3Big Ten: 20–0Big Ten Champions, NCAA Regional Semifinalist
200632–3Big Ten: 18–2NCAA Regional Finalist
200734–2Big Ten: 20–0Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Champions
200838–0Big Ten: 20–0Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Champions
200938–0Big Ten: 20–0Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Champions
201032–5Big Ten: 16–4Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Champions
201125–8Big Ten: 16–4NCAA Regional Semifinalist
201233–3Big Ten: 19–1Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Semifinalist
201334–2Big Ten: 19–1Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Champions
201436–3Big Ten: 18–2NCAA National Champions
201528–6Big Ten: 15–5NCAA Regional Semifinals
201624–10Big Ten: 14–6NCAA Regional Semifinals
201733–2Big Ten: 19–1Big Ten Champions, NCAA National Semifinalist
201826–8Big Ten: 14–6NCAA Regional Finalist
201927–6Big Ten: 17–3NCAA Regional Finalist
202010–6Big Ten: 9–5NCAA Regional Semifinalist
202121–11Big Ten: 13–7NCAA Second Round
Rose's teams also recorded notable streaks, including a 109-match spanning from September 14, 2007, to November 20, 2010, and a 111-consecutive-set winning streak during the same period.

Later life and legacy

Personal life

Rose married Lori Barberich, a three-time All-American outside hitter for the Penn State women's team from 1981 to 1984, in 1986. The couple has four sons and has resided in , for over four decades, where Rose balanced the demands of his coaching career with family responsibilities. He has reflected that the long hours spent coaching others' children meant less time with his own growing up, though his sons are now adults. In his personal time, Rose enjoys reading books about football and , maintaining a collection focused on those sports as a way to unwind outside of . He also travels periodically to visit family, including trips to to see his mother in Sarasota.

Post-retirement activities and publications

Following his retirement from the head coaching position at Penn State in December 2021, Russ Rose transitioned into an advisory role within the university's athletic department, where he continued to provide guidance on program development and operations. This arrangement allowed him to remain connected to the sport while stepping back from daily coaching demands, as he noted in early 2022 interviews reflecting on his career shift. Post-retirement, Rose has actively participated in volleyball clinics and camps, sharing his expertise with emerging coaches and players. In 2025, he led sessions at the GSI x Russ Rose Volleyball Camp, focusing on foundational training techniques derived from his championship blueprint. He also served as a presenting coach at the Harrisburg Coaching Clinic, delivering on-demand content emphasizing team preparation and strategic drills. These engagements underscore his ongoing mentorship of former players and coaches, promoting his philosophy of mental toughness and disciplined execution in modern volleyball. Rose has extended his influence through media appearances and commentary, particularly in podcasts that analyze contemporary trends. In a November 2024 episode of Volley Brains titled "Everything Matters," he discussed the value of studying international for coaching growth and shared insights on adaptive strategies. Earlier that year, in April 2024's "Keeping the Team (and the Coach) Honest" on the Leave It Better podcast, Rose explored accountability in team dynamics and player development. He continued this in January 2025 with "Demanding More from Players," where he addressed high-performance expectations in women's . These discussions highlight his lasting impact on the sport's analytical discourse. Rose's publications span his career but remain relevant in retirement as resources for coaches. He co-authored Volleyball Drills for Champions: Mastering Key Skills with 7 Winning Coaches in 1999, a guide featuring practical exercises from elite programs, including his own blocking and serving techniques. In 2002, he contributed to The Volleyball Coaching Bible, compiling principles from 24 top U.S. coaches on scouting, strategy, and performance evaluation. More recently, in April 2025, Rose collaborated on Learn from the Legends, offering 53 tips from veteran coaches on game-day preparation, team culture, and skill enhancement. These works reinforce his emphasis on holistic player growth, influencing instructional materials used in clinics worldwide.

References

  1. https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2021-12-23/legendary-penn-state-womens-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-announces-retirement
  2. https://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/article/24566214/the-40-year-secret-penn-state-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-success
  3. https://www.statecollege.com/articles/local-news/russ-rose-retires-after-43-years-as-penn-state-womens-volleyball-coach/
  4. https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/profile-russ-rose/
  5. https://www.psu.edu/news/intercollegiate-athletics/story/womens-volleyball-defeats-louisville-win-eighth-national
  6. https://www.psucollegian.com/sports/women_volleyball/russ-rose-the-origin-of-big-ten-s-dominance/article_4371d3b0-42a4-11e3-b7c0-001a4bcf6878.html
  7. https://gopsusports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/season/2021/staff/russ-rose
  8. https://gopsusports.com/staff/russ-rose
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/sports/08volleyball.html
  10. https://avp.com/news/roses-penn-state/
  11. https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/legendary-penn-state-womens-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-retires-after-43-seasons/
  12. https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2023-10-08/7-longest-win-streaks-di-womens-volleyball
  13. https://www.psu.edu/news/athletics/story/legendary-womens-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-announces-retirement
  14. https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/russ-rose-analysis-of-penn-state-match-preparation/
  15. https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/rewatching-penn-state-volleyballs-1999-championship/
  16. https://onwardstate.com/2017/12/14/penn-state-nebraska-through-the-years-of-college-volleyballs-best-rivalry/
  17. https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2013-12-22/penn-state-earns-sixth-national-title-defeats-wisconsin-3-1
  18. https://volleybrains.com/russ-rose/
  19. https://gopsusports.com/news/2021/12/23/legendary-womens-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-announces-retirement
  20. https://issuu.com/gopsusports/docs/2010psuwvb/23
  21. https://www.amazon.com/Volleyball-Skills-American-Coaches-Association/dp/0736058621
  22. https://volleybrains.com/russ-rose-part2/
  23. https://www.avca.org/award/2024-avca-ncaa-division-i-coaches-of-the-year/
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCkZVLu6kqU
  25. https://gopsusports.com/news/2010/01/19/rose-to-be-inducted-into-national-jewish-sports-hall-of-fame
  26. https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2025-08-07/avca-player-year-history-womens-volleyball-award
  27. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/32929902/penn-state-women-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-retires-43-seasons
  28. https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2023-Penn-State-WVB-Record-Book.pdf
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhGIrYPEcpk
  30. http://www.hearstawards.org/competitions/writing/2011-12/fourth-place-writing-personalityprofile/
  31. https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2020-07-16/penn-state-womens-volleyball-all-time-lineup
  32. https://volleytalk.proboards.com/thread/37324/russ-rose-article-stater-magazine
  33. https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/14326805/penn-state-players-give-look-legacy-russ-rose
  34. https://dignittanyvolleyball.com/russ-rose-talks-retirement-katie-schumacher-cawleys-hire-more/
  35. https://volleytalk.proboards.com/thread/37266/newspaper-article-russ-visits-naples
  36. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/penn-state-womens-volleyball-coach-russ-rose-retires/story?id=81917909
  37. https://volleyball.gsi.institute/girls-volleyball-summer2025/
  38. https://store.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/shop/2025-harrisburg-coaching-clinic-on-demand/
  39. https://volleyballmagcom.wpcomstaging.com/russ-rose-080522/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVzlaoE0HgM
  41. https://leave-it-better.captivate.fm/episode/demanding-more-from-players-with-penn-state-coach-russ-rose
  42. https://www.amazon.com/Volleyball-Drills-Champions-Mastering-Winning/dp/0880117788
  43. https://store.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/shop/learn-from-the-legends/
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