The Rose Coaching Philosophy Russ Rose has taken Penn State from the regionally competitive level to that of an NCAA power since he took over the Penn State women’s volleyball program in 1979. The development has been complete and successful, because of excellent talent and an equally sound method. Following is “The Rose Coaching Philosophy:” Coach’s Role “I believe the coach has numerous roles that require constant review and attention. First, and foremost, is the recruitment of quality student-athletes. With effective coaching, athletes have always been the key to a team’s success.” “Secondly, we as a staff have to relate to the players what we feel is important for their growth and success. All the knowledge in the world will prove to be useless if we can’t prepare our team for competition. We’ve shown this to be one of our strengths. I have great confidence that Dennis, Kaleena, having played for me, and Adam understand me and the program. I know they will do whatever it takes to help the players improve and pursue their dreams.” “Third, we have to prepare the team, physically, tactically and mentally. The physical preparation is easy, as the entire Penn State environment encourages the pursuit of excellence as shown by our years of high finishes in the Director’s Cup results. The fact that five of our fall sports teams have won Big Ten titles more than reinforces that school of thought. The mental aspect of our players’ development is one of the areas that I feel has separated us from our competition. We are committed as a group to reaching the highest levels possible - year in and year out. The team understands the need to be accountable, and I’m not hesitant to get their focus headed in the right direction.” “Certainly our time in the Big Ten has demonstrated to us the importance of making sure that the players are aware of what is going to be expected of them in a conference as strong as the Big Ten. It’s been the strongest conference in the country as determined by the RPI and has led the nation in attendance for a number of years.” “Outside the Big Ten, we commit to play a competitive non-conference schedule. We continually strive to meet teams during the regular-season that have advanced in the national championship playoffs. It is a goal of mine for Penn State to always be in the top five in strength of schedule.” “I contend that the best way to see where our team is and where we aspire to be, is to play the nation’s best teams. Our administration has allowed us to compete annually for the national championship. Universities enable teams to compete for the national championship. I have been blessed to have an administration that possessed the vision to support our program and I feel we have been able to deliver. It starts at the top with a University President and Athletic Director and staff who guide and assist the program.” “I think our role here is to attract the type of player who wants to be at Penn State, understands what we are about and knows what it will take to fit into our program. I refuse to be in the position where we are going to be saying one thing to get a player interested in Penn State and then change our story once the athlete arrives on campus. I am interested in players who are willing to be up front, committed and passionate in what they see in their own development and what we can do to help them succeed.” “In turn, players must be willing to commit to the process and accept the culture of our program. They must work to be the best they can be every day in training, at practice and in matches. When those things happen, the results speak for themselves. It is a collaborative effort. Every team is different and has its own methods and paths to follow with the ultimate goal of being successful.” “Over the years I have been contacted by numerous schools as well as the U.S. National Team and foreign professional teams regarding vacant 22
coaching positions, however I feel that the support I receive from the administration at Penn State is perfect for me, and I have no interest in coaching anywhere but Penn State.” Team Play “Team play really deals with volleyball being the ultimate team sport. The last few years, we’ve not only had outstanding talent but we’ve had a great team spirit. Talent can get you only so far. If players aren’t working together and trying to achieve great things, sacrificing and willing to embrace the needs of the team, then the team isn’t going to shine. I can’t guarantee recruits that we’re going to win a conference championship or play for a national championship, albeit our goals should be along those lines. I guarantee them they’re going to get better, be treated fairly and will have an opportunity to play. “The team that is willing to emphasize the pursuit of excellence at its own personal expense is the team that most often succeeds. Our success over the years, where we have won numerous conference titles and advanced to the national semifinal and championship matches, continues to reinforce these beliefs. The five National Championships are clearly the icing on the cake. A National Championship does not validate a coach, a player or their program. It highlights the efforts of many and allows the community to celebrate the actions of the team. Our goal is to remain at that level and even if we fall short, we know that we are in the game. The pursuit is the challenge and getting to the final match is the reward.” Fundamentals “Fundamentals and the player’s development of them are the most important aspect of the game. The game is played by players who have to be able to execute the basic skills of the game. We try to recruit student-athletes who are great volleyball players but the game always comes down to the execution of the core fundamentals. I will not sacrifice the time necessary to develop a strong foundation. This is where a team’s discipline and confidence is first introduced and developed. Our commitment to each team is for every one of our players to be challenged to become the best they can be every day. I know our players are constantly improving their game here. I can’t guarantee victories but I can guarantee a player will improve at Penn State, and that is evidenced by the number of athletes who have received individual awards or chosen to further their careers with the national team or receive the opportunity to play professionally.” Team Defense “Team defense is always an area we pride ourselves on and has always been one of the staples of our program. The pursuit of the ball in a game can only occur through preparation and repetition. I believe that everyone in the
PENN STATE 2011–12 • WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL • Five-Time NCAA National Champions ‘99, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10