Volleyball World Celebrates Russ Rose’s Illustrious Career

Alysa Rubin | Onward State

Legendary Penn State women’s volleyball coach Russ Rose has called it a career.

Rose’s 43-year stint with the Nittany Lions came to an official end on Thursday when he announced his retirement. Over his decades in Happy Valley, he produced seven national titles and an NCAA Division I record 1,330 wins.

Naturally, former players, colleagues, and fans took to Twitter to celebrate a hell of a run for Rose. Here’s a sampling of their reactions:

Forever Blue and White

A legend retires. #WeAre

?: https://t.co/lVu9sCOZNH pic.twitter.com/Wa23dBbbQa
— Penn State Women’s Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) December 23, 2021

Russ is the man.. He always keeps it ? Rec Hall is going to miss his presence, that’s for sure. Congratulations on a great career Coach Russ! https://t.co/OFU2N2JAPN
— Mark John Hall II (@BaybeeMarky_PSU) December 23, 2021

Russ Rose is not only the greatest coach ever in his sport but also one of the greatest coaches of all time in any sport. Cannot express how much we love him & how grateful all Penn Staters should be for how he truly embodied what Success With Honor is all about. @PSUWomenVball
— Jay Paterno (@JayPaterno) December 23, 2021

NO!! A legend for sure! Congrats Coach on your retirement..the sidelines just won’t be the same.
— Jen Panther (@ntnylyn11) December 23, 2021

#Legend

The impact of Coach Rose runs deep and his legacy will live on forever in the @PennStateVBALL program!

Congrats on a legendary career, Coach! https://t.co/0w9aLuMRUu
— Kris Petersen (@GoPSUKris) December 23, 2021

Was in Happy Valley to visit the old Rec Hall with my Uncle, Herm Sledzik…PSU BBall Captain ‘52, three years ago. Met coach, he generously gave us 5 minutes of his time…loved every moment meeting a true Legend!
— Timothy Brown (@Twin_Dad69) December 23, 2021

A true legend. Grateful for the epic battles between the Card and Nittany Lions. Best wishes in retirement, Coach Rose! https://t.co/0ytIxLxnYz
— Stanford Women's Volleyball (@StanfordWVB) December 23, 2021

A ? Legend

Congratulations to Coach Rose on his incredible career and retirement! pic.twitter.com/QoyGz0p33I
— Maryland Volleyball (@TerpsVolleyball) December 23, 2021

I lost to Penn State in 2 finals and I still love Russ Rose. Just the best. The game will miss him. https://t.co/cZTQUrfVaM
— Cassidy Lichtman (@CassidyLichtman) December 23, 2021

What a wonderful career as a volleyball coach. Enjoy your well-earned retirement! #WEARE
— Scott Kimler ?? ?? (@randsco) December 23, 2021

Thank you Coach
#1330 #WeAre #? https://t.co/D70viGRHLe
— Brian Toron (@btoron) December 23, 2021

I'm incredibly grateful for ALL that Coach Rose has done for me AND my family. He taught me so much about life and I love him like a father. Lot's of mixed emotions this morning, but one thing is clear, 'Coach' will always be the GOAT and I'll miss getting these big hugs from him pic.twitter.com/Xrh1yrCalc
— Adam Hughes (@AdamNHughes) December 23, 2021

The last four months have been awe-inspiring. Thank you for all that you have done for me (and my family) women's volleyball, this program, and the greater Penn State family. #WeAre #TheGOAT? https://t.co/KYOFVEFjvW
— Lauren (Cevis) Rhodes, DBA (@Doc_Rhodes) December 23, 2021

Congrats on one heck of a career. Russ set the standard. He’s had as big of an impact on the sport as anyone ever has. Thank you! https://t.co/iBokKsBdAW
— Kelly Sheffield (@KellyPSheffield) December 23, 2021

Sincere congratulations from a Husker fan, Coach Rose. Always enjoyed the epic battles. Your teams have always been amazing in every way. You made PSU better, the Big Ten better and the game of volleyball better. Thank you.
— Joel Foster (@JoelDFoster1) December 23, 2021

A true titan in the sport. He needs a statue outside of Rec Hall yesterday ? https://t.co/DunahWymdD
— Ron (@RonReddenJr) December 23, 2021

https://twitter.com/Lincoln_Shafer/status/1474051374447050758

So proud to have worked for you as your first Assistant Coach (1987-90)
— Cindy Harris (@CAHNPH) December 23, 2021

At a loss for words. He built this place into what it is with work, toughness, competitiveness, commitment and so much more.

Qualities he taught us daily, it’s about more than a game ? in his corner for life!

WE ARE Penn State because HE was.

Coach, you’ll be missed ? https://t.co/hFrFx3b4eT
— Alyssa D'Errico (@AlyssaUtesVB) December 23, 2021

Thank you Coach for all you did for volleyball and for me. True legend on and off the court.
— Jim Barnes (@JimBarnesVB) December 23, 2021

What a career. What a legendary program. Russ Rose you have been a delight!!!
?????? #Weare https://t.co/qPUF9LFS1O
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 23, 2021

He was my dad’s “bowling professor” back in the late 80s. Surely, that’s Rose’s greatest accomplishment while at Penn State. https://t.co/koVRtrRyWe
— Garrett Behanna (@GBehanna) December 23, 2021

A salute to the ? … feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with @B1GVolleyball during Coach Rose’s final season … a true legend and ambassador for our game! https://t.co/xPzIxaZGzM
— Chris Masters (@UIC_Masters) December 23, 2021

legend https://t.co/3K3QLE9zna pic.twitter.com/4WuAYw5cFd
— babs (@kaitdivi) December 23, 2021

Congratulations Russ Rose on a tremendous and impactful career! #USAVfamily @PennStateVBALL https://t.co/Y2WGL3HVaY
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) December 23, 2021

Thank you for your outstanding contribution to the game of volleyball, Coach! You are a true legend! We will miss seeing you on the sidelines.
— Ogonna Nnamani Silva (@OgonnaNnamani) December 23, 2021

I don’t have the words right now.
This man made me a National Champion#WeAre Penn State… because he was Penn State https://t.co/ANomkECv1B
— Darcy Dorton (@VBCoachDarcy) December 23, 2021

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About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email (mattdisanto86@gmail.com) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

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Volleyball World Celebrates Russ Rose’s Illustrious Career

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Matt DiSanto

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