Penn State had a very successful season, winning the EIVA Conference Championship and making it to the NCAA Tournament. Six Nittany Lions earned all-conference status, and several others had outstanding performances.
Despite a blowout loss to UC Irvine in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, many Nittany Lions still had great individual seasons. Some of these players may graduate after this season, but Penn State will likely retain some of its standouts into 2025.
Here are the grades for the Blue and White's top contributors:
John Kerr – A+
John Kerr has been the Nittany Lions' main offensive weapon this season, totaling 420 kills and hitting .347. He was the only player on the blue and white team to average more than four points per set.
The fifth-year opposite hitter also earned numerous awards throughout the week and season, including EIVA Player of the Year, All-AVCA First Team and All-EIVA First Team.
Toby Ezeonu – A
Toby Ezeonu had 97 blocks and was a dominant force at the net. He had 259 kills and a .489 batting average, contributing to the Blue-White's offense as well.
The senior middle blocker was named to the All-AVCA Second Team and All-EIVA First Team.
Libero Ryan Merk, 7, waits to serve during a boys volleyball game against King on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Rec Hall in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions defeated the Tornadoes 3-0.
Ryan Mark – A
As the team's defensive leader, Ryan Mark recorded 245 digs and a .950 service receiving percentage. Without Merck, this team's offensive leaders would not have had as many attacking opportunities.
The junior libero, who earned All-AVCA Second Team and All-EIVA First Team honors, played a key role in Penn State's EIVA Conference Championship season.
Owen Rose – A-
Owen Rose assisted the Nittany Lion's offense with 185 kills and a .418 batting average. The junior middle blocker also contributed in net with 98 total blocks, so he could fill that void next year if Ezeonu doesn't return for a fifth season.
For his performance this season, Rose was named All-AVCA Honorable Mention and All-EIVA First Team.
Michal Kowal – B+
Michal Kowal supplemented Kerr on the other side of the court. The senior outside hitter, who hit .270 with 224 kills, helped take the pressure off Carr.
Kowal also earned All-EIVA Second Team honors, earning him All-EIVA recognition for the second time in his career.
Michael Valenzi – B+
Michael Valenzi also powered the Blue & White's offense on the opposite side of the court from Carr. The senior, who totaled 199 kills with a hitting percentage of .216, made Penn State's offense more balanced without relying solely on Carr.
Valenzi earned All-EIVA Second Team honors and proved his worth to Mark Pavlik's team.
Offensive hitter Michael Valenzi (4) celebrates a score during a Penn State men's volleyball game at Recreation Hall on Friday, March 29, 2024, in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions defeated the Crimson 3-0.
Michael Schwob – B
Schwob laid the foundation for a successful career as a setter for the Blue and White during his freshman season. The freshman setter, who amassed 681 assists, led the Nittany Lions with 9.73 assists per set.
Although he did not receive All-Conference recognition, Shubob proved he can remain a good player for years to come.
Luke Snyder – B
The senior setter played a key role in getting Carr and the rest of Penn State's offense the ball. Snyder totaled 485 assists and averaged 9.51 assists per set.
Will Coons – B-
Primarily serving in a rotational role, the senior outside hitter thrived when called upon. Koons, who hit .209 with 68 kills, was relied on when Kowal or Valenzi needed a break.
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