GET TO KNOW (Class of 2028 Edition): Penelope Reisman

Hey VBAdrenaline Fam, let's get to know a future star in the college volleyball world and one of the recruits we will be talking about in the Class of 2028.....Penelope Reisman is a Setter/Opp who plays for Seton High and Tri-State Volleyball in the Cincy Area in Ohio.  We learned about Penelope when she created a Player Profile, but also from our extreme interest during our June 15th coverage in the past.  She's a huge recruiting fan, just like us, so of course, she's a favorite of ours!!! So let's learn about Penelope... 

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Favorite volleyball memory?

My favorite volleyball memory so far is definitely winning the state with my high school team. Being a freshman on the team who got to join for the experience was something special. The atmosphere was like no other, and it was just an overall special experience. But if it wasn’t for that, I would have to say training with NTDP. The summer training series was a really cool experience, and to be surrounded by so many talented players was something really cool. Also, the coaching staff made the experience. Being coached by college coaches for a few days really just built my game up. Also, making connections with peers from all over the country is something special.

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What position would you play if you didn't play your current one?

-If I weren’t a setter, I would love to be an outside hitter. I love the adrenaline rush of hitting the ball hard and the thrill of a kill.

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What are you excited about for this club season?

-Going on my 7th year with my teammates, more like family, is something I always look forward to. My club team has a lot of success, and we love competing together. I look forward to possibly winning a national championship this year!

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What is your favorite skill in volleyball?

-My favorite volleyball skill is definitely a stuff block. Being in the right spot at the right time just really makes you feel good. It also gets the adrenaline flowing and energy up!

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Who is your volleyball hero/favorite player?

-My favorite NCAA volleyball player of all time is definitely Mac Podraza. Not just having good hands, but her volleyball IQ is really high, making her game unstoppable. She is a competitor and wants to win! Also, something people don’t mention, but she is a great leader and has had lots of success with her teams!

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What do you do outside of volleyball?

-Something I do outside the gym is play pickleball with my friends! If you know me, I will always be laughing and/or smiling! I live a happy lifestyle and spend a lot of my time with friends and family!

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Who is your biggest role model?

-My family is my biggest role model. Not just my family, but most importantly, my sisters! I come from an athletic family with both my parents playing professional sports. I grew up in a gym watching my sisters play every sport possible, but now I get to watch two of my sisters at the Division 1 collegiate level! They got me in the gym early, touching a volleyball, helping me become the player I am today!

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What advice would you have for younger girls taking up volleyball?

-Advice I would give to younger girls would be to be okay with making mistakes. You need to be able to take three steps back before taking a step forward. Get in the gym and get extra reps because it will only make you better and always be coachable. Work on all skills (positions) because you never know where you might end up! Also, always remember to be a leader on the court, especially coming from a setter; you need someone on the court who can always pump each other up and have a positive attitude!

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What would you improve about watching volleyball on TV?

-Something that could make volleyball better for viewers on TV could be putting a speed gun on the serve. You wouldn’t realize how fast those serves are coming at you! So if they put a little speed tracker on the side, it could make it more interesting for viewers!

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What is something that most people don't realize many volleyball players struggle with?

-One thing people probably don’t realize is that volleyball players struggle with the mental game. The game is pressure-packed, and it’s honestly just a game of mistakes. It’s hard for some people to get over a play and keep going, but as a volleyball player, you need to have the mindset to move on to the next point with a positive mental attitude!

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What is a RIVALRY you would get excited to watch?

-One rivalry I always get excited to watch is Kentucky vs Louisville. Not only do I live close, so I could possibly go watch, but the atmosphere of this game is unreal. Two competitive teams, only an hour away from each other, really make a game.

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What is a rule in the sport you would change?

-One rule I would change in volleyball is the back row attack. Mostly for a setter because I think a back row setter should still be offensive and be able to score! 

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Ok VBAdrenaline Nation, now you know Penelope Reisman of Tri-State Volleyball quite a bit better! Get her on your short list, and maybe she ends up committing to your favorite school in June?