The volleyball team has a long tradition of recruiting athletes from Pennsylvania, and this year is no exception.
"This year we've done well, we've recruited those who are the best in their positions in Pennsylvania to come to Penn State," assistant men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik said.
Three players joining the team this fall are even from the same high school. Luke Patsey, Steve Price and and Ed Josefoski are all from Penn Hills High School, in the Pittsburgh area. This year Penn Hills won the WPIAL championships and also the state title under their leadership.
Patsey is a middle blocker who Pavlik called the best in the state.
"He understands the role of a mid blocker pretty well for just coming out of high school," he said.
Patsey choose Penn State for a number of reasons but academics was the biggest factor.
"Penn State has a good engineering school, it's a good cost for the education you get," he said.
Patsey called Penn State volleyball a good program that is quickly building after a few shaky seasons.
Pavlik called Price one of the finest setters in the state. He has been playing competitive volleyball for five years, the highlight of which was being a member of the Junior Olympic team. Penn State's volleyball program was just one of many factors involved in Price's decision to attend Penn State.
"Penn State has a really good program, the best in the East," Price said.
Price cited location and academics as criteria involved in his decision. He said he would like to major in finance and eventually go in to law.
Josefoski is a versatile lefty who can play several positions and, according to Pavlik, touches 11'3".
"Ed has a lot of raw talent that playing against better players will bring out," Pavlik said.
Josefoski was recruited by schools in California to play volleyball and by several Division I schools to play basketball, but the quality of the sports programs was not his only consideration in choosing a school.
"Penn State was more affordable than the California schools, and it is a national contender in volleyball. So I chose Penn State for volleyball," he said.
Josefoski wants to major in political science and eventually go into environmental law.
All three feel that having played together in high school is going to help them make the transition to college a lot easier.
"It's strange, we all decided to come here individually, but it is going to make volleyball and school a lot easier," Price said.
"They all know what Penn State means, they are conscientious and hard working," Pavlik said.
Other top recruits include David Muir, a sophomore transfer-student from Illinois. Muir is a middle blocker and a left- or right-side hitter. He is currently involved in the U.S. Olympic Festival in Minneapolis.
"Muir is a very physical player, and he will allow for some flexibility," Pavlik said.
Eric Enockson, a left handed setter from San Diego, made Volleyball Monthly's Fab-Fifty list, a list of the top high school players in the nation. Presently Enockson is at the Elite camp to try out for the U.S. National Team. He is a University Scholar and holds a Naval R.O.T.C. scholarship.
Pavlik called Enockson, "what every coach wants every recruit to be . . . not only athletically but academically."
Aaron Zoerner is a transfer student from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He is new at the game. Before coming to Penn State he played center for the NAIA basketball team at Southwestern. Pavlik feels Zoerner has good physical ability, and feels that if he learns he could make a contribution.
Rounding out this year's recruiting class is Ramon Hernandez, a middle blocker from Puerto Rico who played with the Puerto Rican National team. Pavlik feels Hernandez will help out with the middle.
"I am pleased with this year's recruiting class," Pavlik said. "Over the next four years they will give Penn State a a good base in Pennsylvania and the East."
