Salima Davisdon grew up watching black sports figures. She learned from them. She admired them. She was inspired by them.

In an historically white sport such as volleyball, more black athletes are getting involved than ever before, adding to the growth and diversity of the sport. And Penn State's All-American setter said she expects and hopes to see more black people at an administrative level as well.

"Any time there's a black administrator or coach, it helps the program," she said. "It helps the program with recruiting and a lot of things."

One of Athletic Director Tim Curley's goals is to promote diversity throughout the University's athletic program.

"Tim Curley is a phenomenal person. He's such a down to earth person," said Davidson, adding if anyone could encourage black administrators to come to Penn State, he could.

Recruiting black athletes has not been a problem for Penn State, said Lady Lion Graduate Assistant Coach Dawn Bryant, adding, "I don't think it's a numerical question. I know that Penn State recruits its fair share of diverse athletes. It's just a matter of who signs."

But breaking barriers at the administrative level, as black athletes have done for years on playing fields, remains the challenge.

"I would say that black athletes have come from being almost blacklisted -- not being allowed to display your skill -- to where you can pick your position," said Marlon Forbes, senior cornerback for the Lions. "(Black) coaches have a longer way to go to get the respect of their peers."

And Davidson said she thinks black coaches can and should receive more administrative positions on their merit.

"Ability comes first," she said. "It shouldn't be a token kind of thing."