Roberta rose to national prominence as the two-time national championship libero for Penn State University. Following her collegiate career, Roberta dedicated her time and energy to giving back to the sport of volleyball as the director of PoweR.HOUSE Volleyball Camps. Her engaging and clear instructional style has gained her a dedicated following among junior girls (and their parents) in the KRVA region. She was an assistant coach for Eastern University for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, helping the Eagles to a Division III Final Four appearance. She also coached at Towson University in 2009, and continues to enjoy playing in outdoor tournaments.
Coaching Philosophy: My coaching philosophy centers around a belief that my players can reach their greatest potential when they commit their minds and bodies to consistent discipline, attention to the “little things”, and learning to do things for the betterment of the team. It is important for our players to not only develop as athletes, but as future independent adults and leaders. Lastly, players need to have a sound understanding of the technical aspects of the sport in order to perform at their highest possible level.
Best Volleyball Moment: My best volleyball moment had to be our 2008 National Semi-final match against Nebraska, in Nebraska, with a crowd of 17,000 Nebraska fans. We had not lost a set all season and Nebraska pushed us to a 5-game match. It was the loudest, most energetic environment I’ve ever played in. Afterwards, we went on to win the 2008 National Championship.
My Life in Sports: I was a DS my freshman year, and earned the starting libero spot for the Penn State women’s team from 2006-2008. We won two National Championships in 2007 and 2008 (going undefeated both seasons), and won 4 consecutive Big Ten titles. After graduation, I traveled overseas to Spain and Switzerland to play the indoor game professionally. Currently, I’m playing sand and grass volleyball tournaments during the summer. Before having my daughter Riley, I won back-to-back Open Pottstown Rumble Championships, back-to-back Susquehanna Smash Championships, the 2015 Big Shots tournament in Atlantic City, and numerous local grass and sand events.
Growing up I played outside/middle for an all homeschool high school team down in Baltimore, MD. We competed in the private school State tournament each year, which we won my sophomore and senior year. I also competed for TimeOut Volleyball club in Towson, MD where we qualified for an Open bid my 15′s year, and a National Bid my next 3 years. My junior year of club, my 18′s team, named Orange Crush, came in 3rd at USAV Nationals, and I made the All-tournament team.
When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball: I LOVE spending time with my husband and 2 kids, Riley and Micah, visiting my very large extended family all over the country, watching my younger sisters coach and play college volleyball, being active, playing sand volleyball, reading, taking pictures, and traveling.
Favorite subject in school: Science (Anatomy and Physiology)
Favorite Book: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Favorite Movie: This is tough one… Sense and Sensibility
Favorite Quote: “There are two types of pain you will go through in life, the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” –Jim Rohn
Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Herb Brooks, head coach of the 1980 gold medal-winning U.S.Olympic hockey team.
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I played the piano for 8 years as a soloist and in a jazz band.
When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball: What I love the most is spending time exploring and finding new activities to do with my husband and 3 kids, Riley, Micah and Evan. On top of that, I love visiting my very large, extended family all over the country, being active and outside, getting involved in my church’s activities, playing sand volleyball, binging a great show and reading a good book.
