Dec. 22, 2017
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. December 22, 2017 - Salima Rockwell, associate head coach of the Penn State women's volleyball program, has announced she plans to leave collegiate coaching in February, 2018.
A three-time All-American under head coach Russ Rose, Rockwell has been a member of the Penn State staff from 2006-08 and 2013-17, helping the Nittany Lions win three NCAA Championships. She was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1995-99, serving as an alternate on the 1996 U.S. Olympic squad.
Statement from Salima Rockwell:
"With very mixed emotions, I would like to take this opportunity to announce that effective February 2018, I will be leaving Penn State University to pursue other interests. After much consideration, my husband (Jeff) and I have decided this is the best move for our family and for my health as well.
"I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Penn State University and the State College community for all of your unconditional support over the years. Penn State has always been home to me and always will. I am eternally grateful to Russ Rose for all of his mentorship, friendship and most importantly love; there truly is none better. I would also like to thank Sandy Barbour and Charmelle Green. I feel so fortunate that I got to experience their leadership and witness their remarkable vision of the future of Penn State Athletics first hand.
"There is no way I can put into words how much I love and appreciate all of the student-athletes that have come through the program and how much I will miss those that remain; they are THE reason I coach. Finally, I feel so lucky that my last season was spent with two of my favorite people in the world in Craig (Dyer) and Dennis (Hohenshelt).
"Thank you all again for everything and I will be back to visit often. WE ARE!!"
"Salima has been a key member of the Penn State volleyball family as a player, staff member and proud alum for a number of years and her contributions are numerous," said head coach Russ Rose. "She has made a positive impact on everyone that she has touched from her time as an undergraduate through her Penn State coaching career. My family and I wish her the best as she and Jeff and the boys change direction in her professional career and I know she will continue to do great things."
The Nittany Lions (33-2) won their 17th Big Ten title during the 2017 season, advancing to the NCAA Championship semifinals for the 13th time. Penn State was ranked No. 3 in the final AVCA poll.