Road to Rio: Hopewell's Dietzen, former Lions volley forward

As expected, Penn State will be well-represented in Rio for the 2016 Olympics when it comes to women's volleyball.

Christa Dietzen, an Aliquippa native and Hopewell High School graduate, will make her second Olympic appearance after helping the USA to a silver medal in the London Games in 2012. Alisha Glass, meanwhile, will be making her Olympic debut. Former Nittany Lions Megan Easy (formerly Megan Hodge) and Nicole Fawcett will serve as alternates on the team.



Dietzen, formerly Christa Harmotto at Penn State, has served as a mainstay on the women's national team, serving as a captain on the team that won two golds in 2015 – FIVB World Grand Prix and NORCECA Continental Championship. She was also selected Second Best Middle Blocker in the prestigious 2015 World Grand Prix.

"Christa’s story has so many special facets, two of which are in leadership and overcoming adversity," USA volleyball coach Karch Kiraly said. "Nobody wins a tournament like the Olympics without facing down major adversity, so she’s well-equipped to play a key role in guiding us through those challenges."

According to some notes about her on the U.S. Olympic page, Dietzen's teammates have affectionately called her "mom," "for her experience and the way she looks out for those around her."

While Dietzen is the experienced Nittany Lion on the roster, Glass is the newcomer. But she's no stranger to the U.S. Women's team.

Glass was named USA Volleyball’s Female Indoor Athlete of the Year in 2013 and 2014. She is considered one of the best setters in the world, according to the U.S. Olympic page. She was selected Best Setter at the 2014 FIVB World Championship as Team USA won the gold medal. Glass was a key component in helping Penn State win three national volleyball titles.

"Alisha is one of the best in the world at what she does, and she’s won at every possible level," Kiraly said of Glass. "We can’t wait for her to unleash that deep and varied skill set in Rio."

Penn State is one of two colleges to have multiple players present on the roster. The other, Nebraska, has three.