Pride in the PSUAC-Abbie Wagner
This story is part of a year-long series of feature stories written by PSUAC student-athletes and coaches, highlighting their experiences in the PSUAC.
By Abbie Wagner, Penn State Mont Alto women's volleyball student-athlete
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - I was born and raised in Fairmont, West Virginia until 2015, when my family and I relocated to a small town in Pennsylvania called New Bloomfield. With the support of my family, friends, and small-town community, I was able to pursue my dream degree; while still playing the sport I love at a college only an hour away.
I first picked up a volleyball the summer before seventh grade. It wasn't the most graceful practice, and I certainly wasn't coordinated but something about the game drew me in. That spark is what carried me through middle school, high school and even club. My senior year of high school, I was a captain, leader in kills, second in digs, and named MVP. From my personal successes in all aspects of the game, I was extremely excited to announce the continuation of my volleyball career.
My connection to Penn State Mont Alto started with my club coach, Rusty Fleming, who was also the assistant coach there. I remember him speaking so highly about the team atmosphere and their success. It was exactly the kind of program I wanted to be part of. After touring the PSUMA campus, I knew right away it was where I belonged. I committed within days and am proud to say it was the only campus I ever toured or applied to.
That decision brought me peace, but life quickly reminded me that nothing is guaranteed. In January 2022, just six months before starting college, I lost my dad. His unwavering support had always been at the heart of my volleyball journey, and for a while, I wasn't sure if I could move forward without him. But with encouragement from family, friends, coaches, and even my future PSUMA teammates, I found the strength to continue.
From the moment I arrived at Mont Alto, I felt at home. My teammates were welcoming, hardworking, and dedicated, creating a team atmosphere unlike anything I'd experienced before. That year, our efforts paid off—we finished with a 26–6 record and claimed both the PSUAC Conference Championship and the USCAA National Championship titles.
My sophomore year brought even greater challenges. With titles to defend, we had a target on our backs. Yet we embraced the pressure, pushed ourselves
daily, and once again earned the titles of PSUAC Conference Champions and USCAA National Champions. Those back-to-back titles became not just accomplishments, but unforgettable memories that marked some of the greatest highlights of my volleyball career.
Beyond the wins, I am most grateful for the relationships built along the way. Every teammate has influenced me in meaningful ways, and those bonds are what I'll cherish most when I look back on my time here.
Now, as a senior captain, I have the privilege of leading alongside my co-captains. I often think about the leaders I admired when I was an underclassman, and I aspire to guide our team with the same dedication and integrity. With hard work already being put in behind the scenes, we are eager to see how this season unfolds.
Looking back, I see how my time here has shaped not only my college experience but also who I am as a person. It has taught me resilience through loss, perseverance in the face of challenges, and the power of community. For that, and for the memories, friendships, and opportunities this sport has given me, I will always be thankful.
