Alumni Spotlight: Grace Novacek

Name: Grace Novacek            

High School:  Hopewell High School (Aliquippa,PA)

Years played/attended LHU:  2009-2013                                Positions played:  MB1   

Degree/Major:  Sport Administration

Current Job:  Head women's volleyball coach at Bay Path University

Current Hometown:  Springfield, MA                      

Family: Jim & Julie; 3 sisters: Joyce, Becky, & Janice

1.        Share with us a few of your fondest memories at Lock Haven.

Most of my good memories at LHU involve the fall, because that's when it's the prettiest on campus and that's when I got to play volleyball. 

Once before a spring tournament my sophomore year, I set my alarm for 6 PM instead of 6 AM and would've missed the whole tournament, but my setter Alexa threw rocks at my window and pounded on my apartment door, waking me up and successfully saving my life.  I also have fond memories of being a tutor, studying in the library with teammates, and running on the levee by the Susquehanna river. 

2.       What were your greatest accomplishments on and off the court at LHU?

Improving every year was my greatest accomplishment on the court.  Also, I liked when I was ranked 7th in all-time blocks for LHU.  It's cool to be on that list of so many phenomenal people.   

Off the court, my favorite accomplishment was when I received the Honors Senior Student of the Year award.

3.       What did playing volleyball at Lock Haven enable you to accomplish?

Playing volleyball helped me learn some good life skills and make healthy choices.  It also helped improve my  time management skills, resulting in higher grades.  Also, playing volleyball enabled me to travel to really great places, like Colorado and Florida, and make a lot more friends.

4.       What does being a part of the Lock Haven Volleyball family mean to you?

It means always having a support system on-campus and now for the rest of my life.  Again, I have made many life-long friends that I would have never met without volleyball connecting us.

5.       Who are some of the people at LHU that you are most thankful for?

I am very thankful to all of my volleyball coaches at Lock Haven who taught me how to be a better player and are now helping shape my own coaching career through good example.  All LHU coaches, and my academic advisor, Dr. Patricia Lally, have had the most significant impact on helping me to set and achieve a wide variety of goals. 

I am also thankful for all of my teammates who have helped me become a better athlete and a better role model.  I am thankful for my closest friends at Lock Haven:  Kelsey Prommel, Jeff Lesko,  Alexa Garrity, Bailey Farthing, and Caroline Acosta. 

Tyler Kanelos also deserves his own line of thanks because, during my senior year at Lock Haven, he gave me the best thing to be thankful for by introducing me to the love of my life.  Thanks Tyler; you're the best!

6.       What is the greatest lesson you learned being an athlete at Lock Haven?

Trying to be perfect on the court will only leave you disappointed, but taking risks in practice and during games will help you have more fun and become more confident.  This can lead to better post-season play, or help you succeed when your team needs you in tough situations.  That was a pretty good lesson I learned and it really helped me to enjoy playing so much more!  

Also, just because you are working out a ton in season doesn't mean you can eat a lot of dessert.

7.       What advice would you give to a senior student-athlete leaving LHU for the real world.

Don't lessen things you have accomplished during your time at Lock Haven.  Being a student-athlete at Lock Haven is a big deal.  Be proud of yourself and know that you are competent and capable of achieving any goal you set. 

8.        What advice would you give to a freshman coming in to Lock Haven?

Join as many clubs/student groups as you can.  My particular favorite (outside of playing a sport) was LHU's Global Honors Program.  You'll have the opportunity to meet more quality people and make more friends if you put yourself out there!  Also, I liked studying abroad over the summer in London/Paris.  Look around for those opportunities.

In addition to that small piece of advice, my motto throughout my time at Lock Haven was "Thursday is not the weekend."  I think that speaks for itself and is particularly important.  

Meet Freshman Rebekah Rupinski

Meet freshman Rebekah Rupinski from Lemoyne, PA. 

Why did you come to Lock Haven University?

I decided on Lock Haven because I knew I wanted to go farther from home. However I wanted to know I could be in driving distance if I ever needed to run home for something. Distance was not the only factor, I knew I wanted to play collegiate volleyball and I loved the coaching staff and the environment of The Haven on and off the court from my first visit.

What celebrity would you like to hang out with or a day? Why?

I would want to hang out with Beyonce, and then maybe some of her flawlessness would rub off on me.

What is your least favorite food?

Raw sushi, I have attempted to eat it because you “can’t knock it till you try it” but I know that will definitely never be a thing for me.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?

If I got to pick up and move anywhere I’d want to be by one of Australia’s beaches, who wouldn't love a beach with water that’s actually blue?

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Embarrassing moments come on a daily basis to me, so I’m not sure what the worst is but the most common would have to be when I’m at work, as a waitress, and say stupid things to my customers from being in a hurry. It’s always so awkward having to go back to those tables then.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest peeve has to be when girls act dumber as a way to get attention from a guy, I just don’t get why someone wouldn't want to be seen as smart.

Who is your role model?

My Nana would have to be my biggest role model. Knowing all the hoops she had to jump through throughout her life, she still raised four successful girls, was married fifty-two years, and always there when you need anything. She’s someone I’d aspire to be, someone that’s happy.

What is your favorite pro sports team?

Definitely more of a hockey fan when it comes to pro teams so I’m going to have to say the Philadelphia Flyers.

What do you like most about game day?

The part about game day I actually look forward to is game day jitters; you’re just so amped up, kind of nervous, want the win, and are ready to kill it with your team.

What are your pregame rituals?

Commonly I’ll be listening to music before it, and on the day I make sure enough water is in my system and eat healthy and light.

How do you want people at LHU to remember you?

I hope people remember me as someone in a positive light, someone that was there for help or to call up and do fun things with.

What is one thing people do not know about you?

Something most do not know is I love the beach so much that my bedroom is decorated and painted to look like one, so I’m always on vacation.

What is your least favorite conditioning drill, weight room exercise, or volleyball drill?

Sprints are my nightmare, something I have yet to enjoy.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food would easily be the ribs my dad makes in his special way, a meal I always look forward too.

Who can you do a good impression of?

I can do a good impression of my parents; I mean I've had eighteen years to learn their tendencies and sayings.

What is one thing you want to happen before you leave LHU?

I want to have a feeling of confidence that whatever I decide to do for the rest of my life is really what I should be doing, no doubts.

What is your dream job?

I would love to work in Disney world, as maybe a vet or engineer; you’d always be a kid even when you grow up!

My friends would describe me as…

They would describe me as funny and outgoing, I love meeting new people and I’m someone who likes to make you laugh.

I cannot live without…

I cannot live without a fan; I have to sleep with my fan on every night!

 On road trips I always bring…

Things I always seem to grab for a road trip are a bottle of water, a snack, my phone, headphones, and a pillow.

Meet Freshman Holly Shoemaker

Holly Shoemaker is a freshman from Mount Wolf, PA. 

Why did you come to Lock Haven University?

I came to Lock Haven University because of the location and because of the Athletic Training program offered here.

What celebrity would you like to hang out with or a day? Why?

I would like to hang out with Desean Jackson because he is a successful professional athlete.

What is your least favorite food?

Asparagus is my least favorite food.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?

I would live Sao Paulo, Brazil so I could live with my best friend who was a foreign exchange student when I was a junior in high school at my school.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

When I was in 8^th grade (middle school), it was the biggest volleyball game of our season and it was home, and my shoe came off in the middle of the play, I was humiliated...we lost the point because of it. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is laziness, and uncleanliness.

Who is your role model?

My brothers are my role models, I look up to them for everything.

 What is your favorite pro sports team?

My favorite pro sports football team is the Philadelphia Eagles

What do you like most about game day?

The fact that we finally get to play other competition on game day.

What are your pregame rituals?

I always eat a banana before every game, and I have since 10^th grade.

How do you want people at LHU to remember you?

I want to be remembered as a hard working student athlete who has become successful.

What is one thing people do not know about you?

People do not know that I don’t have any sisters, but I have 4 brothers.

What is your least favorite conditioning drill, weight room exercise, or volleyball drill?

Grave diggers are my least favorite weight room exercise.

What is your favorite food?

Watermelon is my favorite food.

Who can you do a good impression of?

I can do a good impression of some famous people from Vine.

What is one thing you want to happen before you leave LHU?

I want to win a PSAC championship.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become an athletic trainer in a clinical setting.

My friends would describe me as…

Friendly, funny, and outgoing.

I cannot live without…

Food, music, my phone, volleyball, my family.

On road trips I always bring…

Pillow pet, headphones, and food. 

Meet Freshman Gabby Stala

Gabby is a freshman from Aliquippa, PA.  

Why did you come to Lock Haven University?

I really love the location of lock haven, the mountains and river are beautiful, along with the small town, it reminds me of home.

What celebrity would you like to hang out with or a day? Why?

Paula Deen because I could learn a lot from here in the kitchen.

What is your least favorite food?

My least favorite food is fish.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?

California because I love the weather.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Too many to choose from…

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people shake their head or roll their eyes at me.

Who is your role model?

My dad.

What is your favorite pro sports team?

Steelers.

What do you like most about game day?

When I see everyone shinning bright in their game day shirts.

What are your pregame rituals?

Drink my energy drink, take Advil, and stretch using a band.

How do you want people at LHU to remember you?

For being a great athlete, someone that gave off good vibes, and a hard worker.

What is one thing people do not know about you?

I quit swimming for volleyball.

What is your least favorite conditioning drill, weight room exercise, or volleyball drill?

Grave diggers.

What is your favorite food?

Chicken salads.

Who can you do a good impression of?

Any of my close friends.

What is one thing you want to happen before you leave LHU?

Make good relationships with my professors, so they can help me be successful in my future if I ever need reference.

What is your dream job?

Manage a professional sports team.

My friends would describe me as…

Outgoing.

 I cannot live without…

I cannot live without my sister and brother.

On road trips I always bring…

I always bring headphones. 

Catching Up With Fran Durso

Name while at LHU (if different)*:	Fran Durso
High School*:	Susquehanna
Years played/attended LHU*:	1992-93 player, 94-96 student assistant
Degree/Major*:	HPE
Current Job*:	Therapeutic Staff Support
Current Hometown*:	Great Bend Pa
Family:	Husband and 6 year old Olivia
Share with us a few of your fondest memories at Lock Haven.:	My freshman year was Coach Justice ' s first year as well. We both grew a lot that year! The uniforms were long sleeves and long shorts. The following year were bloomers (not so comfy), and then the next year was spandex (thank you very much) and tshirts. Volleyball went through a lot of changes the first few years? But each of those years got better and better, and harder and harder because Coach wanted us to win. We made some tight bonds that hold true today in those years and we all still connect with each other, which is a great blessing! My senior year was heartbreaking because we were so very close to winning it all. But it was all the more sweeter when the players and coaches brought home the very first PSAC trophy for LHU in 1996! I still have the picture and the memories of that moment we won! Jumping up and down like a bunch of school girls! I was so excited to be part of volleyball and am thankful to this day that I was. It's strange now in my 40's to not think of volleyball memories when I think of college - it's what I remember most, and to share it with the cool people, and to be the start of something great. ..it's very sweet and I am honored to have been through it.
What were your greatest accomplishments on and off the court at LHU?:	I got most improved my freshman year - I came from a small town with no scholarship and Coach Justice was tough but kind. I never before lifted weights in my life and loved it because it was something I excelled at far more than on the court. I remember the wins and the losses, but all of the dinners and hotel rooms and laughter. Our senior banquet was very special and full of tears.
What did playing volleyball at Lock Haven enable you to accomplish?:	Learning to not play like a girl, but a volleyball player. To suck it up because my weak mind would affect others and make them run if I whined or gave up. To love my teammates and share in the joy and pain. To treat others with respect and recognize when I was being a jerk. To never ever ever give up.
What does being a part of the Lock Haven Volleyball family mean to you?:	Family. Respect. Being able to return and still feel the energy.
Who are some of the people at LHU that you are most thankful for?:	Coach Justice. ANGIE SHUE ERDLEY. All my teammates! All of them!
What is the greatest lesson you learned being an athlete at Lock Haven?:	Never ever ever give up. And water is for wimps. And tape is for wimps. And 8-6-4 - 2's is a great way to torture athletes.
What advice would you give to a senior student-athlete leaving LHU for the real world.:	Keep in touch. 20 years later you have a bond that no one else will understand.
What advice would you give to a freshman coming in to Lock Haven?:	Suck it up, it's not like high school and they are gonna work you until you want to give up. But don't you dare - it's totally worth it in the end!

Meet Freshman Annie Dombrowski

Annie Dombrowski is a freshman from Altoona, PA. 

Why did you come to Lock Haven University?

It was the perfect distance for me and it made me feel like I was at home.

What celebrity would you like to hang out with or a day? Why?

Channing Tatum because he is hilarious and super cute.

What is your least favorite food?

Pork

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?

Disney because it is so magical

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Falling on my face in front of all my class at the mall in the parking lot

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who chew obnoxiously

Who is your role model?

My mother

What is your favorite pro sports team?

Pirates

What do you like most about game day?

The pregame warm up

What are your pregame rituals?

Listen to music and say a quick prayer

How do you want people at LHU to remember you?

I want to be remembered for my determination and motivation

What is one thing people do not know about you?

I love to play basketball and swim.

What is your least favorite conditioning drill, weight room exercise, or volleyball drill?

Burpies

What is your favorite food?

Chicken Alfredo

Who can you do a good impression of? 

 Britney Spears

What is one thing you want to happen before you leave LHU? 

Win a championship

What is your dream job? 

An athletic trainer for a pro sports team

My friends would describe me as… 

spunky

I cannot live without… 

phone

On road trips I always bring…
my blankie

Meet Freshman Elizabeth Yacobucci

Elizabeth Yacobucci is a freshman from Hollidaysburg, PA. 

Why did you come to Lock Haven University?

I decided to come to Lock Haven University for a lot of reasons.  I am undecided on my major, but LHU has some majors I’m interested in. I also fell in love with the campus and the volleyball program at Lock Haven.

What celebrity would you like to hang out with or a day? Why?

I would like to hang out with Morgan Freeman because he is one of my favorite actors. He seems like a nice person and someone that would be interesting to hang out with.

What is your least favorite food?

I’m not a picky eater and I will try a lot of things.  I do, however, I refuse to eat any kind of seafood.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?

If I could live anywhere in the world I would want to live in Italy. I chose to live in Italy because my great grandparents came from Italy in early 1900s and my father is full blooded Italian.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

My most embarrassing moment was when I was in elementary school and I had just gotten off the bus with my sister. My sister was behind me talking to me so I turned my head to look at her, not looking where I was going  and  when I turned back around I walked right into the stop sign.  The next day the whole bus was laughing at me.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I have a lot of pet peeves. If I had to choose one, it’s when people who tell me how to do something when I already know how to do especially when they are new at it or don’t know what they’re talking about.

Who is your role model?

My role model is my father; he works hard to get what he wants and is a good person. He knows what he wants and does it. He doesn't do it half way or cheat his way through it. He figures out the best way, does his research and completes it to the best of his ability.

What is your favorite pro sports team?

My favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Penguins, I love watching hockey.

What do you like most about game day?

The thing I like most about game day is the nervousness and the excitement of the game to come.  I always get butterflies in my stomach before a game and I get really excited to play.

What are your pregame rituals?

Before games I just like listening to music and getting ready for the game by putting my jersey on. It just gets me excited to play and focused.

How do you want people at LHU to remember you?

I would like to be remembered as a great volleyball player, a good teammate, hardworking, and having good sportsmanship.

What is one thing people do not know about you?

A lot of people don’t know that I have a scuba license and that when we go to vacation my family and I scuba dive together.

What is your least favorite conditioning drill, weight room exercise, or volleyball drill?

In high school we had an exercise/drill that we had to run around the gym with a medicine ball above our heads and jump over cones. We had to this for a certain amount of time.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Stromboli and my Mom’s homemade pizza.

Who can you do a good impression of?

I’ve never really tried to do an impression of anyone.

What is one thing you want to happen before you leave LHU?

In volleyball, I want the LHU team to win the PSAC championships and continue playing in the NCAA tournament. I also would love to break records and just become a great, consistent player. In school, I want to have a good education and have a job lined up for me before I leave LHU.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is working at the Altoona Curve as a manager, so I can stay in my home town with a good job. I would love to stay in the Altoona area and be home in the evenings.

My friends would describe me as…

A friend would describe me trustworthy, athletic, friendly, funny and sarcastic.

I cannot live without…

I couldn't live without my family and friends.

On road trips I always bring…

On a road trip I always bring a pillow, cell phone, cell phone charger, and a blanket.