The student-athlete spotlight is a monthly Q&A feature from the Penn State Altoona Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Q&A conducted by McKenzie Quirin.

Connor Ebersole

Hometown: Altoona, Pennsylvania

High School: Bishop Guilfoyle

Major: Marketing/Management

Year: Senior

Sport(s): Men's Volleyball

In what ways do you identify yourself?

I identify myself as a 21-year-old white man who is hardworking, a good leader, and does not quit.

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona?

Penn State Altoona was the "easy" choice for my freshman year during Covid because it was located in my hometown. However, I chose to stay at Penn State Altoona all four years because of the great community of friends I have made, the quality education I receive here, and the amount of fun I had playing for the men's volleyball team.

What are some of your favorite positive memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far?

My favorite memories from my four years playing volleyball at Penn State Altoona will always be the bus rides to and from away games. Sitting around just talking and laughing with my teammates for hours every away game will always be some of my best memories.

What are some of your goals, both athletically and academically, this semester/season?

This season, our goal was to win the AMCC championship. While we did not achieve that goal, making playoffs as the four seed represents a complete turnaround from last season, which is more than enough to be proud of. For this semester academically, I would like to have one more Dean's List semester as I finish my degree and prepare to graduate in May.

Have you ever had any instances in your sport where you felt that someone was being insensitive, or in which you felt personally attacked? If so, how did you handle that?

I have never personally experienced anyone being insensitive or felt personally attacked at any point in my sport. The teammates I have had, as well as the competitors, have always had respect for the team they are playing and showed sportsmanship from my experience.

In what ways have you felt supported by teammates, coaches, and/or the Athletics department?

My teammates have always supported me by helping me through the moments when I might not be playing well and celebrating with me in the moments when I might be playing great. My coaches from my four years, Phil Peterman, Bob Kasun, and Jordan Geist, have all supported me immensely by teaching me how to better my game while guiding me through any struggles that come from being a college athlete. The athletics department has always supported me and the men's volleyball team. Anything that we have needed over my four years has been well received by the AD and athletic department as a whole. They have given us the tools to succeed and are the reason that we are able to go play 20-25 matches every year without problems.

Outside of Athletics, how are you supported by the rest of the Penn State Altoona campus community?

The campus community has supported the men's volleyball team very well over my four years here. There has almost always been a good crowd for our home games, as well as many people on campus congratulating us on our team achievements and our personal accomplishments. I think that, since I have been here, there has been a growth in not only people who know about the men's volleyball team, but also in people who truly care about the team.

Who are some of your biggest role models or influences, both on and off the court?

Off the court, my role models that I try to live my life like are definitely my parents, Amy and Jason Ebersole. They have not only provided me with every opportunity that I have had in my life, but they also make sacrifices every day so that I am able to go to college and play volleyball. I would be lucky if I could be half as good of a parent to my future kids as my parents have been to me. On the court, there is certainly one person who has been with me my entire career and who has taught me more about the sport than many coaches have: Jared Kish. Jared has been with me since freshman year and is not only one of the best players I have ever played with, but he is also one of the best and most genuine people I have ever met. Jared has shown me so much about volleyball and life; I hope that I can someday take someone under my wing and be as influential of a role model as Jared has been to me.

Do you have any advice or encouraging words for fellow student-athletes at Penn State Altoona?

My only advice for fellow student-athletes at Penn State Altoona would be to not be afraid to have fun. A lot of times in any sport, on any level, it can be easy to be so focused on winning that you forget to have fun along the way. While I certainly had so much fun while playing here, now that I am at the end of my career, I would give almost anything to go back and just enjoy every moment a little bit more. You will never remember the accolades and achievements of your career as much as you will remember those special moments with your teammates.

Rapid Fire

1. Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team? Collegiate - Penn State; Professional - Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Who is your favorite professional athlete? T.J. Watt
3. What is your favorite movie/TV show? Movie - Goodfellas; TV Show - Breaking Bad
4. Do you listen to any music before games as a pregame ritual? If so, what is it? Generally country or classic rock
5. Do you have a favorite pregame meal? If so, what is it? Chicken and potatoes
6. What is one quote that is your favorite that you tend to live by? "You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love." -Jim Carrey