Change does not scare Ellie Siskin — it fuels her.
Despite adjusting to a new coach and a position change, the sophomore right-side hitter remains a standout for Penn women’s volleyball. Siskin made a significant impact during her freshman season playing in 21 of 23 matches and leading the team with 27 service aces. Finishing third on the team with digs (172) and fourth in kills (167), she entered her second season with an already impressive resume.
Siskin has continued to build on that foundation, delivering improved skill and determination to the Quakers. Under new head coach Tyler Hagstrom, Siskin has embraced fresh systems in her transition from outside hitter to right-side hitter. To no one’s surprise, she has adapted quickly and made the most of her new position.
“I think with Ellie, she’s a hard worker. We changed her position a little bit this year, and she was super on board and just a great teammate,” coach Hagstrom said, “And, you know, she’s really excelled in that role. I think just her adaptability and her ability to sort of play different spots on the court and play at a high level wherever we put her is really nice to have.”
Because of an older friend’s encouragement, Siskin discovered volleyball in sixth grade and found an immediate love for the sport. During her time at Pace Academy, her high school, she played both basketball and volleyball; as she progressed further into her volleyball career, she had to make decisions on the level of commitment she was willing to give.
“When I was in high school, my freshman year, we won the state championship, and it was when I was deciding if I wanted to continue with [basketball],” Siskin said, “I played basketball for a while in high school, so after that game that we won, I was kind of like, okay — I love this sport. I want to keep playing it.”
Before attending Penn, Siskin worked with head coach Catherine Monroe for two seasons at Pace Academy. Echoing the praises of many others, Monroe expressed Siskin’s skills on the court as well as her positive personal qualities.
“She’s very receptive. It’s part of her constant drive to get better and be the best Ellie [she] can be. She honestly didn’t need a ton [of help] because she has such a high IQ for the game, and she can internally challenge herself, but she was always responsive and receptive to any type of feedback. She’s a really coachable kid,” Monroe said.
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Siskin has demonstrated her strength in recent matches, already having left a heavy impact this fall. She has produced four double-digit kill performances, including a season-high 16 kills against Coppin State, and posted a notable .462 hitting percentage versus Saint Peter’s. Siskin also fired four aces in wins over Brown and Coppin State.
Beyond her on-court impact, Siskin has emerged as a leader and reliable teammate. She is grateful for the tight-knit, supportive community the program has given her. A newer tradition adopted by the team is that of playing music and dancing before games; though at first she may have perceived it as a “silly” activity, Siskin now believes it to lighten her mood and prepare her mindset for the game.
“She’s just such a wholesome human,” Monroe said, “I mean, she’s just so thoughtful and kind. There’s almost always a smile on her face. She’s very earnest in her approach to everything; [she’s a] very authentic kid.”
As the season continues, Siskin will remain a tone-setter for a program continuing to improve under new leadership. Both a steady offensive player and reliable defensive player, she has left a meaningful impact on the Red and Blue. With her versatility, competitive mindset, and positive influence on and off the court, Siskin hopes to only excel further while continuing her contribution to the team.
