As a “Yinzer” living in the Pacific Northwest, I tend to miss home a little. What is that Jaeden? Can you say that word again?
Yinzer.
Yinz is Pittsburgh’s way of saying “You All” or “You Guys.” But, I got a little bit of the hometown feel in Eugene when Maryland’s Middle Blocker, Anastasia Russ, came to town and took on our Oregon Ducks.
When I arrived at Matthew Knight, I could not help but notice the tallest player on the court. I’m sure everyone else did too. I mean, she is 6’5. The more she played, the more I began asking myself, “Is this the same number 88 that wore 23 for Hampton?” Indeed it was! This was the same individual that had to face my alma mater, Central Valley.
Source: Anastasia Russ via Instagram
Hampton struggled with us a bit, as we were ranked just like them. My football coach used to make us attend the volleyball games to support other athletics. So, we honored the commitment. I remember watching Russ play in our gym my senior year, which was her junior year.
The Ducks defeated the Terrapins this day. For me, that meant very little. Russ now has another person from Pittsburgh to add to her network of support, and I wanted her to know that. So, you know what I had do right? I had to make the connection. So, I introduced myself after the game and the rest is history.
Before Maryland, she began her college career as a Pitt Panther. She spent three seasons with the team, one as a redshirt and two playing. She helped Pitt make their first ever Final Four Appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2021. Pitt has made four straight appearances since then, including this season when they beat Oregon.
Anastasia went to Maryland looking for a fresh start, and fit right in with the program. In her first season, she became the number one blocker in the country.
In 2023, she ranked third in the Big Ten & fourth in the country with 123 total blocks during conference play and 1.5 blocks per set. She also had the highest hitting percentage in the NCAA at .516%. This past season, the 6’5 star climbed to number 8 on Maryland’s all-time leaderboard list with 404 blocks in her career.
Anastasia believes her creativity on and off the court are linked together. “I really like to make art. I like painting, drawing and making ceramics, because it ties into my creativity. I like to do trick shots sometimes and keep the other team on their toes.”
All the accolades she gained were enough to convince me and everyone else who supports her, her game, and the Terps volleyball squad. Anastasia is currently exploring her options post grad as she wants to be an industrial and organizational psychologist.
“I want to help businesses function better, training women for leadership roles in companies. I support mental health being an advocate for women in powerful positions thanks to being on a team full of strong and powerful women.”
A random fact about her is that she has one cat and a dog. She also loves horses and has found time to ride them often when she is not playing or studying. She has made honor society every year of high school and has scored Big 10 Academic Honors as well for Maryland. You can tell that her education is very important to her.
Whether it’s two degrees in hand, or 88 degrees on the court, Anastasia will fit the title of both and wear them with pride. I am truly glad to know her and watch her cap off an amazing career as a Terrapin.
Source: Maryland vs. Oregon via IG
P.S. look above the ball girl. That is me in the yellow hoodie!
Jaeden Gordon 