For decades, Derry Area has been noted for its success in boys volleyball. While the Trojans have enjoyed countless impressive seasons, very few individuals have been as accomplished as John Kerr. Kerr, a multiple time All-WPIAL honoree at Derry Area, is now a valuable member of the volleyball team at Penn State University. He’s featured on the latest edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Kerr was a freshman at Derry Area in 2016, when the Trojans made the WPIAL Class AA playoffs and defeated Seton-LaSalle. However, Derry Area came up short against Montour in the quarterfinals to conclude the season.

In 2017, Kerr ascended to one of the top players in the area, as he was named All-Section, as well as All-WPIAL Third-Team. Derry Area went 6-2 in section action, and defeated South Park in the Class 2A playoffs, but fell to Beaver County Christian in the semifinals. In the consolation match, DA knocked off Ambridge Area to qualify for the PIAA postseason. From there, the Trojans lost in the first round to Cochranton.

As a junior, Kerr was again an All-Section performer, and he also garnered All-WPIAL First-Team accolades as an outside hitter. That season, the Trojans went 9-1 in section play, and defeated Bishop Canevin and Montour to reach the WPIAL Class 2A Championship. In the title match, however, Derry Area was narrowly edged by rival Ambridge Area 3-2. Derry Area rebounded with a win against Bishop Guilfoyle in the state playoffs, but was bounced by Cambridge Springs in the quarterfinals.

In his senior year in 2019, Kerr again garnered All-Section and All-WPIAL First-Team honors. He also helped guide Derry Area to a 12-0 section mark. In the WPIAL 2A postseason, the Trojans defeated Trinity, but lost to the Bridgers again in the semifinals. Derry Area rebounded with a consolation victory against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart to secure a state playoff berth. In the PIAA bracket, Derry Area defeated West Shamokin, but fell to Meadville Area in the quarterfinals to conclude the season.

In his career at Derry Area, Kerr compiled 1,012 kills, 111 blocks, 330 digs, and 33 aces. He was also an accomplished basketball player for the Trojans, setting single-season and career records for blocks, and averaging nearly 17 points and 12 rebounds per game in his senior campaign.

Kerr elected to continue his career in volleyball, though, joining Penn State University for the 2020 season. The 6-foot-6 opposite hitter did not see game action as a freshman, however, as Penn State went 11-8 overall and 7-0 in Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) action before the season was cut short as a result of COVID.

Last season, Kerr played in 14 matches, compiling 12 kills and seven blocks. The Nittany Lions went 22-4, including 16-2 in the EIVA. In the conference tournament, Penn State defeated Saint Francis University and George Mason University to claim the EIVA Championship. As a result, Penn State advanced to the NCAA Championship Tournament, defeating Belmont Abbey College before falling to Lewis University.

This season, Kerr has appeared in 14 matches, registering a pair of blocks. To this point, the Nittany Lions are 15-3 overall, including 8-0 in EIVA play.

John set aside time to field questions about his role as substitute blocker, the best qualities of his high school coach, and his favorite social media app.

Q: How have you handled your role as a substitute blocker?

A: I would say fairly well. I have made some key plays to help the team win in close matches. And that doesn’t necessarily mean that those plays were from blocks either.

Q: What have been your biggest areas of growth during your career at Penn State?

A: Adapting to playing and developing chemistry with my teammates who come from all across the U.S., and even the world. The guys who come in are relatively strangers to everyone on this team. Our team does a great job at making you feel like home.

Q: What team and individual goals did you set for this season?

A: The team goal is to win our conference again and make it back to the NCAA tournament to ultimately end up winning it all this year. Some of my individual goals for this season are to keep my attacks deep in the court and to pick up more attacks from opposing players.

Q: What has been your favorite moment thus far playing for the Nittany Lions?

A: Hosting and winning our EIVA Conference Tournament to go on and play at Ohio State for the NCAA tournament.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Penn State?

A: The coaching staff and team were very friendly throughout my recruiting process. Penn State also had so much to offer with academics and athletics, as well as the plethora of things you can do during your off time.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I am majoring in accounting, and hopefully one day running my own accounting firm.

Q: You were recognized as an all-academic honoree. What was the significance of that to you?

A: It was a great honor. With earning these honors, they can help me land internships and jobs in the future - showing that I can manage academics with my athletics.

Q: Aside from volleyball, what has been your favorite hobby or activity in college?

A: My favorite activity in college is spending time with my teammates outside of practice, which is usually playing video games and watching movies/tv shows.

Q: You also excelled in basketball at Derry Area. How did that sport improve your volleyball skills?

A: It helped with my endurance and speed on the court, as well as my eye-hand coordination. I believe the sports were very complementary to each other.

Q: What was your favorite high school memory?

A: My favorite high school memory was going down to Orlando with the volleyball team to play in an AAU Club tournament. It gave me a perspective of the talent that is out there.

Q: Your high school volleyball coach, Shawn Spencer, has enjoyed incredible success with the Trojans. What are his best qualities?

A: He is a coach who will be your best friend and build a great bond with you off the court. On the court, he will push you to become the best player that you can be. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without him.

Q: Do you have any superstitions before, during, or after a match?

A: I don’t have any specific superstitions, but I do like to keep the same relative routine before every game, and even practice. It helps me get into the right mindset.

Q: What is your favorite social media app?

A: My favorite social media app is Instagram. It’s great to see what everyone who I’ve graduated with is doing now. I also get a good laugh from the accounts that post funny content.

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

A: The meal I would choose would be from Texas Roadhouse. I always get the eight-ounce sirloin with a house salad and loaded steak fries.

Q: What advice would you give yourself as a high school freshman?

A: Your time is limited and goes by faster than you think; don’t use your time on something you’re going to regret in the future.