Playing volleyball at Penn-Trafford, Andrew Kessler was a key component of a well-established program. However, he made a leap of faith for his college volleyball pursuits, as he joined an upstart program at Grove City. In his second season with the Wolverines, Kessler has developed into a top contributor for the Wolverines. Kessler is under the microscope in this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

In his freshman campaign at Penn-Trafford in 2020, the volleyball season was cancelled because of COVID.

The following season, Kessler and the Warriors compiled a mark of 13-8 overall, including 11-1 in the section. As a result, PT qualified for the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. In the tournament, the Warriors defeated Canon-McMillan and Shaler Area, but came up short against Seneca Valley in the semifinals. However, the Warriors defeated Hempfield Area in the consolation round, advancing to the state postseason. In the PIAA first round, the Warriors sustained a loss to Northeastern to conclude the season.

In 2022, Kessler emerged as a critical piece in the rotation. That season, Penn-Trafford went 12-7 overall, including 8-4 in section play. Back in the WPIAL Class 3A postseason, the Warriors downed Peters Township and Hempfield Area, but fell to North Allegheny in the semis, and then lost to Shaler Area in the consolation matchup.

In his senior season, Kessler helped PT achieve a mark of 16-3 on the year, including a perfect 10-0 in the section. In the WPIAL playoffs, the Warriors defeated Butler Area, but again succumbed to North Allegheny in the semifinals. Penn-Trafford’s campaign ended with a loss to Canon-McMillan in the consolation round.

Kessler, who also played basketball at PT, opted to continue his athletic focus on volleyball at the next level, as he committed to Grove City College.

However, the Wolverines’ program did not compete until his sophomore season in 2025. Playing as a middle blocker, Kessler appeared in all 29 matches, racking up 158 kills, 20 service aces, 48 digs, and 90 blocks. Collectively, Grove City went 14-15 overall, highlighted by a mark of 8-4 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), which sponsored men’s volleyball for the first time. In the PAC Tournament, the Wolverines bested Hiram College, but lost to Thiel College in the title match.

This season, Kessler has played in all 14 matches, accumulating 72 kills, nine aces, 14 digs, and 33 blocks. So far, Grove City has amassed a record of 7-7 overall, including 0-1 in the PAC.

Andrew set aside time from his schedule to respond to questions about being part of the inaugural season at Grove City, the best qualities of his high school coach Jim Schall, and what volleyball rule he’d like to change.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance thus far this season?

A: So far this season, I would say that I have been pleased but not content with my performance. Something that I wanted to improve on from last season was being more efficient offensively, and I believe that I have been taking steps in that direction. Blocking is obviously a huge part of my position, and improving in that area is a continual development and current goal of mine.

Q: What are the biggest responsibilities of a middle blocker?

A: As you might guess, being a middle requires a lot of blocking, and there are a lot of variables that go into it. Reading the pass, reading the setter, closing the block in time, and being pressed over the net are just some of the aspects. Being a middle essentially means doing the dirty work. Additionally, you must always be active and engaged, so that you are able to take advantage of any opportunity you do get and create more for your teammates. (Thankfully, though, I don’t have to pass haha)

Q: How was the experience of being part of the inaugural season for the men's volleyball team last year?

A: Last season, our first year as a varsity program, was very memorable. We made it to the PAC championship, but this year, our goal is to win it. I love the sense of brotherhood and unity that comes with playing a varsity sport. I love our team culture and how everyone plays for one another, rather than for just themselves.

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

A: As previously mentioned, a team goal of ours is to win the PAC championship. For me, I decided that I want to finish this season with more total blocks than I had last season.

Q: You have two former Penn-Trafford teammates on the roster. What is the significance of that for chemistry?

A: Having them here has been great. Carson and Keith are two of my best friends. Carson has been my roommate every year, and knowing that he was going to be here made it a lot easier for me to commit to coming here. Keith has been my accountability partner - helping to keep each other properly focused. I’m very grateful for the friendship and brotherhood that they provide, on or off the court. From holding each other accountable in-game to lifting in the basement together over the summer, I’m lucky to have them.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Grove City?

A: I would say that my faith certainly played a role in my decision to attend Grove City. Faith is an integral part of the identity of the college, which I certainly appreciated. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and I have grown deeper in my faith here than I even knew I could. Knowing that I would have the ability to play volleyball here definitely provided the extra push that I needed to decide to come here, but now that I am here, I would stay even if volleyball was taken away from me.

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

A: My major is exercise science, and I hope to go to grad school to become a chiropractor or physical therapist.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of college, aside from volleyball?

A: Something that I have loved about Grove City has been the incredible community here. I have met so many genuine people who have pushed me in all aspects of life (faith, academics, athletics, relationships). Some other things I enjoy are spending time with my friends and going to my girlfriend’s volleyball games, and it was great to watch Grove City win the PAC this year.

Q: You played under coach Jim Schall at PT. What were his best qualities?

A: I’m grateful to have played under Coach Schall during my time in high school. He is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable about the sport. I always liked when he would play with us during practice and showed us that he still had it.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: I would say my personal “break out game” in volleyball was my favorite high school memory. This took place my junior year against Hempfield. Up until that point, I had been splitting time with other middles, but after getting subbed in, I played the best I ever had. It was such an exciting and back-and-forth game and I was grateful to have played a part in it.

Q: Which team did you consider your biggest rival at PT?

A: I would say Norwin. They were typically our rival in any school sport and were usually pretty solid.

Q: If you could change one rule about college volleyball, what would it be?

A: As a middle, I would get rid of the over-the-net interference; I think that if I have the ability to go get the ball, then it should be allowed haha.

Q: What is your favorite sports movie?

A: Happy Gilmore.

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

A: Chipotle.

Q: What is a little-known fact about you or a hidden talent you possess?

A: I’m actually a lefty, but I play volleyball right-handed.