John Kerr has cemented his place as a notable athlete within the Penn State Men’s Volleyball program, showcasing consistent performance on the court and dedication in the classroom throughout his collegiate career. His journey with the Nittany Lions is marked by significant contributions across multiple seasons, evolving from a blocking specialist to a key offensive player.
2023: Senior Season and Offensive Recognition
Kerr’s senior season in 2023 was particularly impactful. He earned recognition as the EIVA Offensive Player of the Week, a testament to his growing offensive prowess. Playing in 26 matches and 67 sets, he started in eight, demonstrating his versatility and value to the team. Statistically, Kerr recorded a .302 hitting percentage with 123 kills (averaging 1.84 kills per set), alongside 40 digs, 22 blocks, and nine service aces. He was instrumental in Penn State’s strong 7-1 start to the season, which included victories over highly-ranked teams such as Ohio State, Pepperdine, Stanford, and USC. Notably, Kerr achieved double-digit kills in five matches, highlighted by a season-high 21 kills against No. 13 Ohio State, where he hit an impressive .545. Other standout performances included 20 kills against No. 5 Pepperdine and 17 kills versus No. 3 Long Beach State, consistently delivering strong offensive numbers against top-tier competition. Academically, his senior year was also distinguished by Academic All-Big Ten and EIVA All-Academic honors, reflecting his commitment to both athletics and academics.
2022: Junior Year and Key Blocking Role
In his junior season of 2022, John Kerr contributed to the team in 19 matches and 50 sets, primarily taking on a role as a blocking substitution. While his offensive statistics were more limited this year, with six kills and three blocks, his contributions were often timely and crucial. For instance, against George Mason, Kerr recorded a key block and kill late in the third set, helping Penn State secure a set and match victory. Similarly, his block against Saint Francis played a role in clinching the EIVA regular season title for the Nittany Lions, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in important moments. Mirroring his academic achievements, Kerr again earned Academic All-Big Ten and EIVA All-Academic accolades, maintaining his scholastic excellence.
2021: Sophomore Season and Expanding Role
During his sophomore year in 2021, Kerr continued to develop his role within the team, participating in 14 matches and 32 sets, still primarily as a blocking substitution. He tallied seven blocks and 12 kills, showing gradual growth in his offensive game. He made his collegiate debut against No. 14 Ohio State, contributing three kills and a block. Throughout the season, he had impactful plays, including key blocks against Alvaro Gimeno of NJIT, contributing to crucial road wins for Penn State and highlighting his defensive capabilities. Academically, Kerr was recognized as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and earned Academic All-Big Ten and EIVA All-Academic Team honors, showcasing his balanced success in both athletics and academics.
2020: Freshman Season and COVID-19 Impact
The 2020 season, Kerr’s freshman year, was unfortunately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He did not see match action in this abbreviated season.
Before Penn State: High School Achievements
Prior to his Penn State career, John Kerr was a standout athlete at Derry Area High School. He served as team captain in his senior year and earned WPIAL first team honors twice as an outside hitter in 2018 and 2019. He was also recognized on the WPIAL third team in 2017 and received three all-section awards. Over his high school career, Kerr amassed impressive statistics, including over 1,000 kills, 111 blocks, 330 digs, and 33 aces. Beyond volleyball, he also excelled in basketball, earning All-Section first team honors as a senior and setting school records for blocked shots. His well-rounded achievements extended to academics as well, as he was selected for membership in the National Business Honors Society.
Personal Background
John Kerr is the son of Matt and Amy Kerr and has a brother named Ryan. He pursued his academic interests by majoring in accounting at Penn State. His background reflects a strong foundation of athletic and academic dedication that defined his career with Penn State Men’s Volleyball.
