PLNU Athletics

Roberta Simpson competed in volleyball for Point Loma from 1989-92. During her tenure, Simpson helped guide the team to heights never seen before an the team began its tradition of producing perennial winners. Two of the four seasons Simpson played, the Lady Crusaders won 20 or more matches—the first times the team had ever achieved that many victories. Thanks to Simpson and her teammates, Point Loma won its first ever GSAC crown in 1990 with an outstanding 11-1 conference record and in 1992 appeared in the NAIA National Championships. She had the extra privilege of having her sister (who later went on to become an outstanding player in her own right) join the team in 1992.

According to her former coach, Barb Wnek: “Roberta was a dynamic middle blocker. She was quick, smart and tenacious at the net. By her senior year she was virtually unstoppable.”

Listed in the Point Loma record book in numerous places, Simpson holds the single-season mark with 83 solo blocks and is second all-time with 189 career blocks. In total blocks she is in the top-10 with 302 career and 121 in a single season. A tremendous and accurate scorer, Simpson amassed 793 career kills and twice has a season hitting efficiency over .400, including an all-time best .446 in 1990.

Simpson received conference and national recognition for her outstanding play by being named to the All-GSAC team in 1990 and 1992. In 1992 she was also selected as a First Team All-American. That same year, Simpson was named to the NAIA All-Tournament team at nationals where the Crusaders made it to the Elite Eight.

The award for Outstanding Achievement by an Athlete was presented to Simpson-Schlegel by Bob Brower.