Coming off of their eighth straight state championship, the North Allegheny girls’ volleyball team is nearing the mid-point of what may well be another historic season.

The team’s success can’t be credited to just one player, but superstar Molly Robertson definitely has been a major contributor.

Robertson, who plays as a setter, outside hitter, and opposite hitter, is a junior who has had eyes on her ever since middle school.

“I started playing volleyball when I was 10,” she said. “My dad played in high school and took me to open gyms and clinics because he wanted me to follow in his footsteps. I’ve been playing ever since.”

Robertson’s game really started to gain notice just a few years later.

“I started playing up an age group in club at 13,” she said. “Around that time, I started to take volleyball more seriously and really chase the dream of playing in college.”

From there, it all took off for Robertson. In just her first year on the high school girls’ volleyball team, she helped the team finish as WPIAL and PIAA Class 4A champions, ending the season with a perfect 22-0 overall record.

Last year, she led the Tigers to their eighth consecutive state championship and was named the Pennsylvania MaxPreps Player of the Year, having also made the state and regional all-star teams.

In July, Robertson announced her commitment to Penn State, whose team is currently ranked in the nation’s top 20.

“I ultimately chose Penn State because it encompassed everything I was looking for,” she said. “I grew up around the school because both of my parents went there and are huge fans. The coaches are people I can’t want to play for and the team has a great culture. I’m super excited and grateful.”

Only a junior, Robertson went through the recruitment process relatively early.

“Recruiting is stressful but exciting at the same time,” she said. “There are lots of highs and lows, but it’s all just part of the process. Every athlete who wants to play in college knows how competitive it is to go after this dream. In recruiting, everything moves so fast, but it is important to really take your time with such a big decision.”

Robertson is undoubtedly one of North Allegheny’s best athletes, but she readily acknowledges the support she continues to receive.

“I have really great coaches and teammates in club and school volleyball who have pushed me to be my best,” she said. “I’m super lucky to have the support and resources to work hard at what I love to do.”

Nevertheless, she also recognizes the huge role that her own mindset plays in her success on the court.

“I think it’s important to remember that one game or practice doesn’t define you as an athlete,” she said. “Everyone has a bad game every once in a while, so working through that and still showing up and showing out by giving your full effort and ability at every workout and practice is super important.”

For all of her talent, however, Robertson is quick to acknowledge the importance of the team over the significance of any one player.

“My teammates motivate me to work hard every day because I’m playing for them,” she said. “I’m beyond thankful that I get to play with them.”

Her teammates feel the same way about her.

“She is a player and teammate that you know is going to get the job done when you need her to,” junior defensive specialist Keira Duffy said.

While Robertson’s superior skills on the court are what most fans see, her supportiveness for her team doesn’t go unnoticed by her teammates.

“She’s an amazing person and player on and off the court,” junior middle blocker Alicia Mokube said.

Duffy added, “She’s the loudest from the bench and is always there to help you if you need it.”

Pursuing their ninth straight PIAA championship this year, there is no doubt that the girls’ volleyball team is among the most successful athletics programs in North Allegheny history. But for Robertson, there is still more to achieve.

“Our team has historically experienced success, but every year is a new season and a new team,” she said.

Surprisingly, the Tigers kicked off this season with back-to-back losses to Morgantown (WV) and Oakland Catholic. Since then, they’ve gone undefeated.

“We hold each other accountable in practice and we all are working towards a common goal,” Robertson said. “Our coaches always say that pressure is a privilege, and we have felt and performed under it before.”

Robertson will begin her journey at Penn State in 2027, but with two more seasons on the NA team, she’s focused on the more immediate goals.

“To win States and WPIALs with my best friends again!” she said

This story was originally published on The Uproar on September 23, 2025.