Last weekend in State College, Parkland girls volleyball coach Mike Krause was taking in one final regular season home game for his oldest daughter, Taylor, while her younger sister, Kristin, was in the process of beginning her collegiate career at Penn State University.

Four years ago, Krause was coaching both of his daughters at Parkland, finishing as the state runner-up in AAA that year, a year after winning it all.

And now he is able to see both of his daughters on the same team again one more time.

Taylor Krause is a senior on the Nittany Lions women’s volleyball team and has played all four years, increasing her match total each year. She has made 19 appearances so far this year, posting 11 digs.

Taylor Krause has been a part of a family-type atmosphere around a program that has won two national championships during her time. Penn State qualified for the NCAA tournament once again this season and begins tournament play this weekend at home for the first and second rounds.

“I couldn’t have imagined going to a better school than Penn State,” said Taylor Krause. “I love it here. These have been such an amazing four years, and it has been an honor to play for this program. Coming up through the Parkland program and playing for my dad, it helped me catch on. They push you and make you play to the best of your ability, and that is what we were taught at Parkland.”

Taylor has also been a mentor to Kristin, who is red-shirting during the 2016 season.

It is something new for the freshman, but something that she doesn’t mind doing.

“It is definitely a new role for me because I am always used to playing and being on the court and being active every game,” said Kristin Krause. “It does help me coming into a big school with a tough academic schedule and athletic schedule to be able to learn all of it at a slower pace. I can see what I am going to be going through each practice and each game and each day. Taylor has also been there for me and answers any question I have.”

Both Krause sisters are elementary education majors, and their father enjoys seeing them succeed in their college careers both on the court and in the academic setting.

“The opportunity for them to be at this school and be a part of this program is really special,” said Mike Krause. “It is challenging every day in the classroom, and every day on the court. It is about how they handle the pressures and the challenges they face daily that has helped them become great young women, and I’m proud of them for that.”

Penn State hosts LIU Brooklyn Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.