When you hear the name Ewing, your brain probably goes straight to Madison Square Garden, sweaty #33 jerseys, and that legendary sweat-soaked brow of the Knicks' greatest center. But lately, if you’re hanging out near a volleyball court, the name carries a completely different weight. Most people searching for patrick ewing daughter volleyball are actually looking for two different stories: the established career of Randi Ewing and the meteoric rise of the next big thing, Alexis Ewing.
It’s honestly kind of wild how the "big man" legacy translated so perfectly to a sport played over a net instead of at a rim. You’ve got the height, sure. But the timing and the defensive grit? That’s pure Ewing DNA.
The New Era: Alexis Ewing at Penn State
If you haven't been paying attention to Big Ten volleyball, you're missing the arrival of a literal force of nature. Alexis Ewing isn't just "Patrick's kid." She is a 6-foot-4 outside hitter who basically treats the floor like it’s her personal project to destroy.
Coming out of The Bullis School in Maryland, Alexis was one of the most hyped recruits in the Class of 2025. She didn't just stumble into the sport because she was tall, either. Her mom is Cheryl Weaver, a former professional volleyball player and a total standout at Long Beach State. So, while Patrick provided the NBA-level discipline, Cheryl provided the technical blueprint.
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Why the Hype is Real
- National Team Pedigree: She’s already been part of the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP). That’s not a participation trophy; it’s where the future Olympians live.
- The NIL Pioneer: Alexis was actually one of the first high school athletes in Maryland to ink a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal back in 2022.
- Penn State Choice: Choosing Penn State is a statement. Under Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the Nittany Lions are a powerhouse. Alexis is already seeing floor time as a freshman in 2025, which, in the Big Ten, is like being thrown into a shark tank.
She’s got this "on-off switch" she talks about—being a nice person off the court but a total "beast" once the whistle blows. Sounds a lot like her dad in the 90s, doesn't it?
The Original Trailblazer: Randi Ewing’s Career
Before Alexis was making headlines, Randi Ewing was the one proving the family could dominate the net. She didn’t follow the Georgetown path like her brother Patrick Jr. Instead, she carved out a serious middle blocker career at Fordham and later Louisville.
Randi’s journey wasn't just a cakewalk. She dealt with a nasty case of anterior compartment syndrome in her shins early on, which forced a redshirt year. Honestly, most people would’ve just coasted on the family name, but she fought back to become one of the best blockers in Fordham history.
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The Stats that Mattered
At Fordham, Randi was a wall. She became only the fourth player in the school’s history to rack up over 300 career blocks. During her 2011 season, she was swatting 1.09 balls per set. If you’ve ever played middle, you know that’s exhausting, gritty work.
She eventually transferred to Louisville for a graduate season in 2012. Think about that for a second. Most kids of legends flame out or lose interest. Randi graduated from Fordham and then decided she wanted to test herself in a top-tier program like the Cardinals for one last run. That's the definition of a competitor.
What Most People Get Wrong
People assume Patrick Ewing is in the stands coaching them on their vertical or their hand placement. He isn't. Patrick has been very open—and so have the girls—about the fact that he doesn't know much about volleyball.
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He’s the "Supportive Dad." You’ll see him in the stands, probably looking a little nervous, just cheering. He’s not the overbearing sports parent trying to relive his glory days through them. He’s there for the work ethic side of things. He taught them how to handle the pressure of a big stage and how to keep their bodies right, but the volleyball IQ? That’s all from their moms and their own hours in the gym.
The Physical Advantage
Let’s be real: you can’t teach 6-foot-4. Alexis Ewing has a reach that most outside hitters would kill for. It allows her to hit over the block rather than having to tool it or find a gap. When she’s at the net, her vertical jump puts her so far above the ball that she can find angles that just shouldn't exist.
It’s a different kind of athleticism than her dad’s. Patrick was all about that low-post power and the baseline turnaround. Alexis is about explosive lateral movement and that whip-like arm swing. But the "Ewing scowl" when someone tries to come into her kitchen? That’s 100% hereditary.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Recruiters
If you're trying to keep up with the patrick ewing daughter volleyball saga as it unfolds in 2026, here’s how to stay in the loop:
- Watch the Big Ten Plus App: This is where most of Alexis Ewing’s Penn State matches are streamed. Watching her transition from a "high-potential freshman" to a "conference starter" is the big storyline this year.
- Follow the NTDP Rosters: Alexis is a name to watch for the next Olympic cycle (2028 and beyond). Keep an eye on the USA Volleyball "U-level" rosters.
- Don't Compare the Sports: Stop looking for basketball highlights. Volleyball is a game of errors and momentum. Appreciate Alexis's hitting percentage—anything over .300 for an outside hitter is elite territory.
- Look for the NIL Deals: As a high-profile athlete at Penn State, Alexis is likely to be a face for major brands. Her social media is a masterclass in how modern athletes manage a legacy brand while building their own.
Alexis is currently proving that the Ewing name belongs on a volleyball court just as much as it did on the hardwood. Whether she ends up in the Olympics or playing professionally in Europe like her mom, she’s already stepped out of the shadow of #33.