The volleyball season is buzzing with energy, but for the seniors, there’s a bittersweet undertone as they near the end of their run. Yet, a wave of fresh talent is coming, promising an exciting future. Just recently, the No. 4 ranked Penn State secured some incredible additions to their 2025 class. The highly sought-after Marin Collins, the No. 1 recruit, is joining the team, alongside Lexi Gin, a 5’6″ libero and defensive specialist. And the powerhouse 6’4″ outside hitter Gabrielle Nichols, a middle blocker from Syracuse, New York, is also making her way to Penn State.

The family tradition continues with the signing of Ava Jurevicius, who’ll team up with her older sister, redshirt freshman Caroline Jurevicius, next fall. But among these rising stars, one player stands out: Alexis Ewing. Back in September, Penn State Volleyball proudly added a big commitment from a familiar family name, as Alexis Ewing revealed her decision to join the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class. But what makes her part of a familiar family? Let’s dive in and find out!

Meet Alexis Ewing’s basketball Hall of Fame father, Patrick Ewing!

You heard that right! Alexis Ewing is none other than the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing! Patrick Ewing, born on August 5, 1962, became a towering figure in basketball, not just in the NBA but in the sport’s history. His name is synonymous with greatness, and he’s widely regarded as one of the best centers to ever grace the court. Patrick’s journey saw him playing the majority of his career with the New York Knicks, where he became the team’s foundation, with brief stints at the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic to round out his playing years.

His eldest son, Patrick Jr., tried to follow in those colossal footsteps, playing under his father’s shadow at Georgetown and later at Indiana. While he didn’t reach the same heights in the NBA, playing just seven games, his legacy was still rooted in that same competitive spirit. Yet, Alexis Ewing, the youngest of the Ewing clan, chose a different path entirely, away from the towering expectations and the weight of her father’s name. Her drive to forge her own path is quite admirable, understandably so, as the spotlight on her family name is impossible to ignore.

With Alexis Ewing threading a different path from her father and brother in the world of sports, it’s exciting to see how she’ll make her mark. Different paths aside, what are some of the remarkable achievements of this father-daughter duo? Let’s explore the legacy that runs deep through their veins.

The career achievements of the father-daughter duo

Heading to Penn State, Alexis Ewing is already carrying an illustrious career that’s been years in the making. Her journey in volleyball began as a lighthearted hobby at the age of 12, but after growing to a towering 6’4″ and switching club teams, Alexis turned those early days of fun into a serious passion. With her parents—basketball legend Patrick Ewing and volleyball icon Cheryl Weaver—guiding her, Alexis honed her skills, refining her game and learning valuable life lessons along the way.

Today, she’s become one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, ranking among the top in the country, the state of Maryland, and the Independent School League (ISL). But this journey runs far deeper than just her athletic ability.

Her father, Patrick Ewing, is a name that echoes through the halls of basketball greatness. A three-time NCAA All-American, 11-time NBA All-Star, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Ewing’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of the sport. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he was the heart of the New York Knicks for years, leaving his mark as one of the finest shooting centers the sport has ever seen.

Despite his tireless pursuit of an NBA championship, the elusive title always seemed just out of reach. His near-misses and bold predictions were part of his relentless drive to succeed, and even without that ring, he became the Knicks’ all-time leader in nearly every major category, finishing as the 13th all-time scorer with 24,815 points.

On the other hand, Alexis’s mother, Cheryl Weaver, carved out her own legendary career, earning three NCAA First-Team All-American honors and leading her team to a national championship. A two-time Big West Conference Player of the Year and a member of the United States women’s national volleyball team, Weaver’s legacy is one of dominance and leadership. Together, this powerhouse duo has shaped Alexis into the remarkable athlete she is today, ready to make her own mark at Penn State.