KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Shortly after 7:15 p.m. CT, the fourth-seeded Nittany Lion women's volleyball team arrived in Kansas City in preparation for its National Semifinal bout with Texas on Thursday night.

Penn State shared its charter flight with the pep band, which played the Penn State fight song at 30,000 feet during the flight to the Midwest.

Before the team departed Rec Hall on Tuesday evening, Penn State President Graham Spanier stopped by practice for a special graduation presentation.  President Spanier interrupted practice to award senior Blair Brown her diploma.

Brown put a cap and gown on over her practice clothes and participated in a special graduation ceremony.  She is slated to graduate this weekend in Happy Valley, but because the team will be in Kansas City, President Spanier paid a special visit to practice to give Blair Brown the proper graduation ceremony she deserves.  Take a look at what is likely the first graduation ceremony in the South Gym of Rec Hall with the Big Ten Player of the Year and President Spanier.

Stay tuned for much more coverage from Kansas City.  The Nittany Lions will participate in open practice on Wednesday and a press conference at the Spring Center leading up to Thursday's match with Texas.  We will bring coverage to you throughout the trip.  Follow the blog and Twitter @GoPSUTony.