After stepping away from NCAA volleyball for the remainder of the 2025/26 season to focus on her mental health, Penn State setter Izzy Starck has revealed she will enter the transfer portal this December. Starck was a driving force behind Penn State’s 2024 NCAA National Championship run, earning National Freshman of the Year honors and dazzling fans with an average of nearly 11 assists per set, cementing her status as a cornerstone of the team.
Starck played in the Nittany Lions’ first four games of the season before her withdrawal, leading to graduate student Addie Lyon taking her place in their home loss to Kentucky.
What Message Did Izzy Starck Send Regarding Her Future?
Starck recorded 1483 assists last season, which was the most in program history in the rally-scoring era. This season, her form was just as impressive, recording 170 assists and an average of 10 assists per set, leading the team in offense and consistently creating scoring opportunities.
In a post on Instagram, Starck wrote: “I am very excited to announce that I will be entering the transfer portal this December. I look forward to finding a new home where I can grow in the next chapter of my career. I am beyond grateful for the endless support I’ve received over the past months.”
Starck received strong support from Penn State and the online volleyball community during her break, with the Nittany Lions requesting privacy on her behalf. Her departure is expected to create a significant gap in the team, and several programs are likely to pursue her by the end of the year.
Starck Reveals Her Reaction After Winning Freshman Of The Year Award
Before her standout showing against Louisville in last season’s NCAA Championship finals, where she tallied 55 assists and 13 digs, Starck shared her reaction to being named National Freshman of the Year. She etched her name in the record books as the first Penn State freshman setter to start a national championship match.
In an interview with Michella Chester, she said: (0:10 onwards)
“I’m getting off the bus, not thinking I’m going to find out, and Coach Katie is standing off the bus. She calls me over and she’s like, “Congratulations.” I’m like, “Oh,” thinking it’s like I got done with my bio final, like yes, I’m done with it. She’s like, “No, like you won national freshman of the year.” And I’m like, “What?” And it was just like complete shock.” she said.
During the conversation, Starck reflected that winning the award helped her make sense of a whirlwind season. The weight of her commitments and expectations may have influenced her decision to step away, but fans are hopeful the former Penn State star will return to the court before long.