Penn State volleyball is losing one of its best players for the rest of the season.
Izzy Starck, one of the best setters in the country, announced via Instagram that she’d be stepping away from the team to focus on her mental health.
“After much reflection,” the statement read, “I have made the difficult decision to step away from volleyball this season in order to prioritize my mental health. This has not been an easy choice, but it is one that I believe is necessary for my overall well-being. Over the past several months, I’ve been facing challenges that have taken a toll on me mentally and emotionally. I recognize that I need to take a step back and focus on getting the help and care I need at this time.”
Starck then specified that she plans to return to the sport.
“This is not goodbye forever,” she wrote. “It’s simply a pause to focus on healing and growth. I appreciate your understanding, respect, and continued support as I take this important step forward. I would greatly appreciate if everyone respects me and my family’s privacy.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Starck has a big career ahead of her, and was a huge part in helping Penn State win the national championship last season as a true freshman.
She built up quite the resume:
- AVCA National Freshman of the Year
- AVCA East Coast Region Freshman of the Year
- Big Ten Freshman of the Year
- Second-team AVCA All-American
- First-team All-Big Ten
- AVCA All-East Coast Region Team
- Big Ten All-Freshman Team
- Voted to the NCAA State College Regional All-Tournament Team.
No. 5 Penn State volleyball is currently playing No. 4 Kentucky.
