Penn State women's volleyball's 2025 season ended in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament to No. 1 Texas.
The Nittany Lions had a tough challenge heading into the season as reigning national champions, but without the same level of experience from a senior- and graduate-heavy team they had in 2024. As transfers, like outside hitter Emmi Sellman and right side hitter Kennedy Martin, adjusted to the young group and less experienced players worked to fill the shoes of their 2024 teammates, Penn State had another challenge to overcome.
On Sept. 5., the home opening match for the Nittany Lions after four games of the 2025 season, setter Izzy Starck announced she would not return to the court due to mental health issues. She said in her statement that she plans on coming back in the future, but she is sidelining herself for her sophomore season.
Due to this, Starck still has three years of eligibility remaining. The 2024 AVCA National Freshman of the Year and second-team All-American setter's absence frim the 2025 team was felt. Graduate setter Addie Lyon stepped up in her spot, but the way Starck ran the offense could not be replicated.
Hoping to have her back on the court in 2026, Starck announced she is entering the Transfer Portal.
Izzy Starck announces she is not returning to Penn State and will enter the Transfer Portal
"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 wrote in her post on Instagram.
According to On3, Starck officially entered the portal. It opened on Sunday, Dec. 7 and over 700 players are already in it.
With Starck out, the Nittany Lions have setter Danielle Whitmire, the No. 4 ranked recruit who signed with Penn State on June 16, 2024. She is currently the only setter on the 2026 roster, but it is likely head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley will dip into the Transfer Portal for some experienced offense callers on the collegiate fourt. Even if Whitmire ends up in the starting role, Schumacher-Cawley needs a solid backup, one like Lyon, who's reliable to take the court at any moment in the season.