Penn State's second year's accommodator, Izzy Starck, who directed the Nittany Lions to his eighth National Volleyball Championship in 2024, announced Friday that he is moving away during the rest of the season to prioritize his mental health.
“In recent months, I have faced challenges that have affected me mentally and emotionally,” said Instagram's publication. “I recognize that I need to step back and concentrate on getting the help and attention I need at this time.”
In a statement to ESPN, the Nittany Lions said: “We completely support Izzy to take this important and difficult step, and by kindness we ask that their privacy be respected during this time.”
Starck began the first four games of the season for No. 5 Penn State and had 170 assists and 50 excavations in 17 sets. The Nittany Lions (2-3) were swept by No. 4 Kentucky (2-1) on Friday night in the first game of Penn State's house. The graduated student Addie Lyon, a transfer of Saint Louis, began at Starck's place.
Starck was appointed Avca National Freshman of the Year and the first -year student of the year Big Ten in 2024. He began the 37 games for the Nittany Lions and had 1,483 assists, the greatest amount in the history of the program in the rally score era.
“This is not a farewell forever, it is simply a break to focus on healing and growth,” Starck wrote in his publication.
