Nine months removed from being named the AVCA National Freshman of the Year and helping her team win a national championship, Penn State sophomore setter Izzy Starck announced she is stepping away from volleyball for the rest of the season to prioritize her mental health.

“This has not been an easy choice, but it is one that I believe is necessary for my overall well-being,” Starck said in an Instagram post Friday night. “Over the past several months, I’ve been facing challenges that have taken a toll on me mentally and emotionally.”

Starck, who was the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024 according to multiple scouting services, quickly emerged as one of the top setters in the country last season. She earned second-team AVCA All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors in addition to th

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