Penn State Trio Shines At Fourth Annual Big Ten Volleyball Media Days

Posted on by Ethan Kasales

The Big Ten and Big Ten Network have led the way in showcasing college volleyball with the spotlight it deserves for many years, and the two organizations continued to lap their competition in terms of generating excitement for the 2025 season at the fourth annual Big Ten volleyball media days July 28-29 in Chicago.

The Big Ten was the first conference to host volleyball media days before the start of its season, beginning in 2022, but the Big 12 joined them this year and will hold its first volleyball media days August 6-7. However, at least for the time being, their event is virtual and not in person.

Anjelina Starck and Taylor Trammell represented Penn State at the inaugural event before Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s first season as head coach of the Nittany Lions. Allie Holland and Zoe Weatherington made the trip to Chicago in 2023, then Jess Mruzik and Camryn Hannah earned that responsibility before last season’s national championship run.

The Big Ten released several nicely produced videos from the two-day event, which took place a week earlier on the calendar than years prior. Buckle up, because this is a long read. If you want to know more about the 2025 Penn State team heading into preseason training camp, you came to the right place. Nearly the entire roster is discussed at one point or another, as Schumacher-Cawley, Izzy Starck, and Gillian Grimes did a great job representing the program with class and highlighting their teammates.

Coach Katie To Throw Out First Pitch At Cubs Game August 2

Schumacher-Cawley is throwing out the first pitch before her beloved Chicago Cubs host the Baltimore Orioles Saturday at 1:20 p.m. CT. She said she’s planning to throw from the rubber instead of in front of the mound during Monday’s press conference. Earlier this summer, she threw out the first pitch before the Chicago White Sox’s game against the Kansas City Royals on June 8, wearing the Sox’s new red-and-black, Bulls-inspired alternate jersey.

Schumacher-Cawley arrived in her hometown earlier this week with arguably the NCAA’s best returning setter and libero, respectively, in Starck and Grimes at her side. Starck makes some of the most ridiculous plays seem effortless. Grimes, now a senior, is the only Nittany Lion to play in every match for Schumacher-Cawley since she took over as head coach in 2022, something Katie emphasized during their press conference.

The Penn State trio took center stage during a jam-packed day Monday at Big Ten Network studios, as Starck and Grimes were repeatedly asked to show off their Big Ten and NCAA title rings for the cameras. Schumacher-Cawley was kind enough to let DigNittanyVolleyball tag along while she and her players fulfilled their various media obligations.

Impromptu Rivalry Photo Shoot 

As projected top-three teams in the AVCA preseason poll, the Nittany Lions and Nebraska were the two headliners of day one, and when they crossed paths for the third or fourth time of the day during the photo shoot portion, Schumacher-Cawley suggested the two rivals take some fun shots together.

While the two programs are archrivals on the court, it was nice to see them enjoying each other’s company and keeping things light before buckling down for the long season ahead. There will be plenty of time for teeth-gnashing among these two fan bases later this fall. The Nittany Lions beat Nebraska both times they met last season — first, in their regular-season finale at Rec Hall on November 29, 2024 to clinch a share of their 18th Big Ten title — then, in an all-time reverse sweep in the NCAA semifinals a few weeks later in Louisville, Kentucky.

Big Ten Network was airing a replay of Penn State’s 3-1 win over the Huskers on November 29 as media members trickled in around lunchtime for day one in Chicago. Illinois took the podium first, then the Nittany Lions were next. Penn State’s contingent gave insightful answers to an array of topics in their 19-minute press conference, which can be viewed in full below.

Big Ten Network producers and conference brass must be thrilled to have such quality B-roll of their two most high-profile programs to air during this season’s matchups October 3 at Rec Hall and November 28 in Lincoln. Starck, the AVCA National Freshman of the Year in 2024, and Nebraska’s Harper Murray were the two biggest stars among the 36 players in attendance at this year’s Big Ten media days.

Players and coaches all took the podium for a 20-minute press conference, made the rounds for various radio, television, and social media hits, and even found the time to give media outlets exclusive interviews throughout the day. Nine Big Ten teams went on day one, including the Nittany Lions, and nine more participated on day two. Omaha Supernova Mac Podraza, who was Penn State’s starting setter in 2023, was among the media personalities who interviewed players and coaches, calling in from Omaha via video chat.

Izzy Starck Speaks At Dinner Reception

Starck gave the keynote address on behalf of the Big Ten players at a lavish dinner reception that wrapped up night one at RPM Italian, a very nice restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Starck gave a fantastic speech and thanked the volleyball community for the support she, her teammates, and her head coach received last season during Schumacher-Cawley’s battle with breast cancer.

Starck was eloquent in her remarks, thanking the Big Ten for the support and platform it provides its student-athletes. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti was on hand for the event and spent some time speaking with Penn State’s contingent and the 17 other programs there. For someone only going into her sophomore season, Starck exuded confidence in Chicago, and is clearly growing more comfortable with her status as one of the stars of the sport, and everything that entails.

Penn State’s Big Ten and NCAA title rings were quite the spectacle in Chicago. Here, Izzy Starck shows off hers. Photo: Ethan Kasales

“When we clinched a share of the Big Ten title, it was in front of a sold-out crowd at Rec Hall,” Starck said to a group of roughly 100 people. “Less than one month later, our conference represented half of the Final Four. Our national championship match was played in front of a record crowd of more than 21,000 fans, and more than a million people watched on TV.

“This level of enthusiasm isn’t limited to one event. It’s evident by the commitment shown at every Big Ten school. We see big crowds everywhere we go during conference play. And it’s evident by the effort put in by the Big Ten and Big Ten Network. When it came time for the championship, there was a lot of talk about playing on the big stage, under the bright lights, and in front of all the TV cameras, but, to be honest, we all know that’s what we’re used to in this conference.

“There’s no question, things get tense on the court, rivalries run deep, but what I love about being at Penn State and playing in the Big Ten is that we move together in the same direction when it comes to growing women’s volleyball.

“When USA won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, with seven Big Ten players, we all celebrated. When Nebraska sold out [its] football stadium for a volleyball match, we all celebrated. And when our head coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, became the first woman to lead her team to a Division I national title, we all celebrated the historic moment.

“And that’s how I look at today’s event. Another celebration of what the teams here have accomplished already, and what we will accomplish this upcoming season. I do want to take this time to thank everyone for the outpouring of support last season. It’s no secret what our coach and team are going through. I just want to say we truly did feel the love and support coming in from all over the country.

“And, finally, on behalf of all the players here, I want to thank everyone involved with making this event what it has become. We all know a lot of work goes into this, and I promise you it doesn’t go unnoticed. Good luck to everyone here this fall, and I’m excited for another great year.”

More Than Half Of Penn State’s Matches On National TV

Penn State will have 16 of its 30 regular-season matches broadcast on national TV across FOX, BTN, and FS1. Four out of the five Big Ten volleyball matches scheduled on FOX this fall include the Nittany Lions.

Their State Farm Women’s College Volleyball Showcase matches against Arizona State and TCU on August 31 and September 1, respectively, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh (both at 5 p.m. ET) will air on FOX, as will Penn State’s home opener versus Kentucky on September 5 at 8 p.m.

The program will hoist its eighth NCAA national championship banner to the rafters at Rec Hall before its match against the Wildcats, who added Purdue transfer Eva Hudson to a lineup that already features AVCA National Player of the Year finalist Brooklyn DeLeye.

DeLeye won SEC Player of the Year over Kennedy Martin, then at Florida, last season, but now that Martin is playing with a setter of Izzy Starck’s caliber, we’re likely to see more of her full potential as a player, and the results could be quite scary for opposing defenses.

Starck, Martin, & Grimes Earn Preseason All-Big Ten Honors

Starck and Martin were both unanimous preseason All-Big Ten selections, while Grimes was the lone libero among the 20 players recognized. Starck and Martin are also among 30 standouts on the AVCA National Player of the Year preseason watch list. Martin was a semifinalist for the award last season, which ultimately went to Pitt’s Olivia Babcock.

The two have been jockeying for the title of most dominant right-side hitter in college volleyball the last couple years, and that competition will continue when the Nittany Lions and Panthers meet at Rec Hall on September 17 at 7 p.m. ET for a televised match on Big Ten Network. Schumacher-Cawley called Martin a “terminator” during her TV interview with BTN commentator Rick Pizzo.

“She’ll find a way to score. She’s a competitive individual who wants to be part of a team that wants to be really successful. I think she fits in well with our players. She’ll do what it takes to win.”

Earlier in the day, during Penn State’s press conference, Schumacher-Cawley spoke about what makes Starck and Grimes such great representatives for not only Penn State volleyball, but the sport as a whole.

“They’re great student-athletes and [representatives] of Penn State and this program,” she said. “I think it’s the way they live their daily [lives]. They’re exceptional teammates, and we talk about that a lot on our team. Regardless of what’s new in college athletics, we want that to stay the same. So, I think how they treat each other and the community. They’re competitors, they’re fierce, and they’re going to do some special things when they’re done playing volleyball, too.”

Below, we posted the videos of Penn State’s press conference and Big Ten Network segment, as well as the transcript of DigNittanyVolleyball’s exclusive, nearly half-hour-long interview with Starck and Grimes. We discussed a variety of topics surrounding this year’s Penn State team and their excitement for the coming season, which begins August 23 at 5 p.m. ET against Creighton at the AVCA First Serve in Lincoln, Nebraska. The match will air on FS1.

The program recently released its promotional themes for select home matches this season. This year’s White Out match is scheduled for the October 10 contest against Wisconsin at 7 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network, while the November 2 match versus Indiana at 4 p.m. on BTN, also at Rec Hall, will be Penn State volleyball’s first V Foundation awareness match. Schumacher-Cawley accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2025 ESPYS July 16 in Hollywood, with her family, coaching staff, and five seniors from the 2024 championship team all in attendance.

Keeping with her lowkey personality, Schumacher-Cawley opted to leave her championship rings in their cases at home, keeping the focus on what she and her team want to accomplish in 2025, much like her mentor, Russ Rose, was apt to do when reporters brought up previous success.

As many have said in recent weeks during the lead-up to her winning the Jimmy V Award, Schumacher-Cawley is happy — indeed, more comfortable — downplaying her achievements in order to highlight the contributions of her players and staff. She said during her TV segment that the rings are for the players to enjoy, and she encouraged Starck and Grimes to wear them proudly in Chicago, but the focus shifted long ago to the quest for national title No. 9. With the returning and new talent on this year’s roster, Penn State is on the short list of teams seriously in the mix to win it all in 2025.

Here’s a link to DigNittanyVolleyball’s 2025 Penn State roster, which features in-depth player profiles and stats when you click on the hyperlink underneath their jersey number (to the left of their name and photo). It also lists their high school and club volleyball programs. Training camp report day for the Nittany Lions is Friday, August 1, then practice will begin in earnest the following day once Schumacher-Cawley returns from throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs game.

Izzy Starck, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, and Gillian Grimes prepare for their rooftop photo shoot at Big Ten volleyball media days. Photo: Ethan Kasales

Press Conference:

Big Ten Network Segment:

Exclusive Interview With Grimes & Starck:

Starck and Grimes smiling for the camera, something they did often Monday in Chicago. Photo: Ethan Kasales

DigNittanyVolleyball: What’s been the best part about being here in Chicago?

Grimes: “I think seeing just a bunch of the different players and coaches, getting to know them and just seeing them in different attire, was kind of cool, too. But also getting to spend time with Izzy and Katie. It’s been really fun.”

Starck: “I think being able to experience this with Katie and Gill, and just being around all the players here, it’s been so fun. All the cool things they had us do, like being interviewed and all that, it’s just been so fun all day.”

What were some of the craziest questions you two were asked today?

Grimes: “Craziest questions? Honestly, stuff about our team, probably. ‘Who’s going to show up late? Who would you not want to date your son?’ Stuff like that. I was like, ‘I don’t even know.’ They come up with pretty funny questions here.”

What are you most looking forward to about finally getting the season going here?

Starck: “I think just being able to get back out on the court and playing again. It’s crazy how fast the offseason goes, but also the season goes so fast. But I’m just excited, with this new group of players, being able to play with everybody.”

Grimes: “I think just seeing the type of team that we will be and how we compete with a pretty tough preseason. I’m just excited to see us.”

How did you two become League One Volleyball (LOVB) student-athletes? What has that experience been like?

KSC: “They’re just special players.”

Starck: “They just reached out to us and asked if we wanted to be a part of it. I think they do a great job, their organization, especially with their pro [league], all their camps, and the logistics things they do. I think it’s a great thing that they’re doing. It’s something that I wanted to be a part of.”

Grimes: “We got to go to a camp over the summer, us and Emmi [Sellman], so that was a cool experience, too. We got to fly out to Iowa and coach a few girls over there, so that was fun.”

You two have a lot of experience running volleyball camps and clinics. What does it mean to you to be able to give back to the next generation of players?

Grimes: “Just to see them so happy to come to camp, and the joy that volleyball brings them, it kind of puts into perspective that we should still be having that joy while we play.”

Izzy, what was it like being flown out to Portland, Oregon, a few weeks ago to do an advertising campaign for Avoli?

Starck: “Oh, it was so fun. They were so great, the whole company. The people in it were so fun. We got to do a photo shoot. Being there with Andi Jackson, it was such a fun experience, to do something through volleyball that’s light-hearted. And it was nice to be able to travel to a new place.”

What do you think of your new jerseys that you’re debuting here with eight stars on the back?

Grimes: “Pretty sweet. Gotta keep adding those stars.”

Starck: “It feels good to have it on and kind of show recognition in a small way for our season last year.”

What are your thoughts on your Big Ten and NCAA title rings? They’re obviously pretty ornate.

Grimes: “All the questions that we’ve gotten, I feel like, today, it’s all about the detail in the ring that not a lot of people know or see. So it’s kind of personal to each player and this team. It’s really cool to have.”

Starck: “When you look at it, it’s very shiny and blingy, which makes it fun to look at, but the different meanings in it just make it cool, that the team kind of only really knows about.”

Photo: Ethan Kasales

With several months to reflect on last year’s Final Four, what was that experience like for you two?

KSC: “Amazing. It was a moment I don’t think we’ll forget. It was great to enjoy that time with that team. Come August, it’s time to move on with the new team.”

How did that experience against Nebraska [in the semifinals], being able to dig out of that hole, prepare your team for the future? Just knowing you can do things like that.

KSC: “I think it just shows the players to never give up, to trust themselves and trust their skills, and that you can always find a way.”

For the players, what has your experience been learning what Kennedy [Martin’s] game is all about? What do you think she’ll bring to the team?

Grimes: “Yeah, I mean, she’s a huge aspect, and I think we have a lot of great weapons in all positions, so I think that adding her to the roster is going to, honestly, just set us over the edge, too. Just playing with her in the summer, I mean, she’s elite. It’s so funny, because she’ll bounce a ball 10-foot line, but then have the biggest smile on her face, like she didn’t do anything. I think she’s just really humble and brings such a positive and good energy to the team that is really useful.”

Izzy, what stands out about Kennedy to you?

Starck: “I think just what Gill was saying. She’s just such a great person, down to earth. She’s so fun to play with. Our connection is already so good, on and off the court. Our communication is really great. She’s an awesome player. I’m just really excited that I get to have her on my side.”

Grimes: “Definitely.”

What’s your experience been like getting to know [fellow setter] Addie Lyon?

Starck: “Oh, so great. She’s so awesome. Our personalities just mix so well. It’s going to be nice having someone with me, helping me out, and we can always bounce ideas off of each other. But she’s just such a nice person and it’s been great having her around.”

What would you say are the best qualities about Gill’s game?

Starck: “Probably her defense. I mean, she’s such a scrappy player, and she’s so level-headed with how she is and how she plays. I think her passes are great. It makes my job really easy. But no, she just has such a great personality and ‘hype-ness’ on the team that keeps us going, and she does a really good job.”

Grimes: “Thanks, Slizz!”

Gill, you played great in the Final Four. How did that experience help you, being able to show yourself on a national stage?

Grimes: “Yeah, I think it really just gave me the confidence that I needed as a player, too, to kind of fold over into the season, and just do the best I can for the team, on and off the court. And yeah, I’m just really excited to show off what we’ve been working [on] in the spring and summer.”

What kind of advice do you two have for younger players who look up to you?

Starck: “Take your time and don’t compare yourself to other people. I think a lot of people get wound up in the world [about how] you need to progress really [quickly], and just comparing [themselves] to older players. But it’s your own journey. It’s your own timeline, so just enjoy what you have and how you’re going to get there. If you put your hard work into it, you can do anything you want.”

Grimes: “Yeah, I would say just, honestly, work hard, get in the gym as much as you can, and also, just have fun with it. You’re going to play your best volleyball if you’re playing with the people who you like to be around and surround yourself with. Just have fun with it. That’s when your best game will come out.”

Photo: Ethan Kasales

What do you enjoy most about being a setter and just the unique things that come with playing that position?

Starck: “It just makes my job fun. I can be creative, I can be analytical in what I do, and I can make different plays. It just allows me to be creative and have fun with it. I think it’s just a fun job to do, to run my own offense, and have so many great hitters, and be able to do so many cool things with them.”

How would you assess Gill’s setting ability during out-of-system plays?

Starck: “I think she does a good job, with my defense. Sometimes, the pass isn’t perfect, so I definitely think she does a good job giving the hitters time. Her tempo that she’s [worked on] with Maggie [Mendelson] during the offseason, the out-of-system slide has been really cool to see. I think she just continues to get better at it, and it’s really great.”

What impresses you about your backcourt this year? You have Ava [Falduto], Joce [Nathan], Lexi [Gin] in the mix, and some others.

Grimes: “I think we’re really excited. Every practice, we push each other to get better, and it just brings this ultimate competitiveness in the gym, so I think that will really unfold on the court in big [matches], too.”

What have you noticed from the freshmen, as a whole?

Starck: “I think just their confidence they have. It’s really great. I think that they’re meshing in well with us, and they embody the culture that Penn State has, and it’s a really good mix of people.”

What are some things that stand out about Lexi Gin? Do you think she will have a chance to play a decent-sized role this year?

Starck: “Yeah, I mean, she’s doing a great job being scrappy and holding her own with everyone else. It’s a tough position to come into, with three other really good DS/liberos that we have, but I think she’s doing a good job of adapting and really embodying what we want from her, so I think she’s going to do a good job if she keeps working hard.

What impresses you about Ava [Falduto], specifically?

Grimes: “Ava’s great. We have a really good connection on the court, and our trust level, too. I trust her a bunch, on and off the court, really, so I think she’s a great player. She passes dimes all the time and is super scrappy. I think we kind of just bounce off of each other while we play, energy-wise, and also, skill-level wise. So, yeah, I’m excited to be out on court with her, and Joce, as well.”

What about Alexis Ewing? [Fans and media] haven’t seen much of her yet. She was your only freshman this year who didn’t enroll early. I know it’s early, but what have you seen from her this summer?

Starck: “I think she’s great. She touches so high, and she’s done a really good job of adapting to the college level. I think it’s hard to just jump right into it [on] a big team that’s all had experience before, but I think she’s doing a really good job of holding her own and being a part of it. And, really, she gets better every day.”

What stands out to you about Caroline Jurevicius’ development and how has she been adapting to being on that left side more?

Grimes: “CJ’s great. She comes to compete every practice, and that’s what we need. She’s just a huge asset. Some rotations, she is going to be on both pins, so I think she does a really great job on both, and is just an ultimate weapon who we’ll definitely need during the season.”

From left: Rebekah Allick, Izzy Starck, Harper Murray, and Gillian Grimes pose together. Photo: Ethan Kasales

How is your connection evolving with your middles, Jordan [Hopp], Maggie [Mendelson], and Gabrielle [Nichols]?

Starck: “I think it’s [going] great. We’re working really hard on pushing it out-of-system more and just trying new things. I think we all have a great personal connection with each other, so that helps a lot. But it’s looking really good. I’m excited for it to be shown soon.”

What stands out about the two teams that you’re going to be playing at the AVCA First Serve, Creighton and Kansas?

Grimes: “I think the Creighton [match] will be super fun. And Kansas. But the Creighton [match] just because we did end their season last year, so I think there is just going to be a little of that energy. I think they’ll be ready to play us. I’m excited to see that.”

Starck: “Yeah, we’re starting off the season strong and jumping into the deep end with the best teams in the country, so I think it’s a good test for us to see where we’re at and what we need to work on.”

You’re heading to Pittsburgh after that [to play Arizona State and TCU]. What do you think that showcase will be like at PPG Paints Arena?

Starck: “I think it will be really fun. It’s cool we get to play in the hockey arena out there, on this big stage with all these really great teams. We don’t really ever play TCU and Arizona State, so it will be fun to see their style of play, and kind of expose different things that we need to get better [at], just because of the different style that they play.”

You have nine straight home matches at Rec Hall this season, which is fairly unprecedented. What do you think that will be like to be able to rest your legs between matches and not be traveling much in September?

Grimes: “Oh, yeah, definitely, because I’m a big senior now, I’m getting a little old. [Staying] at home will be nice. I think, also, Rec Hall brings this energy that not a lot of schools bring. Just getting the chance to be home for a month will be good for us.”

The program will unveil its 2024 NCAA title banner before the home opener against Kentucky. They have a pretty good team this year. What stands out about [Brooklyn] DeLeye and [Eva] Hudson?

Starck: “Yeah, I think they’re a really pin-heavy team, and they have a lot of heavy arms, so I think just focusing on what they’re strong at, and really adapting. They’re a super-good team, and they have a great coach coaching them, so I think just being able to see what they have in store for us [will be fun]. But it’s all, really, what to expect with any team, because they’re all going to put up their best fight for us.”

Fans don’t need a lot of [extra] motivation to turn out to Rec Hall this year [given you’re coming off a national title], but if you had to give a message to them, what would it be?

Starck: “I think just coming out to support us does a lot. It gives us the energy and the fight to beat any team there is, so I think just being able to pack out Rec Hall, it’s for us, it’s for Coach Katie, it’s for the alums, it’s for everyone there is. I think it just means a lot to us.”

Grimes: “Yeah, definitely. I mean, if you asked a bunch of these teams, Rec Hall is probably one of the hardest places to play at, and that is because of our fans, and the fan base that shows up to our games. So, we want you guys all there.”

Gill, you’re a senior now. When you reflect back on how quickly your college career has gone, what are some things that stand out or that you’re most proud of?

Grimes: “Yeah, I think, really, when I came into Penn State, we were kind of in the middle of the Big Ten, and just to see each team progress and progress each year, I think that’s pretty cool. And how Coach Katie has just been an amazing coach throughout my four years. Hopefully, I can leave some sort of impact, and say that I made the program a little bit better than it was when I came in.”

You always sit with Katie on the bench before matches. What are some of the things that you two talk about during those times? What is your relationship like with her overall? 

Starck: “We just talk about my game plan and just to relax and get ready for the game and such. But, yeah, our relationship’s great. It’s open. We have such a good connection. We can talk about anything, which is just so great to have in a coach.”

Dani Busboom Kelly and Katie Schumacher-Cawley flanked by two of the Big Ten’s best players in Harper Murray and Izzy Starck. Photo: Ethan Kasales

When you think about your comfort level before the Tennessee match [to begin your college career] to where it is now, how would you say you’ve improved in that area?

Starck: “I mean, it’s a completely different level. I’m still nervous before every match, but I know what to expect, to an extent. I know what college volleyball is like, and I definitely think there’s a little more pressure this year than there was last year, just because of the season I had. So, I definitely think I’m going to be just as nervous, probably, as the Tennessee match, but it’s just a different type of nerves.”

How much has Megan Hodge Easy really helped the team by just giving her insights to you?

Grimes: “Megan Hodge is one of the best players. Just to hear her talk to us about her perspective of the game really has helped me, whether that be passing or defense, or even just a hitting perspective, too. I think that’s helped me with my confidence, too.”

What do you remember about your bump set against Nebraska for that Jess [Mruzik] kill? The one where you were about to run into the scorer’s table and somehow got it up.

Starck: “Oh, yeah. I mean, I just put the ball up, trying to get it back in the court, and, somehow, it went back in the middle of the court right where the ‘big’ was. So, I mean, it was cool, because I was running off the court, and I turn around, and the play was over, and I was, personally, confused, but watching the replay back, it was really cool.”

*Skip to the 6:50 mark of this highlight video from the semifinals to watch the play.

There were some “team of destiny” moments last year, if you will, a lot of comebacks. What was that like? Just kind of gritting those out and getting those wins that you maybe didn’t in years past? 

Grimes: “Yeah, I feel like, like you said, all of us just kind of gritted them out. And, honestly, it ended, we were in favor to win, so it was kind of a little bit of destiny and fate. So, for this year, I feel like we just have to work really hard, because maybe we won’t be on the favored side to win or something. So, I feel like, if we just bring that grittiness this year, I feel like we’ll be good.”

What’s the best assist you’ve ever seen from Izzy, whether in practice or a match?

Grimes: “Oh, definitely her one-handed [assists]. She helps me out a bunch. I like the one-handed backward [assists], though. Those are my favorite ones.”

Was that the one against Louisville [in the national championship match]? That was so filthy.

Starck: “Yeah, against Louisville. It was a backwards, one-handed set. Never practiced it. It just happens.”

*View the otherworldly play here.

Where do you think you got your athleticism from? Obviously, your parents both played volleyball in college at a high level. You have some pretty good genes. How have they helped mold you?

Starck: “Yeah, I played multiple sports growing up, which helped. But, I mean, just working hard in the gym, being able to do a lot of different things, and being a hitter before, I’m able to have that athletic ability to jump and go grab a ball. So, I think it just kind of went over into setting a little bit and just being a really aggressive setter.

You shared a moment with your dad after the Big Ten championship-clinching win over Nebraska, where you both were crying on the court. What was that moment like for you?

Starck: “I mean, yeah, it was emotional, just because him seeing both his daughters win a Big Ten title, it never happens. So, I think it was just so surreal for him to see, but I’m just happy I get to make him proud, and all the hard work that he and my mom have put in for me, it means the world to me.”

You two were both on the court for championship point [in Louisville]. What was that experience like in the dogpile at midcourt?

Grimes: “I literally almost slide-tackled Izzy.”

Starck: “I was thinking, ‘This could be the point.'”

Grimes: “Yes! Right.”

Starck: “‘We’re right there. It cannot let up. It’s so close to us. Just finish it.’ Gill had a great out-of-system set to Cam [Hannah].”

Grimes: “Great dig. Great dig.”

Photo: Ethan Kasales

It was so fitting that Cam had the final kill. She had so many final kills in big matches last year. How would you assess her play? What are you going to miss with her being gone?

Grimes: “Cam would win a bunch of games for us, so I think we’ll miss that, definitely, but also the personality that she brought onto the court. She was also just this bubbly, ray of sunshine on the court that we’ll miss. But then again, we do have a bunch of good players coming in who will fill her big shoes.”

Do you two have pro volleyball aspirations? What would that look like with this new landscape in the U.S.?

Starck: “Yeah, I want to play pro after college is done, whether it’s overseas or in the States, but it’s so nice that I can stay home in the States and play for such great leagues here, so it makes me excited.”

Grimes: “Yeah, I think I’ll try and give [pro] volleyball a shot for maybe a few years or a year, just to see. But, yeah, all up in the air, too, but that’s the plan for now.”

Do you have a preference, going overseas or staying home?

Grimes: “I would rather stay home, but also, if there are better opportunities overseas, I could possibly go there, too.”

What have you enjoyed about your area of study at Penn State?

Grimes: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the [criminology] professors and what they have taught me these past years, and just the aspect of all the history behind criminology. So, I think that’s something that has definitely stood out.”

Do you have a dream job in that field or another field?

Grimes: “My dream job was to be in the FBI, but now, I don’t know. Not anymore. That was definitely the dream job.”

How about you? Do you know what you want to study?

Starck: “Yeah, I’m going into mechanical engineering. I want to get my master’s in either that or aerospace engineering and just kind of go into that type of stuff. Both of my parents are engineers, so I want to do that; work on airplanes, cars, and rockets.”

Living down in Florida, you probably get to see some rocket launches. What’s that experience like?

Starck: “Yeah, I mean, it’s so cool. I get to see rockets launched out of my backyard. Like, literally, I go in my backyard at night and rockets are going up.”

I’ve seen some great photos your sister Anjelina’s taken of rocket launches down there.

Starck: “Yeah, it’s so cool. It’s just something I’ve always been interested in, how things work and all that.”

And you have a place where your teammates can go vacation now in Florida. What’s it like spending time with them down there, just relaxing and getting some much-needed time off?

Grimes: “It was awesome, with the group of girls who went, but also, getting to know Izzy’s whole family and her [grandparents], I just felt like I was a Starck for a little bit.”

Photo: Ethan Kasales

What’s it like having that support from your extended family and everyone who’s in your corner?

Starck: “Yeah, it’s great. They welcome all my friends with open arms when I bring them home and everything. It’s just nice, them always being there for me and always being my biggest fans, and it just makes it so nice.”

How about for you? I know you have a pretty big family as well. What does their support mean to you?

Grimes: “Yeah, their support means the world to me. I feel like they’ve always supported me throughout all the games and all the ups and downs, so just knowing that they’re always on my side, it’s just a really big blessing.”

If you had one message for the Penn State fan base this season, what would it be?

Starck: “I think just show up for us and help support us. You do such a great job already of how much you give to the program and how much you support us and show up for us, but just keep doing it. We love it. We love seeing you guys, and can’t wait for the fall to put on a show for everyone.”

Grimes: “Sell out Rec Hall as much as we can. I think the fan base here is awesome, and we really feed off of their energy, so if we can get them to all the games, that’d be the best for us.”

You have two really big home matches [in the span of] eight days against Nebraska and Wisconsin this season. How important will those two matches be, but also taking care of business beforehand?

Grimes: “Yeah, I think we’re really excited to get them at home and, again, have our fan base and have the energy off of that. But yeah, we play so many good teams in the Big Ten conference and preseason, so I think the games leading up to that will definitely be a test and help us through those hard games.”

What did you learn from those two tough losses [against Pitt and Wisconsin] last year?

Starck: “Yeah, I think the losses [were] good. We learned so much from [them]. I think just being a better finisher in games and everything, You can’t just walk into a game and expect to win, so I think just walking in with the fight and ending with the fight.”

Penn State volleyball is going to be on national TV 16 times this season, including four matches on FOX. What are you most looking forward to about playing in front of so many national audiences?

Grimes: “That’s so cool. We weren’t in a lot of those my freshman year, so just to see how women’s sports and women’s volleyball has progressed, I think it’s really cool. We get to be a part of a bunch of those FOX games and all those BTN games, so I think it will be good for us, and good for the team to see how we compete on that highest stage, too.”

Grimes and Starck show off their Big Ten and NCAA title rings at Penn State’s press conference. Photo: Ethan Kasales

What have your experiences been like competing with USA volleyball? Obviously, you’ve won some [medals] with them in the past.

Starck: “Playing on the international level is so awesome. You learn so much about the different types of games there are, and I get to use some of their games and put it into mine. Being in that competitive [environment] when I was that young, it really just carried over and got me ready for college play.”

What are you most looking forward to about tonight’s dinner reception?

Grimes: “Yeah, probably just to meet, hopefully, some of the girls who we’re going to be competing against in a few weeks. Also, the food. The food seems like it’s going to be really good.”

Gill said earlier her outfit today is from Aritzia. Do you know what designer you’re wearing?

Starck: “I have no idea, honestly. It was just in my closet.”

Any hobbies or things that you think fans would be surprised to know about you?

Grimes: “I took up golf this summer. Ava [Falduto] and I would be on the course a lot, so we kind of bonded over that, too. But yeah, it’s actually really fun.”

Frustrating, too. 

Grimes: “Yeah, that, too.”

Starck: “That’s a good question. I’m getting into baking more, baking muffins and such. I’m just trying to do something to pass time when I have time in the summer.”

How important is it to have those times where you can unwind and not focus on all the stressful stuff going on in your lives?

Starck: “It’s nice just being able to do something that’s not volleyball and doesn’t take a lot of thinking, and have a good end result of something good to eat.”

Grimes: “Yeah, just physically and mentally, it helps the body, also, prepare for the long season ahead of us. I think that was a good time over the summer, where we could be with the team, team bonding, so we can build that culture off the court; so it flows on the court.”

Gillian Grimes was clearly enjoying herself at Monday’s dinner reception before taking a players photo. Photo: Ethan Kasales

Any songs that have been on repeat for you lately?

Grimes: “Country songs. I’m a big Morgan Wallen fan. His new album, I’ve been listening to that.”

Have you seen him in concert before?

Grimes: “No, I actually haven’t yet. Hopefully, he comes to the BJC soon. Or Beaver [Stadium].”

You saw Luke Combs last year [at Beaver Stadium with some teammates]. What was that like?

Grimes: “Oh, awesome. Luke Combs is one of the best performers, so that was a great time.”

Any concerts you’ve enjoyed recently or musicians you like, in general?

Starck: “I went to [a] Megan Moroney [show] about two months ago, and that was fun. It was in Pittsburgh, a smaller concert. I went to [a] Zach Bryan [show]. Those were fun.”

Do you have a pregame routine or superstitions?

Grimes: “I listen to the same songs. I kind of go in order of how I put my stuff on all the time.”

Starck: “I have a granola bar before every match. That’s kind of it.”

Who picks the playlist for when the team is warming up before matches at Rec Hall?

Grimes: “We give them suggestions, and then there are some songs that you can’t put. They do a great job with that.”

How important are those team-wide traditions that Penn State volleyball has been doing for years before matches?

Grimes: “It really makes us get into that mindset of being in Rec Hall, or wherever it is.”