Izzy Starck, Ava Falduto Talk Winning Gold At U19 Pan American Cup

Posted on by Ethan Kasales

Penn State women’s volleyball commits Izzy Starck and Ava Falduto helped USA volleyball win gold at the 2023 NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup last Sunday in Puerto Rico.

Starck and Falduto started all fives matches during a 5-0 run that culminated in the U.S. team’s second sweep of Mexico that week in the championship match, prevailing 25-8, 25-18, 25-18 to secure back-to-back gold medals in the event, which took place in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, this year. The U.S. didn’t lose a set all tournament.

It was Starck’s second time representing her country on an age-group national team, as the highly ranked setter was one of two returners from last July’s U.S. squad, including incoming Stanford freshman Julia Blyashov, that went 5-0 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Falduto earned the libero job after a standout week of training in Anaheim, California, where head coach Keegan Cook of Minnesota selected 12 players  from a group of 20 to compete in Puerto Rico. Falduto was named the tournament’s Best Receiver in her U.S. debut.

Falduto and Starck verbally committed to Penn State’s 2024 recruiting class within two days of each other in June 2022. They represent 1st Alliance VBC and the Colorado Juniors, respectively, on the club circuit. They are wrapping up their final club seasons this spring, as Falduto and Starck will both enroll a semester early at Penn State in January 2024.

Starck, the reigning Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year, will play her senior season at Viera High School in Melbourne, Florida, after three years at Rampart High School in Colorado Springs, where she won a 5A state championship as a freshman in May 2021 alongside her older sister, Anjelina. They will be teammates again as Nittany Lions during the 2024 season.

Falduto, who hails from Elmhurst, Illinois, in the Chicago area, led IC Catholic Prep to a runner-up finish in last fall’s 2A state tournament, showcasing her skills as an outside hitter for the Knights despite being destined for the backcourt in college. She’s scheduled to participate in the UA Next camp stop July 7 in Chicago in hopes of joining Starck as an Under Armour All-American.

Starck and Falduto discussed winning gold in Puerto Rico and their overall experience overseas in a pair of exclusive interviews with DigNittanyVolleyball. The transcript of questions and answers can be found below.

How would you describe your experience in Puerto Rico, including doing some sightseeing, trying new foods, and getting closer with your teammates?

Starck: “It was definitely very different, but I am so glad that I got to experience it. It was really great to see their culture and see all these new places. With my teammates, we instantly clicked, and we are all very close, especially because all 12 of us shared a room.”

Falduto: “My experience in Puerto Rico was surreal. I could not have asked for a better trip as my first time representing USA. It was definitely a complete experience, as we got to see different parts and cultures of Puerto Rico and the other countries we competed against. We ate similar meals every day as a team, and the food was pretty good. I grew close with my teammates, as we all shared a room, and I had an amazing time getting to know the team. We spent a ton of time together, and the girls are such great athletes and people.”

What do you think the team did particularly well in order to win gold in such convincing fashion?

Starck: “I think that we worked together so well, and really focused on our technique and ability to control the game.”

Falduto: “I think our team did particularly well serving and blocking this tournament. It was difficult for teams to stay in system because of our aggressive serving. We also did not let teams go on runs against us and we stayed in control of the game.”

What was going through your head on championship point when all of your teammates rushed onto the court to celebrate?

Starck: “That it was crazy that I got another gold medal with USA volleyball. It was such a surreal and unbelievable feeling.”

Falduto: “I honestly don’t remember my exact thoughts during that point. I was really overjoyed and I still can’t believe any of it happened. It was just crazy and a dream.”

What was it like playing with your future Penn State teammate for the first time in competition? What does she do well?

Starck: “It was so fun, and we have an instant really good connection. She is a really good all-around libero with great energy and control.”

Falduto: “Playing with Izzy was unreal. I knew how great of an athlete she was before this, but being on the same side as her was something different. I am so grateful I was able to play with her for two weeks. She’s an incredible athlete and leader, and runs the court extremely well.”

What are some things you learned from your coaches and teammates that stuck with you? How will this experience benefit you as a player moving forward?

Starck: “I think making the game simple, and it’s going to get ugly before it gets pretty. I think really focusing on the process and embracing trying new things at a fast pace.”

Falduto: “I learned the importance of making the best out of situations and the importance of constant communication. I had a great time with the athletes and coaches on and off the court. I’m so lucky I got to play with such a great group.”