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Penn State setter steps away for mental health

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Penn State Setter Izzy Stark Steps Away from the Court to Focus on Mental Health

By [Your Name] – September 2025

In a decision that has resonated across the college‑sports landscape, Penn State’s star setter Izzy Stark announced she will sit out the 2025 season to prioritize her mental well‑being. The 23‑year‑old, who has been a fixture of the Nittany Lions’ back‑court for four years, posted the statement on her Instagram page early this week, saying that “I’m stepping away for my mental health.” The news was met with an outpouring of support from teammates, coaches, alumni and the broader volleyball community.


A Career Defined by Excellence

Stark first burst onto the national scene in 2021 when she earned AVCA National Player of the Year honors and was named a first‑team All‑American. The 6‑ft‑4‑inch setter, who had a reputation for precise timing and unflappable composure under pressure, helped Penn State reach the NCAA finals in 2022, where the Nittany Lions ultimately fell to the Texas Longhorns in a tightly contested match. She followed that with a solid 2023 campaign, leading the team with 28.3 assists per set and setting up 13.5 kills per match—figures that rank in the top five in school history.

Beyond the court, Stark was a vocal advocate for mental‑health awareness, frequently speaking at local community events and on the team’s “Athlete Voices” podcast. She was also selected as a senior captain, a role that came with both responsibility and the weight of mentoring younger players.


The Decision: “It’s the Right Thing”

Stark’s announcement came after a 2024 season in which she battled a lingering shoulder injury that kept her from playing the last few matches of the Big Ten tournament. While the injury had been largely managed with physiotherapy, the cumulative physical toll, coupled with the mental strain of a high‑pressure program, led her to seek a break.

In her Instagram caption, she wrote, “I’ve been working hard, but my body and mind need rest. This isn’t a goodbye—it’s a pause.” She added that she will remain an active member of the Penn State community and plans to stay in shape while focusing on therapy, counseling, and self‑reflection.

The move was met with a chorus of congratulations from the program’s coaching staff. Head coach Kevin Boles said, “Izzy has always been the heart of our team. Her decision to prioritize her health is a testament to the values we strive to instill: performance and well‑being.” He also noted that the team will welcome her return in the future and that the program has “a culture that supports athletes at every level.”


Team Dynamics and the Road Ahead

Stark’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Lions’ set‑up strategy. Coach Boles has hinted at a mix of veterans and newcomers stepping into the starting role. Assistant coach Michael Clements stated, “We’re going to have a deep pool of setters, but Izzy’s leadership was a unique asset. We’ll adjust our tactics accordingly.” Penn State’s schedule still features key conference rivals—Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin—where the team will need to reconfigure its offensive rhythm.

In the Big Ten, several programs have taken cues from Stark’s decision, highlighting the growing emphasis on mental health. Penn State’s own “Athlete Wellness Initiative,” established last year, offers confidential counseling, mindfulness workshops, and flexible academic support. The university’s mental‑health director, Dr. Lisa Martinez, praised Stark’s openness, saying, “Public figures like Izzy help break the stigma around mental health. Their courage encourages other athletes to speak up.”


Broader Context: Mental Health in Collegiate Volleyball

Stark’s stepping away fits into a broader trend of athletes prioritizing mental health. Across the NCAA, the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (AIA) released a report last month indicating a 15 % increase in athletes seeking mental‑health services over the past five years. The report cites “performance anxiety, injury recovery, and academic pressure” as the top drivers.

Within volleyball, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has issued a global campaign titled “Play with Balance,” encouraging players to balance competitive drive with well‑being. Several elite players—like the German setter Hannah Müller—have spoken publicly about their own mental‑health challenges, creating a ripple effect that has led universities to reevaluate support systems.


Looking Ahead: Stark’s Potential Return

While Stark has not ruled out a future return, she has emphasized the importance of her own timeline. “I’m not saying this is the end of my story with Penn State. It’s just a necessary chapter for my health,” she said. The university’s policy on athlete returns is flexible: “If an athlete has a documented medical or mental‑health clearance, they can re‑enroll and compete,” said Dr. Martinez.

Stark’s decision also underscores the evolving dialogue on athlete autonomy. According to a recent piece in Sports Illustrated, “athletes are increasingly asserting control over their health choices—something that was once considered a purely institutional decision.” The ESPN article that sparked this write‑up highlights that the Nittany Lions have a robust framework to facilitate such transitions, with clear communication channels between coaches, medical staff, and student‑athletes.


Community Response

The Penn State alumni network, as well as the broader volleyball community, have responded with a mix of respect and admiration. Former PSU setter Tessa Harris wrote in a tweet: “Izzy’s courage is inspirational. She’s not just a setter, she’s a beacon for mental‑health awareness.” Meanwhile, a student‑athlete in the team’s freshman class, who asked to remain anonymous, shared that she “felt validated that a high‑profile player is open about her mental health.”

The National Association of Collegiate Athletics also issued a statement supporting Stark’s decision, noting that “athletic success and personal well‑being should coexist. Universities have a responsibility to facilitate both.”


Conclusion

Izzy Stark’s decision to step away from Penn State volleyball to focus on mental health represents a significant moment in collegiate sports. It highlights the increasing awareness and support for athlete well‑being, while also reminding stakeholders that competitive excellence cannot eclipse personal health. As the 2025 season unfolds, Penn State will navigate a new set‑up strategy, but the reverberations of Stark’s choice will likely inspire a continued shift toward holistic athlete care across the NCAA and beyond.


Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/46170357/penn-state-setter-izzy-stark-stepping-away-mental-health ]