Penn State Wrestler Starocci Wins Historic Fifth NCAA Title

Penn State has named wrestler Carter Starocci and volleyball player Jess Mruzik as its 2024-2025 Athletes of the Year after their historic seasons leading their teams to NCAA championships. Starocci became the first Division I male wrestler to win five NCAA titles, finishing his career with a 104-4 record and earning accolades including the 2025 Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championships and Big Ten Wrestler of the Year. Mruzik was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship after helping Penn State secure its eighth national title, posting impressive stats such as a .308 hitting percentage and averaging over 6 kills per set in key matches. Both athletes have received multiple All-America honors and have been recognized previously by Penn State and the Big Ten. Starocci also competed at the World Team Trials, highlighting his prominence beyond collegiate wrestling. They are now Penn State's nominees for the Big Ten Athletes of the Year honors.