Story byCydney Henderson, USA TODAYWed, December 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM UTC·1 min readPitt volleyball's fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament national semifinals ended with another heartbreak following an upset loss to the eventual champions, the Texas A&M Aggies. But the Panthers have reloaded for next season with one of the biggest names in the transfer portal. The Panthers announced the signing of former Penn State setter Izzy Starck on Tuesday, pairing the 2024 AVCA National Freshman of the Year with Olivia Babcock, the two-time AVCA National Player of the Year. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"I’m so excited I cannot wait for next season to start," Babcock wrote on Instagram.