Expectation & Predictions for the returning National & B1G Champs

Penn State Nittany Lions are the returning National & Big Ten Champions. So what does this mean for their upcoming season? The Nittany Lions are ranked #2 in the Big Ten preseason poll and lost some critical talent this off season. So what does the 2025 season look like for Penn State and what are some of their expectations?

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The most notable exit was OH Jess Mruzik. She led the team in kills and in consistency. She was the rock of this group last season and pushed them to win the Big Ten and the national championship. Losing her to graduation is a big loss so what do they do now? Well, they replaced Mruzik with in conference transfer Emmy Sellman. She was a 6 rotation OH for Ohio State and will just be in her sophomore season. Sellman will be a big asset when it comes to attacking. The biggest question will be if she can maintain a passing consistency that the Nittany Lions will need. I guess we'll see. 

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They also lost other OH Cam Hannah BUT I think fans can expect to see a bit of a switch up to make up for this loss. I am predicting that Caroline Jurevicious, returning opposite, will move to the outside and MAJOR transfer Kennedy Martin (Florida) will take her place on the right side nicely. Again, there is some room for passing to be a struggle for Penn State, but with their depth in the DS/L position they could very easily DS both outsides!

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They also have some impressive freshman talent coming in now and they  return both middle blocker Jordan Hopp, who made a BIG TIME effort at the end of last season, as well as Maggie Mendelson.

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When talking with Coach Katie, Izzy Starck, and Gill Grimes at media days the group is ready for the upcoming season and are striving to remain the national and Big Ten champs. When I asked them what their expectations are for this season I got chills from their answer. Both players and coach talked about how being a national presence and winning championships is simply the Penn State way and that they are going to get back in the gym and do work like they know how to do to make sure they stay up at the top. 

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Personally, I am not worried about Penn State and their ability to compete this season. They are going to do what they do best and continue to compete to be at the top!