The 2024 women's volleyball season has seen freshmen making a serious impact right out of the gate. Here are Michella Chester's picks for those who are making the biggest waves so far this year.
Izzy Starck, Penn State
A key leader for Penn State, Starck has emerged as one of the best setters in the nation. Averaging over 11 assists per set and leading her team to a top-three national hitting percentage (.307), Starck’s impact is undeniable. Recently named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the fourth time, she also recorded her sixth double-double with a stellar 53 assists and 12 digs against Indiana.
Aniya Madkin, Arkansas
Madkin has quickly become a dominant force for Arkansas, earning back-to-back SEC Freshman of the Week honors. The redshirt freshman outside hitter leads all SEC freshmen with 3.88 kills per set, and in conference play, she’s averaging an impressive 5.47 kills per set — better than any other player in the SEC. Madkin has recorded over 10 kills in six consecutive performances, including a 25-kill display against Oklahoma.
Ipar Kurt, Stanford
Hype us up, Ipar 🗣#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/uBIFD9ur4s
— Stanford Women's Volleyball (@StanfordWVB) September 5, 2024
Kurt has been a force for Stanford this season, recently earning ACC Freshman of the Week honors. The redshirt freshman outside hitter leads her team with 3.83 kills per set on an impressive .381 hitting percentage. Kurt's breakout moment came against Boston College, where she posted a career-high .688 hitting percentage with 12 kills on 16 swings and just one error. She also delivered a career-best three aces in the same match, showcasing her all-around versatility on the court.
Julia Hunt, Washington
Hunt has quickly made her mark at Washington, becoming the first Husky to win Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. The middle blocker has been a dominant presence, leading her team with a .392 hitting percentage and averaging 1.25 blocks per set. Hunt has reached double-digit kills in five matches, including 16 against UC Davis.
Faith Frame, Cincinnati
𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 👑
— Cincinnati Volleyball (@GoBearcatsVB) October 8, 2024
Faith Frame picks up her second Big 12 Rookie of the Week honor after averaging 4.29 digs per set last week!#Bearcats | @Faith_Frame pic.twitter.com/PzZnlD5ZME
Cincinnati libero Frame has already made her mark in the Big 12, earning two Rookie of the Week honors in 2024. Frame is the first Bearcat to earn multiple Big 12 weekly awards in a season, currently ranking sixth in the conference with 4.12 digs per set. She posted a career-high 27 digs in a win over Xavier and has reached double-digit digs in 12 matches this season, including eight straight.
Charlie Fuerbringer, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Fuerbringer has quickly made her mark, ranking fourth in the Big Ten with 10.45 assists per set. In her freshman season, she’s helped lead the Badgers offense to impressive performances, including a career-high 51 assists against Baylor. Recently named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, she totaled 68 assists across two sweeps, including a win over No. 25 Washington.
Cristin Cline, Oregon
Cline has been a key force behind Oregon’s success this season, stepping up as the team's setter after redshirting last year. She’s averaging 10.38 assists per set to power Oregon’s high-flying offense. Cline has seamlessly taken over the setter role, guiding the Ducks on an impressive 11-match winning streak earlier in the season.
Madison Burr, South Dakota State
Burr has made a big impact for unbeaten South Dakota State, ranking in the top 20 nationally with 1.44 blocks per set and adding 1.92 kills per set. She matched a three-set program record with 10 blocks against UIC, earning her first career double-double.
