Penn State Volleyball Star Mac Podraza Makes a Splash, Secures Professional Future With Grand Rapid Rise

After a super tenure in her graduate season at Penn State, setter Mac Podraza has efficiently transitioned to the professional stage by using inking to cope with the Grand Rapids Rise as an undrafted loose agent. The Rise, part of the recently installed Pro Volleyball Federation, is about to make its inaugural appearance this month, adding importance to Podraza’s access to the professional indoor volleyball league.

A native of Sunbury, Ohio, Podraza’s collegiate adventure saw her spend four seasons at Ohio State before making a pivotal move to Happy Valley for her very last year. Although she narrowly missed out on All-American accolades at some stage in her stint at Penn State, her reputation as a primary-group All-Big Ten player and her role in propelling the group to the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament underscored her priceless contributions.

Grand Rapids Rise welcomes volleyball star Mac Podraza

Podraza’s statistical footprint throughout her collegiate career is brilliant, boasting 5115 assists, 998 digs, 325 kills, 283 blocks, and 56 aces. The news broke out on the official Twitter page of Penn State Women’s Volleyball with the caption: “Mac’s going pro.“

 Zooming in on her extraordinary season at Penn State, she brought 1,236 assists, 256 digs, 58 kills, seventy-three blocks, and 14 aces to her repertoire. Her stellar achievements encompass three All-American honors and the title of Big Ten Setter of the Year in 2022, solidifying her reputation as one of the foremost setters in the Big Ten and the broader countrywide volleyball panorama.

The Setter’s Legacy in Collegiate and Professional Volleyball

Cathy George, the esteemed teacher of the Grand Rapids Rise, showered praise on Podraza’s tenacious competitiveness and profound volleyball acumen, expressing optimism about her capacity effect on the team. She said, “Mac has been one of the top setters in the Big Ten and nationally. She plays with a competitive fire and has a strong volleyball aptitude.” As the Rise commences its preseason training camp, Podraza eagerly steps into the arena, ready to vie for a coveted spot on the roster.

Also read: Not the Huskers’ Volleyball but Different Nebraska Team Makes Big Waves During the NCAA Off-Season

The tremendously expected season opener against the Columbus Fury on January 25 promises to be a fascinating debut for Podraza as she embarks on this new and thrilling chapter of her professional volleyball career. Wishing her the utmost achievement as she navigates the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

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