Carter Starocci isn’t your average college wrestling icon. This guy is on a whole different level, and he’s been grinding every day to stay there. We all know the drill—train, compete, win. But for Starocci, it’s more than just about the grind. It’s about mindset. And if you’re not operating with the same intensity and drive as him, he sees right through it. He’s not afraid to call out others on their mentality, and he’s got the track record to back it up.

“For me, I almost look forward to training just as much,” Carter Starocci said. It’s not just about getting the W on competition days. His dedication is so next-level that he’s almost as hyped for practice as he is for the real deal. And why? It’s because he trains with the best, every single day in the Nittany Lions practice room, starting his morning routine with counterparts like Jake Varner and Kyle Snyder, later this week Starocci’s schedule includes NCAA champ Levi Haines, Josh Barr, and Aaron Brooks.

But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about the hours you put in. “So I’ve just got to keep the focus on competition days, just because when you’re out there wrestling—Levi hit the nail on the head last week—you can feel these guys, they’re OK with losing. You can feel that. They’re fine with losing, which is just a crazy mindset,” Carter Starocci expressed.

Starocci is all about maintaining that championship mentality, and he’s clearly noticed when others don’t bring that same energy to the mat. Take Levi Haines’ match against Keegan O’Toole on December 23, 2024, at the Collegiate Duals. It was a battle of NCAA champions that went into overtime, with Haines falling short 4-1. Despite his grit, O’Toole’s relentless attacks and refusal to break under pressure gave him the edge—proving Starocci’s point about the mindset needed to dominate.

Carter Starocci is someone who’s already been through the grind and that grind still continues for him, winning four NCAA titles, and being named All-American all four years, Starocci knows exactly what it takes to be the best. He has built a reputation that’s unhinged, not just for his skill on the mat, but for his mental rigidness. And when one is at that level, there’s actually no room for complacency or letting your guard down. Isn’t it?

The journey evolved Starocci

It wasn’t always this easy for Carter Starocci. “Early on in the career, it’s not so fun because you’re on your back most of the time and you’re really annoyed,” he said, recalling his freshman struggles. Like most athletes, he faced adversity early on in his journey, especially when going up against the likes of Jake Varner and Cael Sanderson, two of the greatest to ever do it. As a rookie, being pinned down, frustrated, and out of your comfort zone was just part of the process. But those early challenges were the foundation for his rise to dominance. Those moments on his back? They didn’t break him—they made him who he is today.

And when you see Carter Starocci on the mat today, it’s clear that he’s not the same guy who was struggling with Varner and Sanderson behind the scenes. The four-time NCAA champion (2021-2024), has built his success on lessons learned from those tough practices. But it’s not just about the physical training. It’s about the mental game. Not to sideline the fact that Starocci can create history by winning 5 NCAA championships, now that he’s back in the game utilizing his eligibility. Also, his drive to improve in every session speaks to how much he values the learning process. And for Starocci, the lessons from his early struggles are what set him apart from the competition now.

Looking at his career stats, it’s clear that Starocci’s hard work has paid off. Carter Starocci has a record of 43 pins or tech falls out of 105 matches, that’s beast! Also, including every match this season, he’s shown that his competitive spirit isn’t just about grinding—it’s about dominating and he does that pretty well. Whether it’s his four NCAA titles or his two-time Big Ten championships, Starocci’s mentality and determination have set him up for continued success in the future. What’s your take on the icon? Comment below!