Karolina Staniszewska Earns All-Big Ten Second Team Honors After Breakout Season for Michigan State Volleyball
ROSEMONT, Ill. - Karolina Staniszewska’s 2025 campaign wasn’t just impressive - it was a statement. And on Tuesday, the Big Ten took notice, naming the Michigan State outside hitter to the All-Big Ten Second Team. It’s the first all-conference honor of her career, and it caps a season where Staniszewska didn’t just step up - she led.
The junior from Warsaw, Poland, was the engine behind the Spartans' resurgence this fall. She started all 30 matches - the only Spartan to do so - and played in 112 of 113 sets. Her consistency and durability were key in guiding Michigan State to an 18-12 record, the program’s best mark since 2017.
But it wasn’t just availability - it was production. Staniszewska led the team with 349 total kills, averaging 3.12 kills per set.
And when the lights got brighter in conference play, she elevated her game even further, delivering 248 kills at a 3.26 clip per set against Big Ten opponents. That’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just earn accolades - it earns respect across one of the nation’s toughest volleyball conferences.
She hit several career highs this season, including 23 kills in a single match, 19 digs, four service aces, and five total blocks. That all-around impact made her one of the most valuable players on the court night in and night out. Her nine double-doubles (kills-digs) and 19 matches with double-digit kills underscore her ability to influence the game in multiple ways.
Staniszewska also hit a personal milestone in the season finale against UCLA, surpassing 500 career kills. She now sits at 513 heading into her senior year - a number that’s likely to keep climbing if her trajectory continues.
Also earning recognition for Michigan State was graduate outside hitter Danyle Courtley, who was named the Spartans’ recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Courtley’s journey back to the court this season was a story of perseverance.
After suffering a season-ending injury early in 2024, she returned to action on September 11 against Kennesaw State and played in 21 sets across 11 matches. The award honors student-athletes who exemplify sportsmanship and ethical behavior, and Courtley’s comeback was a testament to both.
The Big Ten’s postseason honors featured standout performances from across the conference. Nebraska’s Bergen Reilly pulled off a rare double, earning both Player of the Year and Setter of the Year honors, while Penn State’s Gillian Grimes was named Libero of the Year. Oregon’s Alanah Clemente took home Freshman of the Year, and Nebraska’s Dani Busboom Kelly was recognized as Coach of the Year by both coaches and media.
Staniszewska’s inclusion on the All-Big Ten Second Team places her among elite company and serves as a major building block for Michigan State’s future. With her leadership, production, and now conference recognition, the Spartans have a cornerstone to build around heading into 2026.