Carter Starocci to Cael Sanderson, Penn State: ‘I gave it my all’

Carter Starocci is coming off perhaps the greatest individual career in the history of Penn State wrestling. The five-time NCAA Champion has already cemented his legacy among the Nittany Lions’ best and now shifts his focus to what’s next in his competitive career.

But before fully turning the page, Starocci took a moment to acknowledge Cael Sanderson and the entire Penn State community for the support he’s received over the last six years.

“PSU wrestling banquet all wrapped up. My time is officially up,” he wrote on X Sunday evening. “It was an honor to help lead these teams. Thank you, Coach Cael, for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to be in your program. I gave it my all every time. Thank you, Penn State, grateful forever.”

PSU wrestling banquet all wrapped up. My time is officially up. It was an honor to help lead these teams. Thank you coach Cael for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to be in your program. I gave it my all every time. Thank you Penn State, grateful forever. ❤️

— Carter Starocci (@carterstarocci) April 6, 2025

Starocci finished his Penn State wrestling career 104-4, not including his 18-0 record competing unattached during his redshirt year in 2019-20. In addition to becoming the first Division I wrestler to win five individual titles, Starocci also became the Nittany Lions’ all-time leader in NCAA Tournament victories last month in Philadelphia.

A public face for the Nittany Lions over the better part of the last decade, Starocci wants to be remembered for his efforts behind closed doors.

“I think just a guy that always led by example, always showed up, no matter the day, if you’re hurt, injured, sad, no matter what, always putting your best foot forward,” he said of his legacy after his title victory. “That’s something I want the younger guys on the team to keep pushing for more and more and more and just keep that Penn State dynasty going.”

With a career most likely in combat sports ahead of him, Starocci will lean into the trademark bravado that has made him one of wrestling’s most high-profile stars. A lack of confidence has never been an issue for Starocci. And he’s always backed it up.

“[If Sanderson would have predicted all his success when he arrived at Penn State] I would have said, you’re damn right.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.