'I’m not just showing up for another season"- Carter Starocci sends a strong message as he pushes limits ahead of final run with Penn State

Carter Starocci opened up on his training and how he has been sharpening his wrestling skills to ring in the 2025 season at Pennsylvania State University. The four-time NCAA champion vied for the 2024 Paris Olympics but was defeated by Trent Hilday at the trials.

Hailing from Pennsylvania, Starocci amassed multiple national tournament wins in Greco-Roman and clinched a Fargo National title and two PIAA state champion titles when in high school. He started classes at Penn State in the 2019-2020 season, racking up an unbeaten 19-0 record during his first year in college. At the end of the following season, he clinched his first NCAA Champion's title in 2021, building up to the Tokyo Olympic trials. However, he lost in back-to-back matches and ended his debut Games bid.

Carter Starocci lifted the NCAA Championship Division I wins in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In the latest edition, he suffered an injury but pulled back up to claim the National win, becoming the sixth four-time NCAA champion in history.

Ahead of the 2024-25 NCAA season, Starocci issued a bold message in his Instagram post, shedding light on his strict training mindset. He wrote:

"Art is never finished, only abandoned. That’s how I see it. Every day, I’m sharpening my craft, working on my masterpiece—one rep, one practice, one match at a time. People talk about greatness like it happens overnight, but the real ones know it’s built in the everyday. Which prepares for the moments of the unknown—and you push through anyway."

He added:

"I’m not just showing up for another season; I’m putting in work that most won’t see and even fewer will do. When you love something, you are willing to give it all for it. Instead of working overtime, I work all the time."

Carter Starocci has two Big Ten titles from 2022 and 2023 and a silver from 2021 in his repertoire.

Carter Starocci expressed gratitude to his trainers and doctors for his journey

Despite a disappointing end to his Paris Olympic bid, Starocci posted about his return to the regime with the help of his family, the Penn State wrestling team, and doctors, especially his trainer Dan Monthly. Expressing gratitude, the 23-year-old penned:

"Last year’s finish was one for the books. But never inhale on events that take place, it’s always on to the next thing. My father has always instilled in me from day one that a true champion gets it done no matter what."

Carter Starocci added:

"I am blessed to be surrounded by such great people in my life with my family, team, Penn State, and doctors. Especially my coaches who truly make everything I and this team do, work, real leaders by example in all areas. They are the REAL champions. Most importantly, trainer Dan Monthly."

Carter Starocci won the bronze medal in the 79kg at the 2022 U23 World Championships, the only World medal in his wall of fame.