The NCAA Volleyball season has been nothing short of thrilling this year, capturing the attention of fans across the country. The excitement has only intensified as the latest AVCA rankings were released, with Pittsburgh and Nebraska holding steady at the top two spots. Meanwhile, Penn State, a powerhouse in the sport, remains comfortably within the top six. Recently, all eyes were on a dramatic rematch between No. 3 Penn State and No. 7 Wisconsin. This match held extra weight as it served as a chance for Penn State to seek redemption against Wisconsin, who ended their season during the 2024 NCAA Tournament. However, despite the Nittany Lions’ efforts, the Badgers once again proved to be a formidable opponent, defeating Penn State 3-0.
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Though the scoreline may suggest a one-sided affair, it would be a mistake to overlook the bright future of Penn State’s star player, Caroline Jurevicius. The outside hitter, a redshirt freshman majoring in communication, has quickly made a name for herself as a fierce competitor. Despite Penn State’s loss, Jurevicius’ performance showcased her incredible potential. Throughout the game, she displayed exceptional athleticism and determination, stringing together a series of powerful kills that closed the gap in a tense match. Even when things seemed grim, Jurevicius’ leadership and resilience stood out, proving that this young athlete is ready to take the volleyball world by storm.
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But who exactly is Caroline Jurevicius, and where does her fierce athletic drive come from? To understand her competitive edge, it’s essential to look at the legacy she comes from—a family of athletes who are no strangers to hard work and success.
Caroline Jurevicius’ Athletic Family: A Legacy of Excellence
Caroline Jurevicius is not the only standout athlete in her family. Her athletic background is one of the main reasons she has been able to excel on the court at such a young age. Her father, Joe Jurevicius, is a name that football fans will recognize. Joe is a former NFL wide receiver who played in the league for 11 years. Notably, he was a key contributor to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in the 2002 season. Over the course of his career, Joe registered 29 touchdown receptions and more than 4,000 receiving yards, leaving a significant mark on the NFL. His career is one defined by excellence, grit, and resilience—traits he has passed down to Caroline.\
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Before his NFL career, Joe played college football at none other than Penn State University, where he ended his collegiate career with 94 receptions for 1,894 yards and 15 touchdowns. With a legacy like that, it’s no wonder Caroline’s athleticism is so impressive. However, the athletic talent doesn’t stop with Joe. Caroline’s mother, Meagan, was a track star at Princeton University, further adding to the family’s sports pedigree. This combination of elite athletic genes from both parents clearly played a role in shaping Caroline’s exceptional abilities as a volleyball player.
A Journey to Penn State: Caroline’s Path to Redemption
Despite growing up in a sports-focused family, Caroline’s journey to Penn State was far from conventional. Initially, she attended Nebraska as a freshman, where she played a backup role to All-American right-side hitter Merritt Beason. Although Caroline didn’t see much action on the court during her first season at Nebraska, her determination and potential were evident. When Nebraska’s season ended with a heartbreaking national championship loss, Caroline knew it was time for a change. Just one day after the final whistle blew in Tampa, Florida, Caroline entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling the start of a new chapter in her volleyball career.
Caroline’s decision to transfer was not an easy one, but with four years of eligibility left, she knew she had the chance to prove herself elsewhere. Ranked as the No. 17 recruit nationally and the No. 3 opposite hitter by Prepvolleyball.com, her talent was undeniable. Her athleticism, honed by her parents’ influence and her own hard work, made her one of the most promising players in the country.
The transfer to Penn State has already proven to be a pivotal decision. This season, Caroline has quickly become a standout player for the Nittany Lions, showcasing her skills in crucial moments. Just a few weeks ago, when No. 7 Penn State took on Temple, Caroline was the driving force behind the team’s victory. She led the charge with nine kills on 17 attacks, helping Penn State control the match from start to finish. It’s clear that Caroline is not just here to participate—she’s here to make her mark on the sport and create her own legacy, just as her father did in the NFL.
Lessons from Dad: Resilience and the Importance of Hard Work
The influence of Caroline’s father, Joe, extends far beyond his success on the field. He’s instilled in Caroline the importance of resilience and the ability to persevere through adversity. Joe’s career was defined by his battle through injuries, including multiple knee surgeries and a severe staph infection, yet he continued to play at an elite level. After retiring from football, Joe transitioned into coaching, further demonstrating his commitment to the sport and his dedication to passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
In his words, “I love my girls (Caroline and Ava). They’re my best friends. On the flip side of it, it’s not my job to be their best friend. I’ve always tried to teach them how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” These words resonate deeply with Caroline, who has faced her own set of challenges as she navigates her way through the competitive world of NCAA volleyball.
The Jurevicius Family’s Bright Future: Ava’s Turn to Shine
As if Caroline’s success wasn’t enough to make the Jurevicius family proud, her younger sister, Ava, is following in her footsteps. Ava recently became the fifth member of the 2025 Penn State women’s volleyball recruiting class, committing to the Nittany Lions just a few months ago. The Jurevicius sisters are already well on their way to creating a lasting legacy at Penn State, with both girls poised to make a significant impact in the world of NCAA volleyball. Caroline has already demonstrated her ability to lead and perform under pressure, and with Ava joining her at Penn State, the future looks bright for the Jurevicius family.
Together, Caroline and Ava represent the continuation of a remarkable athletic legacy that stretches across multiple generations and sports. The combination of hard work, dedication, and an unbreakable family bond is sure to propel them both to new heights, and it will be exciting to watch their journeys unfold in the years to come.
A Legacy in the Making
Caroline Jurevicius is more than just a talented volleyball player—she’s a product of a family that embodies resilience, athleticism, and a relentless drive for success. With her father’s NFL legacy and her mother’s achievements as a track star, it’s no surprise that Caroline is making a name for herself in the world of NCAA volleyball. Her journey to Penn State has been marked by determination and the willingness to take risks, and this season, she is already proving that she has the talent and mindset to excel. As Caroline continues to make waves on the court, it’s clear that she is not only following in her family’s footsteps but is poised to create her own legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
The Jurevicius family’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and success—a story that continues to inspire and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Penn State and the world of NCAA sports.
