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Women's Volleyball By: Jim Hague

Scarlet Raider Profile: Sharon Starling

Sharon Starling was born in Argentina, a country where the sport of volleyball is far more popular than it is in her new home of the United States.

Starling's mother, Claudia, was a volleyball player during her childhood days. Claudia Starling gave her daughter some solid advice when Sharon was an aspiring player in Toms River, N.J.

"She told me that if you learn to play every position, they'll always have a spot for you," Starling said. "So I like being able to play everywhere."

Starling is a senior on the Rutgers-Newark women's volleyball team. Her regular position would be as an outside hitter, but she's been extremely versatile this season, playing practically every position on the floor for the Scarlet Raiders.

"Sharon was originally just a front row player," said R-N head coach Megan Knott. "But now she plays all the way around. She has an aggressive attitude and that helps us. But she has a calming presence on the court like she's a calming force."

"I love switching it up," Starling said. "I just got to hit middle (hitter) and that's more exciting. I think I've become a better server. It's good switching positions."

Starling is a biology major with the hope of getting accepted into the Rutgers dental school. It's part of the reason why Starling chose R-N to study undergraduate.
"I was able to play volleyball, but I have focused on academics," said Starling, an excellent student. "I wanted to continue on with the Rutgers dental school. Everything is so close to home. It's only an hour drive. I wanted to be able to stay close to home."

Starling is an extremely powerful left-handed hitter, her natural side.

"I get the most powerful hits when I'm playing on the right side because I'm left-handed," Starling said. "It gives me a chance to hit the ball in different spots."

Knott has nothing but praise about Starling.

"She was one of my first players when I got here," Knott said. "She has a very heavy place in a leadership role for us. We needed someone to step up and help with the underclassmen and that is what Sharon did. She is quiet, but she's aggressive when she needs to be. And she's very level headed. When something needs to be said, she'll say it."

"I tend to be quiet generally, but when it comes to being on the court, I need to be loud," Starling said. "There could be a point that could make or break us. There's so much emotion involved and that brings out a difference in me."

And as a hitter?

"Not many teams are ready for her attack," Knott said. "She swings so hard. There are not many right side hitters who do what she does."

Knott doesn't know what the future holds for Starling in terms of her education.

"I know she'll be looking to get her Master's," Knott said. "I hope it's here and I hope she stays with us. This year, she's proven to be even more valuable. She's our strongest right side hitter, but she has been a setter. We had a week where our setter and backup setter were both out and she stepped into that spot."

Starling knows that the Scarlet Raiders have struggled thus far.

"The results haven't been what we would have liked," Starling said. "But the team chemistry is still very good. As a team, I still think we can push to where I think we can be. We had a big win against New Jersey City University and it was much needed."

As for her future?

"I've enjoyed the past four years here," Starling said. "Coming back is something I have to think about. I will be pursuing my Master's in biological sciences. Everything is still up in the air. If I do come back, I don't want to upset the team chemistry, so we'll see."

If Starling does come back for her year lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, she would be a welcome addition to the growth of a young Scarlet Raider roster.
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Players Mentioned

Sharon Starling

#12 Sharon Starling

RS/S
5' 7"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Sharon Starling

#12 Sharon Starling

5' 7"
Junior
RS/S