Back in 2023, writer Matt Burnell shared “college basketball and recruiting reporter” Talia Goodman’s post on Nebraska middle blocker Maggie Mendelson entering the transfer portal. It was a sensible move for the former No. 4 volleyball recruit. With multiple middle blockers already on the roster and making no headway in her other talent, basketball, she decided to move on to Penn State.

“That’s a bummer,” Burnell had said shortly after Mendelson entered the transfer portal. “She will do big things somewhere,” he added in what became a prophetic proclamation. The then-Nebraska sophomore’s 1.03 kills per set average, while impressive, didn’t represent Mendelson’s capabilities because she played only 22 games. Yet that changed when she hoisted the NCAA Championship title with the Nittany Lions. However, the 2024 national champion’s story at Penn State isn’t over yet.

“After only playing volleyball for the last two years, Maggie Mendelson will suit up for Penn State’s women’s basketball team this winter after her volleyball season is complete,” wrote Huskers Volleyball reporter Lincoln Arneal. The university officially welcomed the volleyball and basketball star to the Lady Lions on June 25, labeling her as a “certified double threat.”

However, becoming a two-sport athlete isn’t uncharted territory for the NCAA athlete. “The 6-5 senior played both sports at Nebraska in her freshman year in 2023,” Lincoln Arneal added in his post. Most athletes dial down the training during the initial day of the off-season, but not Mendelson. She dove right into competition after finishing her volleyball season at Nebraska in 2022.

For the rest of the regular season, the dual-sport phenom racked up 41 points, 39 rebounds, and 13 blocks in 22 basketball games. Four of the points came against none other than Penn State. Now she’s ready to jump right into a familiar role with the Lady Lions during the upcoming 2025-26 season. What’s more? The Utah native has the full support of her volleyball coach.

Penn State volleyball coach’s message to Maggie Mendelson

While Maggie Mendelson prepares to play basketball under head coach Carolyn Kieger, she will continue to bolster the Lions’ volleyball ranks under Katie Schumacher-Cawley. And the first woman to lay hands on the NCAA title as a coach sounded stoked for her athlete. “I am incredibly excited for Maggie to have the opportunity to play basketball here at Penn State,” said Schumacher-Cawley.

“She is a fierce, competitive athlete with the drive and determination to succeed at the highest level,” said Schumacher-Cawley, and she wasn’t exaggerating. Mendelson played a consistent role in helping Penn State clinch its historic 2024 NCAA volleyball title. She played all 37 matches and started 36, notching 242 kills. Those numbers improved her kill/set from 1.03 in Nebraska to 1.91.

The Middle blocker also racked up 146 blocks and four aces. Mendelson continued to perform for Penn State during the NCAA Tournament as well, averaging 1.05 kills/set and 0.90 blocks/set in six matches. So it’s no wonder Schumacher-Cawley had nothing but praise for the former Nebraska Husker middle blocker.

“Her ability to contribute to both our volleyball and basketball programs is a true testament to her versatility, work ethic, and passion for sport… I couldn’t be more thrilled to support her in this journey,” added the volleyball coach. While Maggie Mendelson already proved Matt Burnell’s prediction right by winning the NCAA title, we’ll have to wait and see if she can add an NCAA basketball title to her resume as well.