Ipar Ozay Kurt, a rising Turkish volleyball talent, has been making a name for herself in the United States as she continues her collegiate career at Stanford University.
The 21-year-old outside hitter, who played for Fenerbahce before moving to the U.S., is now gaining recognition for her athletic and academic achievements.
Born on November 10, 2003, in Istanbul, Ipar Kurt has been a prominent figure in Turkish volleyball from an early age.
Her transition to Stanford in 2023 marked a significant step in her career.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Joined Fenerbahce’s volleyball team |
| 2018 | Won bronze at the U17 European Championship |
| 2019 | Secured bronze at the European Youth Olympic Festival |
| 2020 | Won gold at the U19 European Championship, named MVP |
| 2023 | Enrolled at Stanford University with a full scholarship |
| 2024 | Named ACC Freshman of the Week, recorded career-best stats |
Kurt has quickly adapted to the competitive landscape of NCAA volleyball. In her second season at Stanford, she played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them reach the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.
She recently reflected on her journey through social media:
Her performance did not go unnoticed.
During an NCAA quarterfinal match, American commentators emphasized her strong academic background and her experience playing for one of Türkiye’s top volleyball clubs, Fenerbahce.
Another remarked on her seamless adaptation to the U.S. collegiate system, saying, “Ipar knew that if she wanted to combine the highest level of academics and the highest level of volleyball, it was pretty much Stanford or nothing.”
Her recruitment process also demonstrated how highly Stanford valued her. As one broadcaster highlighted, “Head coach Kevin Hambly had to travel all the way to Istanbul not only to taste Ipar’s favorite food dolma but also to reassure her family that she’d be in good hands.”
Kurt’s time at Fenerbahce provided her with the opportunity to train alongside top-tier players.
One of her most influential mentors was Kelsey Robinson-Cook, a U.S. Olympic gold medalist, whom she shared a close friendship with during their time as teammates.
According to American sports broadcasters, Robinson-Cook took on a mentorship role, helping Kurt navigate college life and adjust to her new environment in the U.S.
Kurt’s journey has not been limited to volleyball alone. She has spoken openly about the importance of education in her life, having attended Robert College in Istanbul, one of Türkiye’s most prestigious high schools.
She has expressed her aspirations of pursuing a career in engineering alongside her athletic career. In interviews, she has highlighted how she balances her academic workload with her training schedule, often studying during team travels and putting in extra effort to manage both commitments.
Ipar Kurt is poised to become one of the most recognized Turkish volleyball players on the international stage as she continues her journey in the U.S.
For Türkiye, Kurt represents the next generation of athletes who are making an impact abroad while carrying the legacy of the country’s rich volleyball tradition.
