Turkish volleyball star Ipar Kurt: From Fenerbahce to Stanford on scholarship

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.

How Kurt built volleyball career from Fenerbahce to Stanford

Born on November 10, 2003, in Istanbul, Ipar Kurt has been a prominent figure in Turkish volleyball from an early age.

• She first played for Ilbank before joining Fenerbahce in 2017, where she developed into one of the country’s most promising young players
• During her tenure at Fenerbahce, she gained valuable experience competing at high levels, including in Türkiye’s national youth teams
• At the same time, she studied at the American Robert College of Istanbul, one of Türkiye’s most prestigious high schools

Her transition to Stanford in 2023 marked a significant step in her career.

• Known for its elite academic and athletic programs, Stanford was a natural fit for Kurt, who excelled both in sports and academics
• She was admitted to the university with a full scholarship, a reflection of her dedication and talent
• According to an announcement from Fenerbahce, she impressed not only with her volleyball skills but also with her academic achievements, earning a place at one of the most competitive universities in the world

Key moments in Ipar Kurt’s volleyball career, academic journey

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’s role in Stanford volleyball, NCAA tournaments

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:

I was beyond honored to represent my country and Fenerbahçe here once again. My second season in the U.S. and at Stanford was a journey of growth, learning, and unforgettable moments.

Together with my team, we pushed ourselves, improved every step of the way, and experienced the thrill of a quarterfinal battle. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and everyone who supported us throughout this season!

Ipay Kurt said inthe caption of her Instagram post

Her performance did not go unnoticed.

• In October 2024, she was named ACC Freshman of the Week after delivering standout performances, including 23 kills over two matches.
• She hit .381 from the outside and recorded a career-best .688 against Boston College, demonstrating her attacking efficiency

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.”

How Kurt learned from volleyball legends and mentors

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.

Ipar Kurt’s academic success and personal growth beyond volleyball

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.

Off-court interests, future plans of Kurt:

• Plays the flute and has maintained it as a hobby despite her volleyball schedule
• Plans to learn Chinese and Serbian, recognizing their significance in the volleyball world
• Aims to pursue a career in engineering after her volleyball career
• Credits her high school education at Robert College for preparing her for Stanford

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.