Sarah Parsons

Personal: Sarah Parsons is the daughter of Mark and Amy Wilhite. She is married to her husband, Jameson Parsons, and has one child named Ezra. Sarah Parsons is one of four children in her family. She majored in physiology at Minnesota. Sarah Parsons was named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year in 2011 and 2013. She was ranked as the No. 14 recruit coming out of high school. Her hobbies include singing, dancing, and hanging out with friends. Sarah Parsons lists her college coach, Hugh McCutcheon, as a person who has made a difference in her life. She says her father is one of her idols. Sarah Parsons felt starstruck during her first day with the United States National Team in 2017. She participated in outdoor sports and choir as a child growing up. Her hobbies include trying new restaurants and coffee shops along with being outside, playing cards, and reading. Sarah Parsons also enjoys spending time with friends and family along with going to workout classes.

Other Professional Experience: Sarah Parsons has played overseas in Italy, Germany, Brazil, Turkey, and Japan since 2017. She began her playing career with Unet E-Work Busto Arsizio in Italy before moving to Allianz MTV Stuttgart in Germany. Sarah Parsons played for Sesi Volei Bauru for the 2019-20 season and Nilufer Belediyespor in Turkey in 2020-21. She joined NEC Red Rockets in Japan for two seasons from 2021-23. Sarah Parsons spent the 2023-24 season with Kuzeyboru in Turkey. She claimed the German Bundesliga title and a runner-up finish in the German Cup while with Allianz MTV Stuttgart. Sarah Parsons signed to play for Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 Major League Volleyball season.

International Experience: Sarah Parsons has been a member of the United States Women’s National Team since 2017. She has won 10 international medals with Team USA. Sarah Parsons claimed Gold medals at the 2017 Pan-American Cup, 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix, 2018 Pan-American Cup, and 2023 Pan-American Cup Final Six. She served as an alternate for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Sarah Parsons was named 2019 NORCECA Champions Cup MVP. She was a member of the 2015 U.S. Collegiate National Team that toured China.

At Minnesota: Sarah Parsons appeared in 395 sets over 115 matches at Minnesota from 2013-16. She finished her career with 1,182 kills. Sarah Parsons added 72 service aces, 789 digs, and 244 total blocks. She was named AVCA Division I National Player of the Year as a senior in addition to becoming the first player in Minnesota history to earn ESPNW National Player of the Year accolades. Sarah Parsons was the Big Ten Player of the Year as a senior who appeared in 126 sets over 34 matches. She was a unanimous All-Big Ten selection. Sarah Parsons tallied 537 kills and a .288 hitting percentage. She added 29 service aces, 327 digs, and 62 total blocks. Sarah Parsons registered 10 or more kills in 31 matches, including at least 20 kills in seven contests. She set a season high with 26 kills against Michigan. Sarah Parsons posted 10 or more digs in 14 contests. She fashioned 13 double-doubles. Sarah Parsons compiled a season-high 25 digs with 19 kills against Nebraska. She appeared in 97 sets over 28 matches as a junior in 2015. Sarah Parsons finished with 248 kills, 17 service aces, and 127 digs. She was an NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team selection who joined the United States Collegiate National Team ahead of the 2015 season. Sarah Parsons hit double-digits in kills 10 times, including a season-high 20 kills against Illinois. She ranked second on the team with 309 kills as a sophomore in 2014. Sarah Parsons set a season high with 25 kills while contributing 19 digs against Louisville. She was named to the Yale Invite All-Tournament Team after fashioning 28 kills, three aces, 25 digs, and five blocks over three matches. Sarah Parsons tallied 48 kills and 35 digs during the Diet Coke Classic to earn All-Tournament honors. She recorded a triple-double with 10 kills, 10 digs, and 10 total blocks against Ohio State. Sarah Parsons appeared in 65 sets as a true freshman in 2013. She tallied 88 kills, 10 aces, and 31 total blocks.