By Natalie Compe
After one of the biggest roster turnarounds in program history, the Wisconsin Badgers have started their spring season. Underestimate them at your own risk.
At the close of the 2024 season, the Badgers had a handful of key players move on from Wisconsin, including Julia Orzol, Caroline Crawford, Sarah Franklin, Anna Smrek, Devyn Robinson, and Gulce Guctekin. Almost all moved on to play pro, while a few transferred to continue their collegiate careers at other schools.
Despite losing nearly their entire 2024 starting lineup, the Wisconsin Badgers aren’t backing down. Emerging leadership, raw talent, and an undeniable hunger to prove themselves are already shaping a promising new era.
Not only were the lost players a huge factor in the team’s success, but they also accounted for a ton of height in the front row. Smrek: 6’9, Franklin: 6’4, Crawford: 6’3—all dominant powerhouses. This year’s team is much smaller in comparison, which means the Badgers will need a returning player, 6’7 middle blocker Carter Booth, to utilize both her experience and height.
The new team consists of only three returning “starters”. 10 out of 13 players are freshmen, so it is essential that the returning players provide leadership on and off the court. With the help of Oregon transfer Mimi Colyer, whose experience has already shone, the Badgers are already building a foundation for success.
On April 16th against Marquette, Colyer contributed an impressive 14 kills, with freshman Madison Quest trailing with 12. While Quest usually plays on the outside, in the past three spring season games Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield has challenged her to play on the right side—making a huge impact.
In a post-game interview, Sheffield explained how much he enjoys coaching Quest, since she is so eager to learn. “Even if we threw her in to play middle or setter, she would ask no questions, and just play to the best of her ability,” said Sheffield.
Against Marquette, the Badgers hit an impressive .337—far higher than their .286 team average last fall. Although it’s just one match, recent results show an upward trend: a .237 hitting percentage in their spring opener, .274 against Green Bay, and now .337 against Marquette.
Yet, the Badgers will be seen as underdogs this fall—and that’s exactly what will fuel their rise. They’ll acknowledge these accusations and strive to prove they’re more than just a young team. Their individual talent is powerful, and even though they lack experience and height, this team will be known for their resilience and determination.
Inexperienced? Maybe. Ready to prove you wrong? Absolutely. The Big Ten will soon see that Wisconsin came to play and will only thrive in the years to come.