Death, taxes and Wisconsin Volleyball being elite are things you can always count on. Now, after a long summer, the Badgers are gearing up for the 2025 season. So how does this year's squad stack up?
After a somewhat disappointing finish the NCAA Tournament and losing several key players, the Badgers have retooled and now come into the year ranked third in the conference behind Nebraska and the National Champions Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten Media Poll. It's a solid spot for Wisconsin, who still have to show they can overcome the departure of some of their top talent. But one newcomer and fast-rising star may prove that Wisconsin should be ranked even higher.
Fueled by Carter Booth, Mimi Colyer and Charlie Fuerbringer, all of whom were named to the Preseason All-Conference Team, the Badgers will look to take the Big Ten crown. Colyer, the new transfer from Oregon, and Fuerbringer the young superstar, have also been added to the American Volleyball Coaches Association 2025 Division I Player of the Year watch list.
Wisconsin is no stranger to accolades in recent years, with Sarah Franklin winning the player of the year award in 2023, and the Badgers winning the National Championship in 2021. Now this year's team has a chance at both honors once again.
With the loss of star players Franklin and Anna Smrek, Wisconsin certainly has some figuring out to do before the season opener. However, with the newly added talent of Colyer and development of Fuerbringer, there is still optimism that another Final Four run could be in the cards after failing to reach it last season.