Wisconsin volleyball's final spot brings versatility and a 'dream come true'

Kelly Sheffield was pleased with his roster but knew that he needed to add another player to help out the athletic department with Title IX. Sheffield was going to be picky and get a player that could truly help the team both now and for the future. He didn't actually have to search far for this diamond in the rough. A local player, Alyssa Konrad, with dreams of being a Wisconsin Badger, fit the bill perfectly.

It took a prospect camp to make the dream a reality. Konrad was able to show her ability and her versatility, as well as have a "fantastic camp!" according to Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield. She's a local player who grew up playing volleyball in Madison and attending many Badger camps. It was the final one that led to an offer and a spot.

Sheffield was keeping his eye open at the prospect camp, and Konrad came with the intent of proving she should be the final player on the team. Sheffield said it this way, "She came to our prospect camp last week with the intention of earning a spot on our roster." Sheffield called her story fantastic, but it's not the story that drew him to make this decision to bring her on as the final spot.

Wisconsin volleyball adds local player Alyssa Konrad as the final player for 2026

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Sheffield said what really stood out to him about Konrad was her ability to play defense. She impressed Sheffield, and it helped that this is exactly the type of skill that Sheffield needs to round out his roster. Wisconsin volleyball only had two liberos before Konrad joined. Kristen Simon was the starter last year, and then a new addition from overseas: Anna Bardaro.

There is only one player currently listed as a defensive specialist (Simon), who Wisconsin often uses sparingly, but Sheffield likes to have available. Wisconsin needed depth there, but not just depth to have depth. Sheffield needed someone who would add value to practices, push other players on the roster for a spot, and have long-term development potential.

The big news about Konrad is that she has so much versatility. She has high school experience playing outside-hitter, right side, and libero. While she may never see action at hitter, she can perform these duties as part of a scout situation. Depth players often are asked to simulate other teams. Konrad can slide around nicely with this. All while developing and becoming a future piece of this Badgers team. Add in the fact that she's a local, and it's huge.

Konrad said this in the press release from the team, "I chose Wisconsin because growing up in Madison allowed me to attend many Badger camps and matches as a kid. I always looked up to the players and resonated with the culture of this program. It's a dream come true to play at the place that had a huge impact on my volleyball career."

Big news for the program, and Wisconsin has said this is the final spot on the roster. Now, as practices begin for the fall, there's a ton of young talent with a very high ceiling, Konrad included.

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