UW-Madison listed at #20.
Category: Athletics
Big Ten men’s, women’s basketball tournament expansion won’t include the entire conference
With four new programs set to enter the conference in the next academic year, the Big Ten announced plans to expand the conference tournaments — but to 15 teams, excluding the three worst-performing of the 18 programs that will be members of the Big Ten next season.
Luke Fickell, Kelly Sheffield among Wisconsin coaches receiving contract extensions
Luke Fickell received his first contract extension as University of Wisconsin football coach Friday, but — as with other Badgers coaches — it was a formality.
Volleyball’s Kelly Sheffield, women’s soccer’s Paula Wilkins and men’s soccer’s Neil Jones all have five-year agreements that now run through Jan. 31, 2029.
Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell, three other fall sports coaches receive contract extensions
The University of Wisconsin athletic board on Friday approved contract extensions for four fall sports coaches: Luke Fickell (football), Kelly Sheffield (volleyball), Paula Wilkins (women’s soccer) and Neil Jones (men’s soccer).
Fickell signed a seven-year contract in November 2022. He receives a $100,000 raise and is due to be paid $7.6 million from April 1 of next year through March 31 of 2025.
Wisconsin vs. Marquette celebrity softball game, featuring Steve Novak, Travis Diener, Travis Beckum and Chez Mellusi, set for July 14
The event is hosted by former Marquette University basketball greats Steve Novak and Travis Diener, as well as former University of Wisconsin-Madison football player Travis Beckum and current running back Chez Mellusi.
Nine connections between Wisconsin and the Super Bowl teams
Though the Green Bay Packers were left lamenting a narrow loss to the San Francisco 49ers, perhaps even more so after Detroit suffered an even greater heartbreak in an NFC championship-game loss, there are several Wisconsin connections heading to Super Bowl LVIII in two weeks.
Explaining Wisconsin athletics’ $194 million in expenses for 2022-23 school year
When the school’s annual financial report to the NCAA for the same time period came out this month, the total expenses line was much higher — in excess of $194 million.
UW volleyball player speaks to students, families about journey with dyslexia
Joslyn Boyer, a fifth year senior, says she was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, but there weren’t a lot of resources. “Thankfully, my parents were huge advocates for me and marched in the principal’s office and said, ‘This is what she has, this is what she needs.’”
Colleges Making the Most Money From Sports: Ohio State Tops the List
Conference: Big TenAverage Annual Athletics Revenue: $130 millionFootball Revenue: $75 millionMen’s Basketball Revenue: $15 millionWomen’s Basketball Revenue: $680,000
Two former Wisconsin football players turned coaches reflect on what made Barry Alvarez successful
Both Darrell Bevell and Joe Rudolph played important roles on the University of Wisconsin football team’s offense during it’s 1993 season, which culminated in the Badgers’ first Rose Bowl win.
More studies show younger athletes across sports are at risk of developing brain disease
Julie Stamm researches CTE at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and authored a book called, “The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future.” During a recent interview with WPR’s “Central Time,” Stamm said the new Boston University study adds to other research undermining a misconception that CTE is only a concern for professional athletes.
“We know that’s not the case,” said Stamm, a clinical assistant professor in the university’s Department of Kinesiology.
Naomi Osaka biography by Ben Rothenberg review
“A journey which I didn’t enjoy ultimately” is how Mari Osaka, who retired from tennis at age 24, describes her unsuccessful pursuit of what Rothenberg calls the “high-risk, high-reward dream of tennis glory.” Time will tell whether it’s a sentiment that Naomi will apply to her own career.
-Ashley Brown is the Allan H. Selig chair in the history of sport and society and an assistant professor of history at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is the author of “Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson.”
Wisconsin football is losing assistant coach Colin Hitschler to the new Alabama staff
Luke Fickell has made two changes to his coaching staff since Wisconsin finished 7-6 in Fickell’s first full season with the Badgers. He will soon have to make a third.
A source confirmed an ESPN report Thursday that Colin Hitschler, UW’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, is joining Kalen DeBoer’s staff at Alabama.
Badgers men’s hockey continues breaking records with sweep of Notre Dame
The Badgers won both games against the Fighting Irish to secure the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten and extend their winning streak to nine.
Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh stresses importance of new football practice facility as donations reach more than 80% of goal
According to University of Wisconsin officials, a total of $62.5 million has been raised for funding the new football indoor practice facility adjacent to Camp Randall Stadium.
That amount, bolstered by a $20 million commitment from alums Ted and Mary Kellner, is 83.3% of UW’s goal of $75 million. The fundraising efforts started in late October.
Wisconsin volleyball crowd sizes at the Field House reach another high in 2023
The average number of tickets scanned at Badgers home matches in 2023 was 6,261, the highest on record and a 4.6% climb over 2022.
Wisconsin Badgers star AJ Storr making a big impact on and off the court
AJ Storr’s journey to becoming a standout player for the Wisconsin Badgers is more than just a basketball story; it’s a tale of family, inspiration, and giving back to the community.
‘She’s a 1-of-1’: Historic Wisconsin women’s basketball freshman breaking barriers, stereotypes
The Badgers have been excited to see her continue to defy people’s misconceptions, and learn more about the glass ceiling-shattering guard. While she remains the lone Indian-American player in Power Five, Patibandla has been embraced by her teammates while continuing to celebrate her culture.
A new for-profit women’s softball team is coming to Madison’s ‘Duck Pond’ this summer
“What an exciting opportunity for softball in the state of Wisconsin,” said University of Wisconsin-Madison Head Softball Coach, Yvette Healy in the release. “I can’t think of a prettier, more ideal location for summer softball than Madison, Wisconsin.”
Here’s how many people actually attended Wisconsin home football games in 2023
The first season of the Luke Fickell coaching era at the University of Wisconsin brought slightly larger crowds than were at Camp Randall Stadium in 2022.
Madison Mallards are launching a top-level women’s fastpitch softball team in Madison
“What an exciting opportunity for softball in the state of Wisconsin,” UW-Madison head softball coach Yvette Healy said in a statement. “We’ve had a lot of Badgers play in summer collegiate softball leagues the last few years, flying all the way to Florida to see great competition over the summer.”
Once a Badger, always a Badger: Diane Nordstrom on her career in sports communications
Diane Nordstrom, the associate director of brand communications at UW-Madison, is retiring after more than three decades with the Badgers. We talk with her about the world of sports communications and how it’s changing.
Badgers honor the ‘architect’ of the Kohl Center — Herb Kohl
Herb Kohl’s courtside seats were unoccupied but not quite empty Tuesday night.
Late UW alum and Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl honored at Wisconsin men’s basketball game
The team set out a jersey for Kohl and put flowers on a seat in the Kohl Center. Kohl gave money to build the arena, which opened in 1998. There was a moment of silence before the game. After the game, head coach Greg Gard praised him.
Family before hockey: New book explores NHL career cut short for Wisconsin Badgers star
A new book explores the life and career of Wisconsin Badgers hockey legend Blake Geoffrion, including his decision to retire from the NHL.
Final drive comes up empty as Badgers fall to LSU in ReliaQuest Bowl
On a day full of big plays by both offenses, the Badgers came up just short and lost to LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday, 35-31.
5 ways Herb Kohl impacted sports in Wisconsin
The Badgers men’s basketball team ran the risk of capacity for its home games at the UW Field House being downsized from 11,500 to 9,300 in the mid-to-late 1990s. There were safety concerns with the aging facility, and talk of a new venue across campus accelerated.
Kohl, who graduated from UW-Madison in 1956, stepped up with a $25 million gift — the largest ever given to the school at the time — to make it a reality.
Celebrate outstanding UW women student-athletes — Daniel Grant
Letter to the editor: I am writing to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of women student athletes at UW-Madison.
Wisconsin filling wide receiver coaching vacancy with one of Luke Fickell’s former players
University of Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell is turning to a player he once coached to lead his wide receivers.
Polzin: Placing a spotlight on the Wisconsin football team that changed the program’s trajectory
It’s been 30 years since those Badgers changed the trajectory of not only a football program, but the entire athletic department, and you could argue the university as a whole.
I’m excited to let you know that we’re going to celebrate that team this week leading into the 30th anniversary of Wisconsin’s 21-16 win over UCLA in the 1994 Rose Bowl.
Why UW-Madison’s chancellor is uneasy about potential for paying college athletes
Courts and Congress likely will have a say in the near future on whether NCAA athletes should be considered employees and whether they should get a share of expanding media rights revenues. The implications are “worrying” for UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin.
“Our student-athletes are also students; they’re primarily students,” Mnookin said in a September interview with BadgerExtra. “We’d actually like them to be students first and foremost. And I have a lot of unease about what the set of spiraling consequences could be if that were to transform.”
How Wisconsin players are helping researchers better understand hamstring injuries
Lead researcher Bryan Heiderscheit, a UW-Madison orthopedics professor, said the main goal is to advance the understanding and prevention of hamstring injuries that are the most common ailment for NFL players.
Letter | UW women’s hockey is winning; why aren’t they covered more?
Letter to the editor: Now put the other outstanding six-time national champion Wisconsin Badger women’s hockey on the front page each and every day. They deserve more front-page news than Badger football, because what has their record been in the last five or six years compared to Women’s hockey?
Wisconsin Badgers football bowl game photos through the years
Photo package of historic Wisconsin Badgers football bowl game photos going back to 1953
Former Wisconsin men’s basketball player who died of cancer used last years to inspire
One of Pat Dorsey’s favorite pictures of Walt McGrory appeared in a newspaper around 11 years ago. And in the days since McGrory died Saturday at 24 following a 28-month battle with the pediatric bone cancer osteosarcoma, Dorsey went looking for it.
Former Wisconsin men’s basketball player dies after cancer battle
Former Wisconsin men’s basketball player Walt McGrory has died after a 28-month battle with cancer, according to a Facebook post from McGrory’s former Edina High School coach Pat Dorsey.
Opinion | Badger volleyball is unlike anything else
The volleyball players’ competitive passion, their joy in supporting one another, their resilience and their emotional vulnerability are unlike what I see in other sports. Oh, and the absence of trash-talking. I like that, too.
How a UW Health surgeon helped keep UW volleyball’s biggest star on the court
A UW Health surgeon was instrumental in keeping Sarah Franklin on the court this season.
UW volleyball’s success inspires young players to join the sport
The Badgers’ success on the court is driving young girls to pick up volleyball.
Badgers volleyball season comes to an end after loss against Texas
The Badgers’ season came to an end on Thursday night after falling to Texas 3-1 in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
Wisconsin volleyball’s star senior headlines group of 4 All-Americans
Franklin is one of four Badgers honored by AVCA. Junior Anna Smrek was named to the second team and sophomore Carter Booth earned a spot on the third team. It was the first All-America honor for each. Senior Devyn Robinson received honorable mention, her third All-America award after being voted to the third team in 2020 and 2022.
Check out Wisconsin volleyball’s red carpet arrival to Final Four in Tampa
The University of Wisconsin volleyball team isn’t ready to take a victory lap just yet, but the Badgers were all smiles Tuesday as they arrived to a red carpet welcome in sunny Tampa, Florida.
Polzin: This ‘loyal Badger’ has seen a lot in 3-plus decades with Wisconsin athletics
Diane Nordstrom unleashed that splendid laugh of hers earlier this week when I told her I’d discovered something that had flown under my radar all these years of knowing her.
Here’s what to know about Wisconsin volleyball star Anna Smrek, a Final Four MVP. Her father, Mike, played in NBA
The last time the University of Wisconsin volleyball team played in the Final Four, Anna Smrek stood tallest, figuratively and literally.
Then a freshman, the 6-9 middle blocker/right side hitter was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2021 after the Badgers defeated Louisville and then Nebraska in five-setters to secure the NCAA championship.
Wisconsin men’s basketball unveils ‘By the Players’ alternate uniforms
The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team has unveiled its alternate uniforms for this season, which were designed by the players on the team.
Plans for Wisconsin football practice facility may include replacing McClain Center
Plans for a new University of Wisconsin football indoor practice facility are evolving, with a notable change shown in the newest set of ideas.
Wisconsin men’s basketball makes schedule change for volleyball Final Four viewers
The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team will start its Thursday matchup with Jacksonville State one hour earlier.
Tony Granato, former NHL player, US Olympic coach, says he has cancer
Granato, 59, is a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and most recently coached at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. He also coached Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Time, tickets revealed for Wisconsin volleyball’s 6th Final Four appearance
The University of Wisconsin volleyball team will make its fourth national semifinal appearance in the last five seasons and sixth overall in a matchup of teams who have won the last three national championships.
Wisconsin volleyball headed back to Final Four after 3-1 victory over Oregon
The Badgers defeated the Ducks in a pulsating affair on Saturday night at the UW Field House.
Former Badger hockey coach, player Granato diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The 59-year-old played for the badgers in the 1980′s, and coached the Badgers from 2016 to 2023. He lead Wisconsin to a Big Ten Championship in 2021.
Former Wisconsin men’s hockey player, coach Tony Granato diagnosed with cancer
Former University of Wisconsin men’s hockey coach and player Tony Granato said he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will begin treatment this week.
Wisconsin volleyball headed back to NCAA Elite Eight
For the second consecutive year Penn State ran into a brick wall with a Motion W on it in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA volleyball tournament.
With eye on expanded playoffs, Wisconsin begins implementing heated field at Camp Randall Stadium
The Wisconsin Badgers football program is preparing Camp Randall Stadium this December with an eye on future Decembers.
The University of Wisconsin has begun implementing a heated field, one of two anticipated upgrades coming for the 2024 season (along with tweaks to the video boards).
Nickel: Congratulations to all graduates, including 40-year-old basketball star Devin Harris
Devin Harris, NBA All-Star, Big Ten Player of the Year, Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, father of three precious daughters, living a full life in Texas, with the freedom to do what he wants, and money to invest, still had that one promise, nagging him.
Getting his degree.
Wisconsin natives Hunter Wohler, Braelon Allen named AP All-Big Ten performers
The University of Wisconsin football team’s best offensive and defensive players this season earned All-Big Ten recognition from The Associated Press on Wednesday.
How the Big Ten distributes bowl payouts to Wisconsin, other schools
The ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, picked Wisconsin for its Jan. 1 game, where the Badgers will play LSU. The game typically has a payout of $6.4 million, according to bowl officials.
‘Profit off of play’: Evolution of NIL impacts all universities today, including UW
Evaluating state of NIL, athletes’ perspectives, flexibility as new concept.
Four UW volleyballers named to American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region team
Senior Sarah Franklin was named Northeast All-Region Player of the Year and head coach Kelly Sheffield was named Co-Coach of the Year. Anna Smrek, Carter Booth, and Devyn Robinson round out the list of Badgers named to the All-Region team.
Camp Randall installing heated field for 2024 season
Even though the Badger football team is done tearing it up on Barry Alvarez Field for the season, crews are literally ripping the turf up to heat it up for next season’s potential cold games — and possible playoff games.