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Category: Athletics

Wisconsin volleyball’s star senior headlines group of 4 All-Americans

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Wisconsin State Journal

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.

Here’s what to know about Wisconsin volleyball star Anna Smrek, a Final Four MVP. Her father, Mike, played in NBA

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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.

Kristen Roman: From University of Wisconsin – Madison volleyball standout to Chief of Campus Police

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Madison Commons

Chief Kristen Roman has long understood the value of teamwork. Roman, originally from Illinois, was a standout athlete on the UWMadison volleyball team, recording over 1,161 kills and 1,107 digs. She graduated from the university in 1988 with degrees in both English literature and women’s studies. Now Roman serves as the university’s Chief of Campus Police, and the fieldhouse where she spent four years playing volleyball is visible from her office window.

Badgers Road to the Championship

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Daily Cardinal

The NCAA announced the women’s volleyball tournament bracket Sunday, giving the Wisconsin Badgers the No. 3 overall seed and a No. 1 seed alongside not-so-friendly faces Nebraska, Stanford and Pittsburgh.

Triumph-filled fall: UW’s athletic glory transitions to winter

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Badger Herald

As the vibrant hues of fall make way for the crisp chill of winter, the University of Wisconsin reflects on a season of triumphs, challenges and unforgettable moments in its diverse sports universe. From wrestling mats to soccer fields, cross-country trails to basketball courts and the dramatic gridiron clashes, the Badgers showcased resilience, skill and the indomitable spirit that defines their athletic prowess.

Tubas in Wisconsin: Getting down to brass tacks

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Wisconsin Public Radio

Sonically, as with polka, this band’s music needs the tuba section as its foundation, said Corey Pompey, UW Marching Band director and associate director of bands at UW-Madison.

It’s just an important sound, an important voice in the band, that we just have to have“When we talk about the roots of the chords, we’re talking about basslines,” Corey said. “If we’re playing jazz, or if we’re playing some more contemporary music, for that matter, the bass is important — and rock music, too. It’s just an important sound, an important voice in the band, that we just have to have.”

When should kids specialize in a sport? Five tips to help find moment

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USA Today

You might know these stories but how about the one about Sophia Vitas? She was a strong high school basketball player who was recruited by smaller schools but instead walked on as a rower at the University of Wisconsin. This summer, she will represent the United States as a member of the women’s rowing team at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Wisconsin’s Laila Edwards honored to be the first Black woman on U.S. hockey team

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Laila Edwards sat in the locker room last week with a lot of her idols. Former Wisconsin Badgers star Hilary Knight was there. Two-time Olympic medalists Alex Carpenter and Megan Keller were as well. On the ice, Edwards played on the same line as UW great Abby Roque.

The 6-foot-1 sophomore forward for Wisconsin soaked up her first experience with the U.S. national team. She also made history and drew attention nationwide by becoming the first Black woman to suit up for the U.S senior team.

Badger great’s spirit lives in his daughter, a UW soccer captain

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The Capital Times

Dara Andringa wears No. 5 for the University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team. The number has a special meaning. Her cousin McKenna Meuer once wore that jersey for the Badgers.

The No. 21 was once worn by their father, Rob Andringa, a spunky hockey defenseman who played in 179 games for the Badgers including the 1990 national championship win over Colgate.

After Craig Counsell leaves for rival, a look at other Wisconsin sports ‘betrayals’

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Everyone was shocked in December 2012 when Bret Bielema, the University of Wisconsin football coach, announced he was leaving for Arkansas, even athletic director Barry Alvarez. The Badgers were on the cusp of playing in a third straight Rose Bowl when the news came down, and Bielema went 68-24 during his seven seasons with the Badgers.