Badger 2024 Volleyball

[Pokerbrat2000]

They did a great job rebuilding the areas where they lost a lot of talent. To be honest, I'm amazed at how well they did. I think they're going to be one of the better teams next year in the conference, and nationally. How good? I wish I knew, but it does look like they're going to be in the hunt for the championships.

I do remember all these players from when the Badgers played them. These were ladies that were standouts on their teams and bringing that talent in all at one time is fantastic! It gives the younger Badgers a chance to grow into their game. Topping it off, Colyer is the only one with a single year of eligibility left.

Yup, for once I kind of like the Transfer Portal.

It does show you though how Elite Players are attracted to Elite Teams. As well as how those Elite teams will continue to be just that, elite. Even with as many starters as the Badgers lost due to graduation/eligibility, the program was able to reload immediately with really good talent.

Losing Sarah Franklin, Devyn Robinson, Anna Smrek, CC Crawford, Julia Orzol, Gülce Güçtekin and Carly Anderson was a big blow to the team. Franklin is the big loss IMO and those shoes aren't easy to fill. However, I think the talent of the new TP additions, plus Madison Quest (Freshman) is really going to give the Badgers another excellent team. It might take them a half of a season to really jell but I expect to see them in the round of 8 again.

 

[Voyageur]

Yup, for once I kind of like the Transfer Portal.

It does show you though how Elite Players are attracted to Elite Teams. As well as how those Elite teams will continue to be just that, elite. Even with as many starters as the Badgers lost due to graduation/eligibility, the program was able to reload immediately with really good talent.

Losing Sarah Franklin, Devyn Robinson, Anna Smrek, CC Crawford, Julia Orzol, Gülce Güçtekin and Carly Anderson was a big blow to the team. Franklin is the big loss IMO and those shoes aren't easy to fill. However, I think the talent of the new TP additions, plus Madison Quest (Freshman) is really going to give the Badgers another excellent team. It might take them a half of a season to really jell but I expect to see them in the round of 8 again.

I agree they may take a few lumps early but They're going to improve fairly quickly. The freshmen, Horner, Quest, Simon, and Wardlow is a solid mix. Wardlow is the only one of the 3 that isn't given big time props on a national level but at 6-4, and being agile, one heck of a good middle blocker from what I head. She will get on the court. Last year's big grab of Fuerbringer along with the portal players gives this team pretty much a new makeover and one that I think will be a real challenge to the opposition out there.

Losing a blocker like Smrek is tough but maybe in a way, a good thing, because being a little shorter makes them more agile. Anxious to see how good our new libero is, and which one will be out there. I see Warren getting it at this point, but don't count Wardlow out. From what I heard she works her tail off improving her game and isn't afraid to throw her body around to get those tough digs. But, like I said, I see Warren getting it. #1 in the nation coming out of HS ain't such a bad thing to be.

It's going to be a fun year with so many new faces and leaders on the team.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Losing a blocker like Smrek is tough but maybe in a way, a good thing, because being a little shorter makes them more agile.

I agree. While I really like Smrek, Robinson and Booth, I don't view them as very agile. Kind of 2 trick ponies (block and kill). I do think Booth will be a better fit with more a more athletic front line.

Another exciting thing about the 3 TP players (Egan, Colyer and Lopez) all 3 are really good servers. That should really add some options for Kelly and the rotation(s) he uses. Besides Franklin, none of the front line players on the Badgers could serve very well.

 

[Voyageur]

I agree. While I really like Smrek, Robinson and Booth, I don't view them as very agile. Kind of 2 trick ponies (block and kill). I do think Booth will be a better fit with more a more athletic front line.

Another exciting thing about the 3 TP players (Egan, Colyer and Lopez) all 3 are really good servers. That should really add some options for Kelly and the rotation(s) he uses. Besides Franklin, none of the front line players on the Badgers could serve very well.

Amen! They gave up a lot of points with poor serves. You could see how frustrating it was to Sheffield. But, when they had the skills set those players had they were hard to beat.

I seriously think this team is going to grow fast.