Pair of Badgers Earn All-America Honors

MADISON, Wis. – Sarah Franklin and Charlie Fuerbringer of the Wisconsin volleyball team have been named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans, announced by the AVCA Wednesday morning.

Adding to the laundry list of accolades this season, outside hitter Sarah Franklin was named First Team All-American, while freshman setter Charlie Fuerbringer has been named to the Third Team. 

Crowned Player of the Year in both the Big Ten and AVCA North Region a couple weeks ago, fifth year senior Sarah Franklin can now add back-to-back seasons as a First Team All-American honoree. Franklin started and played in every single match this season, averaging 4.46 kills per set, 2.28 digs per set, and 4.96 points per set. Out of 33 matches, Franklin hit double-figure kills in all but two matches, including career-best 33 on September 17 against Marquette. In total, Franklin tallied nine matches with 20+ kills, and recorded eight double-doubles (kills and digs) in 2024. From a season ago, where Franklin earned National Division I Player of the Year, the 6-foot-4 outside hitter improved in nearly every category. On Tuesday, Franklin was named one-of-four finalists for this year’s National Player of the Year honor. 

With high expectations coming into the 2024 season, freshman setter Charlie Fuerbringer proved to be the full package. Fuerbrginer wrapped up a successful freshman campaign with Third Team All-America honors. Two weeks ago, Fuerbringer was also named All-Big Ten Second Team, a unanimous honoree to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and was also named AVCA North All-Region Freshman of the Year. The 5-foot-11 setter tallied 11 double-doubles (assists and digs), including a career-best 59 assists on November 27 against Ohio State. Fuerbringer stayed consistent, ranking in the Top 20 of the NCAA in assists per set, with her highest ranking at 14^th with 10.96 assists per set. She was also second on the team with 34 service aces, chipped in with 2.49 digs per set, and .59 blocks per set. Lastly, Fuerbrginer finished No. 5 in the Badger volleyball record books for fifth most assists (1,270) as a freshman.

14 were selected to First, Second, and Third Team while 54 were selected as Honorable Mention AVCA…