MADISON, Wis. – Carter Booth, Sarah Franklin, and Anna Smrek of the Wisconsin volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten team, announced today by the conference. The Big Ten Conference Preseason Poll was also released and had the Badgers ranked No. 2.
Behind Nebraska, the Badgers sit atop the conference preseason ledger, followed by Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota to round out the top five.
In 2023, the Badgers went 30-4, 17-3, second in the Big Ten and for the sixth time in program history, made an NCAA Final Four appearance. In 11 seasons with the Badgers, head coach Kelly Sheffield has led UW to a total of five Big Ten Championships, and is one of only three teams to advance to the Sweet 16 in the last 11 years in a row. Sheffield has amassed a 292-61 (.827) overall record and 174-39 (.816) Big Ten record while at Wisconsin.
Reigning AVCA National Player of the Year, and Big Ten Player of the Year, Sarah Franklin gets the nod once again on the Preseason All-Conference Team. Identical to last season’s conference preseason team, both Carter Booth and Anna Smrek are also recognized.
The Badgers open the season with an exhibition against Bradley University on Aug. 20 at the Field House. The regular season will begin at the AVCA First Serve Showcase in Louisville, Ky. At the KFC Yum! Center on Aug. 27.
Preseason Poll
- Nebraska
- Wisconsin
- Penn State
- Purdue
- Minnesota
- Oregon
- USC
- UCLA
- Ohio State
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Michigan State
- Washington
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Northwestern
- Rutgers
- Iowa
Preseason All-Big Ten Team
Raina Terry, Gr., OH, Illinois
Camryn Haworth, Sr., S, Indiana
Melani Shaffmaster, RS-Sr., S, Minnesota
MERRITT BEASON, Sr., OPP, Nebraska
Taylor Landfair, Sr., OH, Nebraska
Harper Murray, So., OH, Nebraska
Bergen Reilly, So., S, Nebraska
LEXI RODRIGUEZ, Sr., L, Nebraska
Emily Londot, Fifth-Year, OH/OPP, Ohio State
Mimi Colyer, Jr., OH, Oregon
JESS MRUZIK, Gr., OH, Penn State
Chloe Chicoine, So., OH, Purdue
Eva Hudson, Jr., OH, Purdue
Anna Dodson, Gr., MB, UCLA
Mia Tuaniga, Sr., S, USC
Carter Booth, Jr., MB, Wisconsin
Sarah Franklin, Sr., OH, Wisconsin
Anna Smrek, Sr., MB/OPP, Wisconsin
Unanimous selection listed in ALL CAPS
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