Highlighting Championship Victories

This year has been particularly fruitful for Wisconsin’s women’s hockey, soccer, and volleyball teams. The women’s hockey team clinched the national title under the guidance of four co-captains, while the soccer team advanced to the Sweet 16 for only the fifth time in program history, demonstrating their growth and resilience. Additionally, the volleyball team celebrated its 14th consecutive season with over 20 wins, solidifying their place as a competitive program.

Women’s Hockey

The Wisconsin women’s hockey program entered the season with a strong desire for redemption after a tough loss to Ohio State in last year’s NCAA Championship game. This intense motivation, combined with elite coaching and comprehensive depth across their lines, set the team on a determined path toward the national championship.

Despite suffering a single defeat to Ohio State in November, the Badgers were prepared to face their rivals once more in the title match. During a critical moment in the final game, junior forward Laila Edwards identified an illegal play by Ohio State, resulting in a penalty shot that could change the game’s momentum. When asked by head coach Mark Johnson who would take the shot, junior forward Kristen Simms stepped up.

Simms successfully scored, leading to overtime, where she netted another goal to secure victory for Wisconsin. “I wanted to see who wanted to step up and own it,” Johnson remarked about the pivotal moment in the game.

With this win, Wisconsin secured its eighth national championship, reinforcing its status as the university with the most titles in NCAA women’s hockey history. Notably, under coach Mark Johnson, six players have received the Patty Kazmaier Award for top NCAA Division I women’s hockey player, affirming the program’s excellence.

Casey O’Brien, awarded the Patty Kazmaier just before the championship, emphasized the collective spirit of the team, stating, “All three of us wanted one of the other two top-3 finalists to win… we were just happy the trophy was coming back to Wisconsin.” The Badgers concluded the season with an impressive record of 38 wins, one loss, and two ties.

Women’s Soccer

Under the leadership of Coach Paula Wilkins, whose tenure has been extended after 18 successful seasons, the Wisconsin women’s soccer team made history by reaching the Sweet 16 for the fifth time. The Badgers finished the Big Ten season competitively, recording a conference record of 5-3-3, and maintained an especially formidable presence at home with a record of 5-1-3 at the McClimon Track/Soccer Complex.

Defensive strength played a crucial role this season, with the team allowing an average of only 0.95 goals per game, thanks in part to standout performances from defender Hailey Baumann. Baumann’s achievements included her selection to the U19 Youth National Team, highlighting her impact on the field.

Junior goalkeeper Drew Stover also contributed significantly, boasting a goals against average of 0.90 and a save percentage of 0.767 over her two seasons of play.

Volleyball

The Wisconsin volleyball program continues to build on its success following their 2021 national championship win. The team reached the Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four in 2023, marking their 11th consecutive NCAA Sweet Sixteen or better finish.

In the most recent season, the Badgers faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Elite Eight, ultimately losing a hard-fought match without winning a set, though they kept the scores close. Wisconsin finished the season with a record of 26-7, underscoring their competitive caliber.

Freshman setter Charlie Fuerbringer praised the outgoing seniors, stating, “They’re so amazing and the worst part about losing today is not being able to play with them next year for sure.” With five key seniors graduating, including CC Crawford, Devyn Robinson, Sarah Franklin, Anna Smrek, and Julia Orzol, the team is set to integrate new talent, including three transfers, as they aim for future success.