Wisconsin is losing a player, but could be active in the transfer portal for a key piece.
The Wisconsin Badgers are losing a player to the transfer portal, as it was reported by the Wisconsin State Journal’s Dennis Punzel that libero Lola Schumacher is headed elsewhere for her sophomore season.
Schumacher was a key piece as a true freshman, playing in 30 games, while starting 23 at libero, leading the team with 3.64 digs per set. She was named to the 2024 All-Big Ten Freshman Team as a result.
Stepping in at a position of uncertainty for the Badgers, Schumacher played better than expected, but was expected to be competing with incoming freshmen Aniya Warren and Kristen Simon this fall.
Wisconsin was expected to be active in the spring transfer portal for another piece, but that may come at another position, as Florida star Kennedy Martin made the major decision to leave the Gators on Thursday.
A 6’6 opposite, Martin is a two-time All-American and would’ve likely been in the conversation for Player of the Year in 2024. She has two years of eligibility remaining.
The Badgers were already looking for an opposite hitter after losing transfer Grace Lopez to a torn ACL, and the opportunity to land a premier player at the position has now opened up.
Martin could also go the pro route and bypass her remaining collegiate eligibility, so it’s still up in the air what her next decision will be. But, if Wisconsin is ultimately able to land her, it would be a major addition for the program heading into 2025.