Looks like the Wisconsin Badgers are already dealing with a tough blow before the season even kicks off! It was in March when the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) revealed that the second AVCA First Serve event will be hosted at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, on 22nd to 24th of August 2025. This match is the beginning of the 2025 women’s volleyball season and will feature eight of the best teams in the country, including Kentucky, Nebraska, Louisville, and Wisconsin.

But the Badgers weren’t about to wait around for the official season to start. Head Coach Kelly Sheffield announced they’d be jumping into spring action early, playing four matches. Their spring break trip to Hawaii had them facing off twice with the Rainbow Wahine, before returning home to Wisconsin for two more matches against in-state rivals. The next game is scheduled for April 16 against Marquette and then against the University of Wisconsin Green Bay on April 22. However, just when things were about to heat up, the Wisconsin Badgers got some awful news ahead of their NCAA volleyball journey. Let’s just say, it’s a tough time to be a Badger fan right now.

Grace Lopez, the Wisconsin Badgers’ transfer star, shared some tough news on Instagram on April 1st. She posted, “I was beyond excited and fully prepared for this season, but sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and God had a different plan for me. Unfortunately, I’ve suffered another ACL injury, which means I’ll have to step away from the court for a while.” It was a huge disappointment for Grace, but she’s not letting it break her. She added, “This is not the journey I had envisioned, but I refuse to let it define me. Instead, I see it as another challenge, one that I will face with unwavering determination and resilience.”

Grace thanked everyone who’s been there for her, saying, “To everyone who has reached out, supported me, and stood by my side, I am truly grateful. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to me.” She made a promise to come back even stronger, writing, “I promise to give my all, to push myself beyond my limits, and to come back stronger than ever. This is just a pause, not the end of my story.” She ended on a hopeful note, saying, “I’m looking forward to cheering on my Badger girls this season. See you soon better, stronger, and more determined than ever! Go Badgers!! ❤️💪”

The 6’1” transfer from Miami, who was twice an All-ACC and All-American selection, was ready to take over the court. But rather than crushing kills, she is currently planning to undergo surgery on the 14th of April. And this isn’t her first rodeo—Lopez suffered the same injury in high school in Puerto Rico, so she knows the grind it takes to come back stronger.

Although Coach Kelly Sheffield expected her to replace Anna Smrek, the Wisconsin Badgers are now struggling to adapt, as there is no true right-side hitter in sight. But guess what? Even with Lopez sidelined, the Badgers are out here making the most of their spring games and stacking up those W’s! They’re proving that setbacks don’t stop them—they just fuel the fire.

Wisconsin Badgers open spring break with a W!

After a long winter break, the Wisconsin Badgers arrived in Hawaii and warmed up to a competitive game that saw them defeat the Rainbow Wahine 3-1. However, it was not all plain sailing for Wisconsin as they started their campaign by losing the first set 19-25. But once they found their rhythm, there was no stopping them. Using a lot of power and a pinch of that Badger spirit, they rose and turned the tide to secure the final three sets 25-20, 25-20, 25-19.

The three-time All-American Mimi Colyer put up match-high 20 kills with .372 hitting efficiency, seven digs and four blocks. Setter Charlie Fuerbringer kept the offense humming, dishing out 37 assists and even sneaking in a kill and three blocks. Newcomers Madison Quest, Grace Egan, and Addy Horner got their first taste of action, while returners Una Vajagic, Morgan Van Wie, Maile Chan, and Tosia Serafinowska also clocked in some court time. After a rocky first set, Wisconsin volleyball snapped out of it, storming ahead 5-0 in the second and never looking back.

Colyer caught fire, stacking up seven kills in the set, while the Badgers’ defense put up a brick wall at the net. The third set followed a similar script—Hawaii hung around early, but Wisconsin unleashed an 8-1 run that left no doubt. By the fourth, the Badgers were in full control, flexing their strength with three massive blocks and a .360 hitting percentage. Carter Booth was a force, racking up five blocks and nine kills. From start to finish, it was a gritty, gutsy, and flat-out electric way to kick off the season. So what do you think about the Badgers playing without Lopez? Let us know in the comments!