Wisconsin Volleyball came so close to winning the NCAA title this season. But the Big Reds gave them a loss in the Regional finals and cut their journey short. Thanks to it, the Badgers wrapped up their 2024 run with a 26-7 record. However, an air of disappointment has prevailed since. And now, a key Wisconsin asset has decided to part ways with the side.

As per the latest update, Gulce Guctekin, Wisconsin Volleyball’s former defense specialist has announced her transfer to Tennessee. Guctekin joins the program for her final year of eligibility and naturally harbors great hopes in her mind as she writes, “I am incredibly excited and happy to announce that I am joining the University of Tennessee Volleyball program. As I begin this new chapter, I am committed to giving my best both on the court and academically.”

However, despite leaving, Guctekin certainly sounds thankful for her time in Wisconsin Volleyball as it serves as the foundation of the skills she brings to Tennessee. She continued, “I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, and coaches who have supported me throughout my journey. I can’t wait to work with my new teammates and become part of the Tennessee family.”

However, when one looks at the figures, Guctekin’s choice of program seems quite interesting. Tennessee went 15-12 last season and finished sixth in the Southeastern Conference. Speaking of the recent single-loss elimination NCAA tournament? Well, Tennessee fell to Georgia Tech in the very first round this NCAA season, while Wisconsin Volleyball still made it to the Regional final. In fact, the Badgers were steadily planted in the top 10 of the weekly AVCA rankings throughout the season.

But one thing is sure. With Guctekin’s addition, the Lady Vols’ defense game would touch an all-time high. Let’s not forget that the Lady Vols already have Mackenzie Plante, their sophomore defense specialist. Yet, there have been voids when it comes to block defense. So much so that their coach, Eve Rackham Watt, had remarked in October, “I feel like we come in here all the time talking about how our block defense needs to get better,” after a match where their defense did surprisingly well.

And that is a position that the Lady Vols can trust Gulce Guctekin to fill! With Wisconsin Volleyball, Guctekin played 69 matches over three seasons, averaging 2.1 digs and .38 assists this season, as primarily a defensive specialist. However, her biggest impact came as a freshman, when she stepped into the libero role and helped the Badgers to a Big Ten title and reach the regional final of the NCAA Tournament. Well, the latter happened this season too, but the Huskers handed them a crushing defeat.

Huskers brutally thrashed Wisconsin Volleyball this season

The Huskers and the Badgers are among the fiercest on-court rivals and there are no second thoughts there. But this time, the Badgers sure lacked that fire they seemed to have last NCAA season when they reached the Final Four. Not just during the NCAA tournament, but the Wisconsin Volleyball side has met the Huskers thrice this entire season. And surprisingly, all three times, they’ve been defeated by them. Well, if this isn’t upsetting, then what is?

In fact, in all three meetings this season, Nebraska has held Wisconsin Volleyball under a .200 hitting percentage. And shockingly so, in the regional final, it was as low as .126! And mind you, this happened with 8,743 present in attendance and 798,000 viewers watching on ABC. Also, this attack percentage happened to be the second-lowest mark of the season for the Badgers, slightly more than the .094 they hit against Nebraska on November 1.

Thus, it’s certain that the Badgers players have hit a low point in their careers, where some are eyeing the shift like Guctekin. No wonder Saige Damrow became the second Badger DS to enter the transfer portal, along with Gulce Guctekin. What do you think of these crucial steps taken by the players? Let us know below!