WI SCONSI N ATHLETI CS
2 0 1 8 1 9ANNU ALR E P O R T
FROM THE DESK OF BARRY ALVAREZ
M
inutes after the US women’s soccer team won the World Cup this summer, the television announcer on Fox was recapping the incredible run and announced during a highlight, “Rose Lavelle, the proud Wisconsin Badger.” What struck me about that phrase wasn’t only that one of our own just became an international hero, but that she proudly tells everyone she meets where she came from. Rose wears her Wisconsin alumnus status as a point of pride. Just like every single person who calls themselves a Badger. Our student-athletes make us proud by how they achieve on and off the field. Our coaches and support staff are second-to-none and Badger fans … they’re the best in the nation.
This past season gave us a lot of moments to show off our pride. Our football team won the Pinstripe Bowl – our fifth-consecutive bowl win, the longest streak in Big Ten history. Our women’s hockey team brought home its fifth national championship. The men’s basketball team went dancing again and both the volleyball and women’s soccer teams reached the Sweet 16. Those are just a few of the highlights. All told, 17 teams competed in the postseason this year and we finished 16th in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, equaling our highest finish in the last 25 years. Individually, 2018-19 was a banner year: Beata Nelson was the National Swimmer of the Year and won three national championships. Morgan McDonald turned in a nearly unprecedented trifecta of winning a national championship in cross country as well as indoor and outdoor track. Alicia Monson was also a track national champion. Jonathan Taylor, D’Cota Dixon and Ethan Happ all claimed national awards and overall we boasted 37 All-Americans. Our student-athletes excelled in the classroom just as much as in competition, boasting a cumulative grade point average over 3.1 at the end of the spring semester. A total of 352 student-athletes were named to the Dean’s, Dean’s Honor or Dean’s High Honor lists and a school-record 317 Badgers earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. Nine of our teams recorded a perfect single-year APR score. Lastly, I want to thank our amazing fans, who as always fill our venues. It has become expected that Camp Randall, the Kohl Center, LaBahn Arena and the UW Field House boast capacity crowds but nowhere was our support more evident than the NCAA Cross Country Championships at our Zimmer course where our runners were greeted by an impressive and raucous Badger crowd. We’re very fortunate to have the undying support and passion of Wisconsin fans around the world. On, Wisconsin!
Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez
DAVID STLUKA
THANK YOU!
The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department would like to thank our fans and the nearly 14,000 donors who support our mission, allowing Badger student-athletes to achieve success in the classroom and on the playing field. On, Wisconsin!
CHAD MOSLEY
DAVID STLUKA
FOREVER FORWARD
T
GREG ANDERSON
he Badgers wrapped up the 2018-19 season ranked 16th in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, marking the school’s fifth top-20 finished in the last six years. Wisconsin’s year was highlighted by numerous impressive results from teams and individuals alike.
National Awards ▪
Kristen Campbell, Women’s Hockey
The Badg while the
Second-team All-American ▪ WCHA Goaltender of the Year NCAA Frozen Four Outstanding Player
Michael Deiter, Football
DAVID STLUKA
▪
Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year First-team All-American ▪
D'Cota Dixon, Football Witten Collegiate Man of the Year AVCA Good Works Team
▪
“This is an incredible place that we live in. It’s an incredible time. If we each do a little bit, if we each try and help each other out, if we’re each not afraid to ask for help, we can do some unbelievable things.”
Ethan Happ, Men’s Basketball Second-team All-American Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award Winner Pete Newell Award Winner
▪
Kayla Konwent, Softball
— J.J. Watt in his 2019 Wisconsin commencement address
First-team All-American ▪ Big Ten Player of the Year ▪
Morgan McDonald, Men’s Track/Cross Country NCAA cross country champion NCAA indoor 3000 and 5000-meter champion USTFCCCA Cross Country National Athlete of the Year Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year
▪
Alicia Monson, Women’s Track/Cross Country NCAA Indoor 5,000-meter champion Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year Big Ten Indoor Athlete of the Championship
▪
Beata Nelson, Women’s Swimming & Diving CSCAA National Swimmer of the Year NCAA Swimmer of the Championship Big Ten Swimmer of the Year 3-time NCAA champion
▪
Annie Pankowski, Women’s Hockey First-team All-American ▪ Patty Kazmaier Top-three Finalist WCHA Offensive Player of the Year
▪
Dana Rettke, Volleyball First-team All-American
▪
Jonathan Taylor, Football First-team All-American (unanimous) Doak Walker Award Winner Big Ten Running Back of the Year
TOM LYNN
NCAA outdoor 5000-meter champion
Swimmer Beata Ne NCAA Swimmer o NCAA titles in c
SEASON OF SUCCESS
ger football team won the Pinstripe Bowl (left) Badger volleyball team made its sixth-straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearance (above).
TIMOTHY HUNT
elson won three NCAA titles in 2019 and was named the of the Championship while Morgan McDonald won four cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field.
Women’s hockey won their fifth national championship with a victory over Minnesota in 2019.
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Men’s basketball earned a trip to the NCAA tournament for the 20th time in the last 21 seasons, one of only five schools to earn 20 bids since 1999.
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Behind individual champion Morgan McDonald, the men’s cross country team finished eighth at the NCAA Championship in Madison. The Badgers also won their 49th Big Ten title in 2018.
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Women’s cross country placed 10th at the NCAA championship, behind fourth-place finisher Alicia Monson. Monson also won the Big Ten title, aiding the Badgers to a third-place team finish.
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The football team won its fifth-consecutive bowl game — becoming the first team to win five straight bowls while a member of the Big Ten Conference.
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Women’s hockey claimed its fifth NCAA championship along with the WCHA regular-season and tournament titles.
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Men’s rowing placed 13th at the IRA national championships, its 14th-straight top-15 finish.
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For the 12th consecutive season, women’s rowing earned a bid to the NCAA championships, finishing 15th. The Badgers have been invited in 15 of the last 16 years, bringing the program total to 16.
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Women’s lightweight rowing’s four and lightweight double sculls took home bronze medals at the 2019 IRA National Championships, aiding the Badgers to a third-place team finish.
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Men’s soccer clinched the most Big Ten wins in school history with six, en route to a second-place finish in the Big Ten.
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Women’s soccer advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2018, advancing to at least the second round for the third-straight year and the fifth time under head coach Paula Wilkins.
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Softball clinched their third-consecutive NCAA berth, advancing to regional play.
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Behind three-time champion Beata Nelson, women’s swimming and diving finished 16th at the NCAA championship.
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Women’s tennis posted 18 wins, the program’s most wins since 1998. The Badgers finished second in the Big Ten and made the eighth NCAA tournament appearance in program history.
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Men’s track and field tied for fourth at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Championships, marking UW’s best showing since finishing third in 2013.
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Alicia Monson won the NCAA indoor 5000-meter title to lead the women’s track & field to tie for 21st at the national meet.
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Volleyball advanced to their sixth-straight NCAA regional, one of only five teams to advance to the Sweet 16 the last six years in a row.
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In Chris Bono’s first season, wrestling qualified six wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, finishing 21st in the team race.
NOTABLE ATHLETES Kelsi Artim, Women’s Swimming & Diving Honorable Mention All-American Tyler Biadasz, Football Honorable Mention All-American Eric Brown, Men’s Track & Field First-team All-American Tiffany Clark, Volleyball Honorable Mention All-American Amy Davis, Women’s Track & Field First-team All-American Gabby DesRosiers, Women’s Track & Field Second-team All-American Megan Doty, Women’s Swimming & Diving First-team All-American Madison Duello, Volleyball Third-Team All-American Ryan Dundun, Men's Track & Field First-team All-American Olin Hacker, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country First-team All-American Sydney Hilley, Volleyball Second-Team All-American Trent Hillger, Wrestling First-Team All-American Oliver Hoare, Men’s Track & Field First-team All-American Lillie Hosack, Women’s Swimming & Diving First-team All-American
2018-19 NATIONAL FINISHES Overall Conference National Team Record Record/Finish Finish Basketball Men
15-18
Women
15-18 4-14/13th
7-11/9th NCAA First Ro —
Cross Country Men
— 1st 8th
Women
— 3rd 10th
Football 8-5 5-4/T2nd Pinstripe Bowl Champ Golf Men
— 14th
—
Women
— 9th
—
Hockey Men
14-18-5 9-10-5-2/5th
Women
35-4-2 18-4-2/1st NCAA Cham
—
Rowing Men
— 12th 13th
Women
— 3rd 15th
Lightweight Women — 4th 3rd
Soccer Men
10-6-2 6-2-0/2nd
Women
NCAA Sweet 14-4-4 6-2-3/3rd
Payton James, Women’s Lightweight Rowing CRCA Pocock All-American
Softball
43-14
Zach Lorbeck, Men’s Track & Field Second-team All-American
Swimming
Alissa Niggeman, Women’s Track & Field Second-team All-American
Men
4-3
6th
T36th
Women
5-2
5th
16th
15-8/5th
—
NCAA Region
Trent Nytes, Men’s Track & Field First-team All-American
Tennis Men
10-12 4-7/9th —
Banke Oginni, Women’s Track & Field Second-team All-American
Women
18-6 9-2/2nd NCAA First Ro
Victoria Pickett, Women’s Soccer MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist Emmy Sehmann, Women’s Swimming & Diving Honorable Mention All-American Bianca Stubler, Women’s Track & Field Second-team All-American
Indoor Track & Field Men
— 3rd T4th
Women
— 4th T21st
Outdoor Track & Field Men
— 10th T18th
Women
— 7th T66th
Cam Tysoe, Men’s Swimming & Diving Honorable Mention All-American
Volleyball
25-7
Jess Unicomb, Women’s Swimming & Diving First-team All-American
Wrestling
9-6 3-6/7th
Evan Wick, Wrestling First-Team All-American
Finishes indicated are for NCAA or other national champion
15-5/T3rd NCAA Elite Ei 21st
2018-19 ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
ound
ERIC MILLER
ps
MORGAN McDONALD
BEATA NELSON
The 2019 Big Ten Indoor and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, Morgan McDonald won four NCAA titles in 2018-19 — cross country, indoor 3000 meters, indoor 5000 meters and outdoor 5000 meters — to become only the third man in NCAA Division I history to win those four titles in the same year. The Sydney, Australia, native, also won three Big Ten titles this year — cross country, indoor 5000 and outdoor 5000 meters and led UW to a No. 3 ranking in the USTFCCCA Program of the Year standings. McDonald began his sensational season with a win at the 2018 NCAA Cross Country Championships at the Zimmer Championship Course, becoming the first Badger since 2005 to win an individual title. He became the first Badger to sweep the 3000 and 5000 meters at the NCAA indoor championships and the seventh student-athlete in NCAA history to win both distance races at the same championship. At the NCAA outdoor championships, McDonald won the 5000 meters, becoming only the eighth athlete in NCAA history to sweep the indoor and outdoor 5000 meters in the same season.
After one of the most applauded seasons in Wisconsin program history, junior Beata Nelson has been hailed Big Ten Swimmer of the Year. This achievement comes on the heels of a toogood-to-believe performance in the 2019 NCAA Women’s Championships, at which Nelson garnered gold in three events in as many days. The junior’s 100-yard backstroke? The fastest time in history at 49.18 seconds. Her 200-yard backstroke? A NCAA-record mark of 1:47.24 seconds. And Nelson’s 200-yard individual medley? The second-fastest swim ever in the event, at 1:50.79. Nelson, who also won each of the abovementioned events at this year’s conference meet en route to being named Big Ten Swimmer of the Championships for the second straight year, is the first Badger to claim three national championships.
Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country
mps
16
nal
ound
ight
nships
Women’s Swimming & Diving
Academics
S
tudent-athletes at the University of Wisconsin set new records of excellence during 2018-19.
1
CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year Morgan McDonald, Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country
3
CoSIDA Academic All-Americans Olin Hacker, Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country Morgan McDonald, Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country Alicia Monson, Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country
6
CoSIDA Academic All-District Olin Hacker, Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country Noah Leibold, Men's Soccer Morgan McDonald, Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country Alicia Monson, Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country Isaac Schlenker, Men’s Soccer Patrick Yim, Men’s Soccer
71
Big Ten/WCHA Distinguished Scholars
317
Academic All-Big Ten Honorees
102
Student-Athletes with a 4.0 grade point average in either fall or spring semester
117
Student-athletes who graduated in December 2018 or May 2019
Big Ten Medal of Honor
T
he Big Ten Conference’s most prestigious award, the Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had “attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work.” Announced at this year’s annual student-athlete showcase of excellence, the Buckinghams, senior safety D'Cota Dixon of the football team and senior forward Annie Pankowski of the women’s hockey team were recognized for the 2018-19 season. Dixon developed into a threeyear starter at safety, though his impact on the Badgers’ program D'Cota Dixon certainly extends beyond the field. Overcoming a troubled childhood and later the challenges of illness and injury after arriving on campus, Dixon became a three-time All-Big Ten selection, as well as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree who earned his degree in rehabilitation psychology. His academic efforts earned him the distinction of being named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete in 2018. Dixon received a number of accolades in recognition of his perseverance, most notably the 2018 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. He also was presented the 2017 Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award and the 2017 FWAA/Orange Bowl Courage Award. For his dedication to helping others through community service, Dixon was named to the 2018 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. One of the most decorated players in UW women’s hockey history, Pankowski capped her career by leading the Badgers to their fifth national championship. She became the third Wisconsin player to earn All-America honors in three different seasons and is the second Badger to be a threetime finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. Pankowski was named WCHA Player of the Year for a season in which she led the league Annie Pankowski with 50 points while helping the Badgers secure their fourth WCHA playoff title in five years. A native of Laguna Hills, California, Pankowski also thrived off the ice, becoming the first Badger to earn four WCHA Scholar-Athlete honors as she worked to complete her degree in zoology. She will continue her studies at UW while attending veterinary school. A dedicated volunteer, Pankowski was a finalist for the 2019 Hockey Humanitarian Award in recognition of her work with Occupaws, an organization that trains and pairs service dogs with the visually impaired.
Remington Scholars
T
he Remington Scholarships are presented to the male and female student-athletes who completed their eligibility with the highest cumulative grade point averages and graduated this year. Named in honor of former UW professor Frank Remington, who was a faculty athletics representative to the NCAA, Big Ten and WCHA, recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship. Hazel Hertting was the Badgers’ top diver on the onemeter board as a senior and ranked second on the threemeter board. A four-time Big Ten participant, Hertting's best finish came on the 3-meter even as a freshman when she finished 13th overall. The Appleton, Wisconsin, native Hazel Hertting won nine competitions during her Badger career. Out of the pool, Hertting was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and two-time Big Ten Distinguished scholar majoring in food science.
GOAL: EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS
Mark Saari was a two-year letterwinner for the Badger football team, playing in six games for his career. He was a member of the senior class that went 42-12, including a 27-8 mark in Big Ten play and a 4-0 record in bowl games. A three-time Academic AllBig Ten pick, Saari was also a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He graduated in May of 2019 with degrees in biology and kinesiology.
Mark Saari
Ensure that student-athletes reach their maximum academic potential and make progress toward a degree.
GAME DAY
W
isconsin has some of the best fans in the nation and this is reflected annually as eight sports rank among the nation’s leaders in attendance.
Men’s Basketball Led the Big Ten in attendance and finished in the top seven nationally for the 19th straight season.
Football Has ranked 18th or better nationally in attendance every year since 1993.
Men’s Hockey Led the Big Ten and ranked second in the country in home attendance, drawing more than 170,000 fans in 2018-19. The team averaged more than 10,000 fans per game.
Women’s Hockey Has led the nation in attendance 10 of the last 13 seasons, including 2018-19.
Volleyball
TOM LYNN
The past three seasons, Wisconsin has set Field House attendance records. For the first time since 2007, UW opened up sections of the upper deck to draw 95,581 fans over 14 matches for a school-record average of 6,827 fans per match, which ranked second nationally. The Badgers sold out all but one match last season.
DAVID STLUKA
GREG ANDERSSON
2018-19 Attendance Figures Home Rank Team Events Fans Avg. (Nat./Conf.) M. Basketball 18 310,901 17,272 4th/1st W. Basketball 16 62,302 3,894 26th/9th Football 7 540,072 77,153 16th/5th M. Hockey 17 170,751 10,044 2nd/1st W. Hockey 23 51,347 2,232 1st/1st M. Soccer 9 5,245 583 N/A W. Soccer 10 4,633 463 N/A Softball 13 8,331 641 59th/11th Volleyball 14 95,581 6,827 2nd/2nd Wrestling 7 12,120 1,731 13th/8th TOTALS 134 1,261,283 9,412
TOM LYNN
TOM LYNN
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT Our Mission
Our Need
The Wisconsin Athletic Development Office, the fundraising arm for the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department, is committed to providing the resources needed for student-athletes to receive a lasting educational and athletic experience while contributing to the financial sustainability of the Athletic Department.
The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department is completely self-sustaining and relies on the generous support of donors like you. We are committed to supporting each of our 800+ studentathletes to the highest degree and providing them with the needed resources to succeed. Gifts to Wisconsin Athletics are used to fund the total annual per student-athlete cost of excellence, including scholarship, travel, equipment, and other items which average $84,054 (out-of-state; $57,190 in-state) per student-athlete each year.
TOM LYNN
The Badger women’s hockey team won its fifth national championship in program history.
TOM LYNN
« supportthebadgers.org
Your Impact
Thank You!
Badger student-athletes are able to accomplish all academic and athletic success through the generous support of you – the donor. By impacting the lives of those who proudly wear the Badger uniform, we take pride in knowing your investment will continue the future success and traditions of the University of Wisconsin.
The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department would like to thank the more than 13,000 donors who support its mission allowing Wisconsin studentathletes to achieve success in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the community. On, Wisconsin!
2018 Athletics Gift Summary Annual Fund Suites & Club Seats
$16,790, 891 $8,773,255
Endowments Facility Projects Total Gifts
$11,696,594 $3,560,701 $40,821,441
2018 Donors by Giving Levels
Level Ambassador’s Circle ($50,000) Hall of Fame Club ($25,000)
Donors 155 53
MVP Club ($15,000) Champion’s Club ($10,000)
63 143
All-American Club ($5,000) Director’s Club ($2,500) Coach’s Club ($1,000) Captain’s Club ($500) Red & White Club ($250) Walk-On Club ($50) Total
391 732 2,666 3,132 2,612 3,649 13,596
ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN In 2018, a total of 13,596 donors contributed to help support over 800 Wisconsin studentathletes, totaling nearly $41 million.
Give ’Em 110% Over 1,600 donors participated in this inaugural campaign, contributing over $121,000 to support UW student-athletes. Donors were treated to a football pregame tailgate in the fall to thank them for their support.
Day of the Badger Wisconsin Athletics participated in the inaugural campuswide Day of the Badger, an effort to reach out to alumni, friends and donors across the globe to unite and show one’s passion for the University. UW Athletics raised nearly $180,000 from over 300 donors.
Badger Leadership Society members were recognized by UW Athletic Director Barry Alvarez.
Student-Athlete Thank-A-Thon Over 250 student-athletes participated in the UW Athletic Department’s annual StudentAthlete Thank-a-Thon in April at the Kohl Center and Camp Randall Stadium. Student-athletes representing all 23 sports volunteered their time to write over 2,500 letters and make phone calls to personally thank donors who generously gave to Wisconsin Athletics in 2018.
Student-athletes call donors during the 19th-annual Thank-a-Thon.
STEWARDSHIP & ENGAGEMENT Legends of Wisconsin Classic One of the most unique and popular annual events, it brings together two very notable groups; former Badger greats and those individuals that generously contribute to Wisconsin Athletics. Football Training Camp Outing More than 230 generous donors to Wisconsin Athletics enjoyed the 2018 Football Training Camp Outing at Camp Randall Stadium. The participants had an exclusive opportunity to watch the football team practice and hear remarks from Coach Paul Chryst as the team prepared for the season opener. VIP Reception The VIP Reception with the Director of Athletics, hosted in September at Camp Randall Stadium, had over 120 donors in attendance. The event is a donor benefit for those who give at the Ambassador’s Circle and Hall of Fame levels. The annual affair allows guests to meet and mingle with UW coaches and administrators. Exclusive Travel — Men’s Basketball at Battle 4 Atlantis More than 100 donors to UW Athletics traveled to the Bahamas with the men's basketball team for the Battle 4 Atlantis. In addition to games, donors attended a chalk talk and enjoyed an outdoor Thankgiving dinner. Badger Desert Classic The Tom Wiesner Badger Desert Classic took place in Las Vegas, Nev. in April. Activities included a Sunday night banquet, with live and silent auction, along with two days of golf.
Men’s basketball at Battle 4 Atlantis
VIP Reception
Badger Desert Classic
Donors had the opportunity to golf with Badger greats and spend time with Andy North at the 2018 Legends of Wisconsin Classic at University Ridge.
STEWARDSHIP & ENGAGEMENT Buckinghams Donor Reception Badger Leadership Society members and area endowed scholarship donors attended a reception with head coaches and administrators, as well as the student-athlete awards and talent show in April. The event showcases the diligence and committment of UW student-athletes both on and off the court. Donor Reception with JJ Watt Some of Wisconsin Athleitcs most generous supporters and friends enjoyed the opportunity to meet JJ Watt during commencement weekend. Watt served as the 2019 commencement keynote speaker. Endowment Luncheon Donors to Wisconsin Athletics, Badger student-athletes and UW coaches and administrators attended the 19th Annual Forever Badgers Endowment Donor Appreciation Luncheon on the UW campus at Union South in October. This unique event provides the opportunity to recognize and thank the many individuals who have made generous contributions to establish and support over 250 endowed funds. Roger Mansukhani and Family Camp Randall Terrace Dedication Roger Mansukhani was recognized in October for a generous gift to name the Camp Randall Terrace.
Donor recognition at football game
Donor reception with JJ Watt
Roger Mansukhani and Barry Alvarez
The 19th-annual Forever Badgers Endowment Donor Appreciation Luncheon featured author James Patterson, and his wife, former Badger swimmer Sue Solie, as the donors for current swimmer Beata Nelson.
BADGERS GIVE BACK
W
isconsin Athletics’ community relations platform, Badgers Give Back, is dedicated to being a difference-maker in the community by providing meaningful engagement opportunities with UW studentathletes, staff and alumni. Through mutually beneficial community partnerships rooted in developing long-lasting relationships, Badgers Give Back strives to create a culture of giving through socially responsible programs and events. The athletics department embraces the importance of “working for a cause, not applause,” by encouraging, engaging and serving our neighbors through initiatives centered around youth development, health and wellness and community impact.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Encouraging physical and mental well-being for people of all ages The tradition of weekly hospital visits, called “Badger Fridays,” blossomed into a powerful partnership with American Family Children’s Hospital that allowed all UW teams to visit patients room-to-room, touching the lives of 1,000 families. Twelve Wisconsin teams formed unbreakable bonds with a total of 21 patients from the hospital through unforgettable “Wish Upon A Badger” experiences, leaving memories for a lifetime.
E
Thr W t thro stu pa
361
Events participated in with seven community partners
644
Student-athletes who participated in Badgers Give Back activities
4,280
Meals served to families in need in partnership with Goodman Community Center
102
Friendships made with families and individuals living with Down syndrome through a partnership with Wisconsin Upside Down
G
Provid
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Engage adolescents throughout Wisconsin in their academic, social and personal development
rough the Foundation for Madison Public Schools, Wisconsin Athletics adopted Randall Elementary to help close the achievement gap for 370 kids ough a multifaceted approach that best served the udents. One aspect of the partnership was a pen al program that saw 636 letters written between Randall students and UW student-athletes.
Creating a culture of giving by working together in service and leading by example Wisconsin Athletics partnered with Goodman Community Center and Lussier Community Education Center to aid in their commitment to strengthen the lives of Dane County residents. These efforts included collecting school supplies to allow 250 students to head back to school prepared for the year and helping to get 1,500 holiday gifts in the hands of underprivileged youth in the community.
GOAL: CREATE A CULTURE OF GIVING
de student-athletes with the opportunity to enrich lives by encouraging, engaging and serving others.
NATIONAL W CLUB
All-time Total Letterwinners
9,722
Current Living Letterwinners
2,963
Letterwinners Currently Living in Wisconsin
UW ATHLETICS
12,263
DAVID STLUKA
T
he W Club’s primary functions are to serve its membership and to support the UW Athletic Department. The organization assists the department in hosting a number of events including the Hall of Fame, Crazylegs Classic, and sport team reunions. The W Club is one of the top Letterwinner organizations in the country servicing UW athletes from 36 different sports dating back to 1895. Overall letterwinner totals are recapped as follows:
Members of the UW Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018
HALL OF FAME Eleven Badgers were inducted into the UW Athletic/National W Club Hall of Fame in 2018. Their induction brings the total number of members in the hall to 242.
UW Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018
■■ Jolene Anderson, Women’s Basketball ■■ Simon Bairu, Men’s Track & Field / Cross Country ■■ Allie Blomquist, Women’s Golf ■■ Bill Chandler, Men’s Basketball ■■ Tim Gillham, Men’s Fencing ■■ Jim Johannson, Men’s Hockey ■■ Ed Nuttycombe, Men’s Track & Field Coach ■■ Donna Shalala, Former Chancellor ■■ Kevin Stemke, Football ■■ Kris Thorsness, Women’s Rowing ■■ Alando Tucker, Men’s Basketball
CRAZYLEGS CLASSIC The 2019 Crazylegs Classic celebrated its 38th anniversary in April with approximately 10,500 registered runners and walkers participating on a cold, windy and snow-falling spring day! This annual event is organized and administered by the W Club
Joe Tho
and the UW Athletic Department, along with a loyal set of long-time race volunteers with proceeds goi into the general athletic scholarsh fund. The race is named for Elroy “Cra zylegs” Hirsch, the former UW foo ball star and athletic director who was the official starter for every race from 1982 until his death in 2004. Since that first race in 1982 more than 366,000 runners and walkers have taken part. Joe Thomas, Badger football great and 10-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, served as this year’s Grand Marshal.
LETTERWINNER REUNIONS
The W Club hosts various reunions each year to welcome back letterwinners to celebrate th legacy or the anniversary of a conference or national title. Men’s golf celebrated the 1993 and 1994 Big Ten championships with a reunion on Sept. 6-8, including a reception for approximately 50 at the University Ridge Pavilion as well as watching the first round of the Badger Invitational. On Oct. 6-7, football alumni celebrated the 25th anniversary
DAVID STLUKA
omas, 10-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, was Grand Marshal at the 2019 Crazylegs Classic
, e ng hip
aot-
2,
he -
3
y g
of the 1993-94 Big Ten and Rose Bowl Championship team. Over 200 players, coaches, and support staff made it back for facility tours, watching football practice, and a reception. Attendees were honored with a highlight video during the UW vs. Nebraska game. Women’s hockey had a reunion to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the 2008-09 NCAA Championship team and the 20-year anniversary of the program. Over 60 team members participated during the weekend of Oct. 19-21 which included Homecoming weekend festivities and recognition at the women’s hockey game vs. Princeton. Men’s and women’s cross country and track and field alumni were welcomed back to enjoy an informal gathering on Nov. 16 before watching the NCAA Championships on Nov. 17 at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Course at University Ridge. Men’s and women’s hockey alumni attended Mark Johnson Night on Feb. 9 with a reception in the Nicholas-Johnson Pavilion prior to coach Johnson’s jersey retirement ceremony which took place before the start of the men’s game vs. Ohio State.
Women’s hockey alumnae celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the 2008-09 NCAA Championship.
LETTERWINNERS GOLF OUTING University Ridge was the site of the fifth-annual W Club Letterwinner/Guest Golf Outing on Aug. 31 with over 120 participants enjoying a day of golf and reconnecting with fellow Badger letterwinners.
CAMP RANDALL MOVIE NIGHT SOCIAL Letterwinners and their families attended a pre-movie social event in the Field House prior to the Camp Randall Movie Night on June 13. Over 100 attendees enjoyed this fun family night and viewed “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.”
CELEBRATE THE LEGACY DAY
The annual Badger Athletes Reunion was held at State Street Brats on Oct. 19. Hosted by UW letterwinners, the festive gathering of over 175 alums provided a chance to socialize, enjoy fellowship, and have a great view of the Homecoming parade. The Letterwinner Tunnel took place prior to the Illinois football game on Oct. 20. A time-honored tradition of the letterwinners, the former student-athletes proudly wear their varsity letter jackets or sweaters during a home football game and form a “tunnel” for the Badger football players to run through.
Football welcomed back members of 1993-94 Big Ten and Rose Bowl Championship team
Finances
REVENUE SUMMARY
T
Ticket Sales
$31,409,722
$3
Conference Distributions
$52,608,036
$5
Gift Funds**
$15,875,000
$2
$5,230,593
$
$19,752,377
$1
$4,202,342
$
$11,544,416
$1
$2,543,226
$
($8,537,833)
($9
he 2018-19 fiscal year continued Wisconsin’s long history of finishing the year with a positive cash balance. This consistency is representative of our on-going commitment to carefully managing our resources. We continue to closely monitor our expenses to assure that our projected revenue streams are adequate to cover our operational needs. The success of Badger Athletics is enjoyed not only in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics but also by students across the campus. Licensing fees from the purchase of items with UW logos are shared with the campus and last year provided over $2.3 million in financial aid for undergraduates with demonstrated financial need. Additionally, UW Athletics contributed over $6.8 million to campus from revenues generated through the Big Ten television revenues. Recent changes in the college athletics landscape promises to make 2019-20 a challenging year for UW Athletics. The breakout of the “Power Five” conferences from the rest of the NCAA will continue to bring significant revisions to the existing paradigm. Uncertainties surrounding recent litigation call for further study and clarification before final determination of economic impacts. Rule changes regarding the cost of attendance, studentathlete meals, and other student-athlete initiatives have brought significant cost factors to the forefront. We will continue to be good stewards of our financial resources while providing a high quality academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes.
2017-18 Actual
Concessions & Catering Multi-Media Events Other Revenue Post Season Transfers to Institution TOTAL
2018-1
$133,627,879
$14
2017-18 Actual
2018
EXPENSE SUMMARY Salaries & Fringe Benefits
$53,984,031
$5
Operational Expenses
$43,976,818
$4
Debt Service
$10,451,768
$1
Financial Aid
$10,854,892
$1
$2,625,607
$
$11,462,929
$1
$133,356,045
$14
Post-Season Participation Capital Projects TOTAL Net Surplus
$271,834
2018-19 Actual figures are tentative and not finalized
** Gift Fund amounts are representative of amounts used for operational purposes, not
2019-20 Operating Revenue Budget 2019‐20 Operating Revenue Bud
Ticket
Confe
Gift Fu
Conce
Multi‐
Event
Other
Post S
DAVID STLUKA
19 Budget
2018-19 Actual
2019-20 Budget
31,670,000
$32,003,376
$32,790,000
53,286,000
$54,487,742
$54,435,000
27,775,000
$17,800,000
$41,400,000
$5,070,000
$5,411,720
$3,120,000
18,515,000
$18,796,849
$18,515,000
$4,005,500
$4,741,104
$4,155,500
10,572,600
$11,989,561
$10,856,000
$2,600,000
$2,690,608
$2,600,000
9,800,100)
(9,798,150)
($10,337,600)
43,694,000
$138,122,810
$157,533,900
8-19 Budget
2018-19 Actual
2019-20 Budget
59,157,664
$55,864,348
$58,800,319
46,137,633
$47,297,131
$50,763,689
11,153,093
$11,056,168
$10,504,023
11,500,000
$10,007,993
$11,650,000
$3,000,000
$3,047,911
$3,000,000
12,598,000
$10,683,561
$22,650,000
43,546,390
$137,957,112
$157,368,031
$147,610
$165,698
$165,869
t what was actually received.
dget
2019-20 Operating Expense Budget
Chart Title
t Sales
erence Distributions
Salaries & Fringe Benefits
unds
Operational Expenses
essions & Catering
Debt Service
‐Media
Financial Aid Post‐Season Competition
ts
r Revenue
Capital Projects
Season
GOAL: COMMITMENT TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Achieve a balanced annual operating budget, secure resources to support the facilities needed by our student-athletes and maintain the department’s cumulative financial reserves.
INTRODUCING CAREER & LEADERSHIP In the fall of 2018, the Office of Student-Athlete Development (OSAD) underwent a name change to more accurately represent developmental focus areas of career and leadership. Thus, introducing Career & Leadership! Career & Leadership (C&L) aims to CONNECT TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES WITH TOMORROW’S POSSIBILITIES, transforming lives through the creation of innovative and intentional experiences that empower current and former student-athletes to be their best selves. Developmental stepping stones are organized through group and individual programming to ensure student-athletes are well-rounded, prepared individuals as they enter the next phase of life after graduation. In the 2018-19 academic year, C&L hosted 56 events & workshops and averaged 2.3 one-on-one interactions per student-athlete.
Life After Wisconsin
> Self-awareness > Exploration > Goal-setting > Preparation > Placement
I worked with my Career & Leadership coordinator for the first time when I realized I needed to update and reformat my resume. I assumed that only a few changes needed to be made, but my coordinator totally revamped my resume so that employers would be drawn to my most important achievements and experiences. Now I feel confident applying for jobs, scholarships, and even graduate school! - Saylor Martin, Women’s Rowing
In 2018-19, C&L staff conducted 1,779 total interactions with current student-athletes as they worked towards their personal and professional goals. Combined, our current student-athletes accomplished 2,466 meaningful outcomes, including:
575
career or leadership-related events & trainings attended
134
cover letters & personal statements written
426
career or leadership-related assessments & activities conducted
82
informational interviews & job shadows conducted
381
internships & jobs held
63
financial consultations conducted
298
resumes created & updated
51
mock interviews & prep sessions
250
online job-search profiles created & updated
4
campus Leadership Certificates completed
151
student organization participants
FALL 2017, SPRING 2018, and SUMMER 2018 STUDENT-ATHLETE GRADUATES
90.9% Of graduates who provided career data achieved a positive career outcome (130 of the 143 graduates) 65.0% Full-time employment 19.6% Graduate programs 6.3% Volunteer, part-time, or other POST-GRADUATION CAREER PLACEMENT LOCATION
44.1%
8.4%
12.6%
60.1% 12.6%
5.6%
CHAMPIONING CAREER DEVELOPMENT Throughout the year, C&L collaborates with campus entities and companies from a wide variety of industries to provide opportunities for student-athletes to gain exposure and experience in the professional setting. In the 2018-19 academic year, C&L offered:
STUDENT-ATHLETE CAREER NIGHT At our largest career event of the year, 117 student-athletes representing 22 sport engaged with representatives from over 80 companies and organizations across all industries.
> 1 career fair > 3 site visits > 4 industry panels > 7 employers in the lobby
SITE VISITS C&L partnered with various campus organizations to immerse student-athletes into corporate settings, gain insight into the day-to-day operations of the many departments that make up a company, and network with representatives.  
I like going to career events like the Student-Athlete Career Night and the Milwaukee Bucks Sport Management Night because it keeps my options outside of football open. The opportunities and resources to get connected to employers and professional experiences are easily accessible if we choose to get involved, like learning what to put on resumes, how to articulate transferable skills, and what types of internships will lead to better job options. - Caesar Williams, Football
I was able to make some really great connections with potential employers at the Student-Athlete Career Night. It was exciting to see so many reputable companies interested in hiring student-athletes. As an international student-athlete, I was glad to see companies that were willing to provide sponsorships. I had some great conversations with recruiters that hopefully turn into further opportunities! - Emily Borgmann, Women’s Soccer
INDUSTRY PANELS Specific to popular career interests of student-athletes, C&L coordinated panels of successful professionals working in those industries.
PERSONAL FINANCE
17 student-athletes heard
from and networked with established representatives from local companies, and gained insight into internship & job opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS A collaboration between the Wisconsin School of Business, Sports Business Club, and Wisconsin Athletics, 37 student-athletes participated in a night of learning from and networking with professionals working in executive leadership, team operations, marketing/ partnership development, and player representation.
MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH
16 student-athletes learned
about the Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, the various tracks that exist within, and valuable advice about how to prepare to gain acceptance and receive mentorship in preparation for a career in the medical field.
EMPLOYERS IN THE LOBBY C&L hosted 7 employers in the lobby of the Student-Athlete Performance Center. As a high-traffic location with student-athletes filtering in and out of the space throughout the day, it was a prime location for companies to attract, engage, and recruit our talented student-athletes for future career opportunities. Thank you, to the employers that participated in our career programs:
The Medicine & Public Health Panel was so informative for student-athletes looking to apply to medical school. The fact that the athletic department was able to organize a panel featuring doctors from various fields, who were also athletes during their undergraduate studies, was really motivating. They all had valuable knowledge about the application process as well as general guidelines to increase our chances of success in the medical field. Overall it was a great experience! - George Ghafari, Men’s Track & Field
LEADING WITH A PURPOSE C&L coordinates various opportunities for student-athletes to develop their leadership skills and become more involved across the athletic department and on campus. The following experiences are some of our favorite programs of the year ‌ LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE C&L staff worked closely with campus Center for Leadership Involvement (CfLI) staff to educate student-athletes on the leadership certificate and applicable student-athlete components, reinforcing the commitment to developing leadership capacity through intentional reflection and engagement in learning, both inside and outside the classroom, for the purpose of meaningful change. In the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019, 4 student-athletes completed the 100+ hours of leadership experience through organizational involvement, community service, and leadership trainings!
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) A student-athlete organization that met monthly to provide a direct link to UW Athletic Administration, the Big Ten Conference, and the NCAA. The SAAC is a leadership organization that provided an opportunity for student-athletes to enhance their experience through engagement in service, social events, and creating spaces for discussion to help empower student-athletes as it relates to welfare. Student-athletes from all 23 sports came together to serve on the SAAC, made up of 7 executive board members and 48 voting representatives. This committee led a variety of initiatives and coordinated many events for the student-athlete body, including: Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, De-Stress December, Dogs in the Lobby, Freezin’ for a Reason, Mr. & Ms. Bucky, ONE TEAM Hula Night, Open Forum, Random Acts of Kindness Week, Teddy Bear Toss, Thank-A-Thon.
LEADERSHIP LESSONS C&L hosted a series of 6 Leadership Lessons for student-athletes to dedicate time to their personal and leadership development. Throughout the series, a total of 81 student-athletes from 18 sports participated. 15 alum, employers, and coaches, co-facilitated alongside C&L staff to share various perspectives and expertise.
TOPICS INCLUDED: > WHAT’S MY STYLE?
> HOW DO I BALANCE?
> WHAT’S MY GAME PLAN?
> WHAT’S GUIDES ME?
> DO YOU FEEL ME?
> LOOK AT ME NOW!
TEAM WORKSHOPS By working closely with the student-athletes and coaches, C&L has the opportunity to create and facilitate workshops or outings to meet the interests and needs of each particular team. This year, teams conducted 4 workshops related to leadership, including participating in the DiSC assessment, a high-ropes course team-building exercise, and discussions on serving as a leader in the classroom. We know [Badger student-athletes] have excellent education and a tremendous environment, so that becomes a given – beyond that, it quickly turns to leadership. What type of individual are we hiring, not necessarily for their first job… but long-term, is this a future leader in our company? - Tom Westrick, VP/Chief Quality Officer of GE Healthcare
The leadership certificate is such a great opportunity to be able to explore your leadership style. It helped me understand what motivates me, what leadership styles I like and how to lead lots of different types of people. Learning all of these things will help me in many aspects of my life not just my professional career as opportunities to lead occur everywhere. - Jess Unicomb, Women’s Swimming & Diving
It's amazing how much goes into the community here at Wisconsin, and it's an honor to help be an advocate for our fellow Badgers by serving on SAAC. - Trista Pringle, Women’s Cross Country
ENHANCING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS C&L engaged employers through various programming with current student-athletes throughout the year, including, but not limited to: > Student-Athlete Career Night > Industry Panels
Our student-athletes continue to amaze us with their pursuit for success in all aspects of their lives. Badgers are:
> Site Visits
> Coachable
> Competitive
> Employers in the Lobby
> Dedicated
> Efficient
> Leadership Lessons
> Fearless
> Resilient
> Strategic
> Team-oriented
Outside of programming engagement, over 250 unique touchpoints through conversations and meetings were made with employers to discuss strategy and partnership opportunities.
What kind of leg-up do Wisconsin student-athletes have? I know
Matching Student-Athletes With Careers, Not Just Jobs
they’ve worked hard to get to school – it’s tough to get in, tough to stay in – and on top of that, you throw in the commitment they’ve had to athletics, towards other internships, community involvement… All of that put together signifies to me someone that’s working hard to get ahead. When they come out of Wisconsin, they’re ready to work. - Dan Kelly, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer of American
The department opened so many doors in my job search for work after college. I interviewed with several different companies throughout my job search, which gave me the confidence to speak with recruiters and eventually land an internship with Burlington for this summer! Using the resources and connections here with C&L staff is crucial to getting in touch with the right people to make it all happen. - Alan Sweet, Men’s Tennis
Family Insurance
LEANING INTO TRANSITIONS ONCE A BADGER, ALWAYS A BADGER PANEL
27 student-athletes heard from 6 Badger letterwinners as they shared testimonials of how their
athletic experience and skills gained throughout their time as a Badger transferred into the professional realm, and provided valuable advice and perspective to encourage student-athletes to explore their passions outside of sport. TRANSITION IN PROGRAMMING A multi-sport series of workshops first year student-athletes participated in during their first semester at Wisconsin. Students were educated on a variety of topics through individual and group development activities that complimented the one-on-one support students receive across the athletic department.
58 Summer 2018 enrollees participated in SUMMER BRIDGE, and 184 Fall 2018 enrollees
participated in a FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE course instructed by a campus professor for-credit.
Topics included: academic strategies, major and career exploration, nutrition, diversity & inclusion, wellness & sport psychology, and community outreach. Throughout these workshops, first year students were able to meet peers from other sports and build community. Transition-in programming allows for all of our incoming freshmen to have a shared experience that they will carry with them throughout their lifetime. ONE-ON-ONE COACHING WITH ALUM In 2018-19, C&L’s outreach expanded to assist our former student-athletes through their personal and professional goals. Through 164 total interactions with C&L staff, our former student-athletes accomplished 105 meaningful outcomes, including:
39 internships and jobs held
or leadership-related events 11 career and trainings attended
16 resumes created & updated
interviews and 7 informational job shadows conducted
letters and personal 14 cover statements written
3 mock interviews and prep sessions
job-search platforms 12 online created & updated
or leadership-related 2 career assessments and activities conducted
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Full program
THE BUCKINGHAMS: STUDENT-ATHLETE SHOWCASE OF EXCELLENCE A formal, red carpeted event where student-athletes’ successes outside of the athletic arena were highlighted through the presentation of awards, honors, and performances. The 11th annual Buckinghams, included: > 27 student-athletes presented 14 awards > 85 student-athletes from all 23 sports, 4 teams, and 1 staff member were honored > 23 student-athletes, 1 from each sport, served on the planning committee to plan and promote the event > 10 talented student-athletes and 1 full team showcased 6 different performances of singing, rapping, playing musical instruments, reading poetry, and dancing! > 2 student-athletes hosted the red carpet during the pre-show, 2 student-athletes hosted the opener to the show, and 2 student-athletes interviewed guests during the show > over 900 student-athletes, athletic department staff, campus and community members in attendance!
The best part about hosting this year’s red carpet was being able to ask my fellow students-athletes about their sports, academics, and even hidden talents. Overall, the entire event was an amazing experience and atmosphere. - Suzanne Gilreath, Women’s Basketball It’s a night where student-athletes and staff members get to celebrate all of the amazing things our teams and individuals accomplish in such a way that truly makes us feel like super stars. Getting to see all of the athletic, academic and other accomplishments my fellow Badgers do throughout the year makes me even more proud to be part of Wisconsin Athletics. - Emily Clark, Women’s Hockey
Red carpet, pre-show, and show photos
Buckinghams was an awesome event in a top notch venue. It was very impressive seeing all the amazing athletic and academic accomplishments of my fellow student-athletes. The event just adds to the many unbelievable student-athlete experiences Wisconsin has to offer. - Jake Bunz, Men’s Hockey
Post-event article
Recap
Working together with teammates to design and paint a mini Bucky statue for this year’s art gallery was very fun to be a part of. The wrestling team incorporated the memory of our teammate Eli Stickley into our statue’s design. Also, the Eli Stickley bELIve award was a wonderful addition to this year’s Buckinghams. It was an honor to be nominated for that award and to see just how large Eli’s impact was on the University. Both the mini Bucky statue and
Live from the red carpet
this new award was a great way to honor him and his legacy. - Cole Martin, Wrestling
MEN’S
BASKETBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 23-11 / BIG TEN RECORD: 14-6 (4TH)
Happ earns All-America as Badgers return to NCAA tournament DAVID STLUKA
HONORS & AWARDS NATIONAL ▪ Ethan Happ Second-Team All-American Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Winner Pete Newell Award Winner USBWA All-District Wooden Award Final Ballot Senior CLASS Award Finalist ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Ethan Happ First team ▪ D’Mitrik Trice Honorable Mention BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Khalil Iverson
14 20
Wisconsin tallied 14 Big Ten wins for just the third time in school history. Overall, the Badgers won 23 games against the nation’s fourth-toughest schedule.
ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Michael Ballard ▪ Brad Davison ▪ Ethan Happ ▪ Walt McGrory ▪ Brevin Pritzl ▪ Nate Reuvers ▪ D’Mitrik Trice
The Badgers earned a trip to the NCAA tournament for the 20th time in the last 21 seasons, one of only five schools to earn 20 bids since 1999. ETHAN HAPP
4 1
The Badgers knocked off No. 2 and previously unbeaten Michigan on Jan. 19, marking the fourth top-five win for Wisconsin under Greg Gard – most in the Big Ten.
A consensus second-team All-American, senior Ethan Happ was also an AP third-team All-American in 2017, becoming the first two-time AP All-American in Wisconsin history.
6
Happ became one of six players in NCAA history to accumulate at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 400 assists in his career. Happ set UW career records for rebounds and blocks, and finished third in points and assists as well as second on the steals list.
8
UW won eight true road games for just the fifth time in the last 100 years. The Badgers were one of six major conference schools with at least eight true road wins.
WOMEN’S
BASKETBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 15-18 / BIG TEN RECORD: 4-14 (13TH)
Badgers have best season in nearly a decade TOM LYNN
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Marsha Howard Second team ▪ Imani Lewis Honorable mention BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR ROLL ▪ Marsha Howard (Nov. 12 & Feb. 17) BIG TEN FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK ▪ Imani Lewis (Nov. 26)
8
Wisconsin wrapped up its most successful seasons in eight years, finishing the season with a 15-18 mark, the most wins since 2010-11. The Badgers also surpassed their B1G win total from the last three seasons.
2
The Badgers advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2013, winning two tournament games for the first time since 2009.
2
Senior Marsha Howard earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, the first Badger named second team since 2014. Freshman Imani Lewis earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, the first Badger freshman to earn All-Big Ten accolades since 2005.
3
Imani Lewis set three UW freshman season records. The 6-foot-2 forward set rookie season records from free throws made (102), free throws attempted (72) and rebounds (244). Lewis also ranks in the top five among Badger freshmen in points, rebounds per game and blocks.
14.9 8
BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Kendra Van Leeuwen CHALLENGE IN THE MUSIC CITY ALL-TOURNAMENT ▪ Marsha Howard, MVP ▪ Kendra Van Leeuwen
MARSHA HOWARD
The Badgers finished the season averaging 14.9 turnovers per game, which ranks fourth on the UW season record list. Wisconsin turned the ball over just five times against OSU on March 7, matching the lowest single-game total in program history.
A team-record eight members were named Academic All-Big Ten: Kelly Karlis, Lexy Richardson, Courtney Fredrickson, Suzanne Gilreath, Abby Laszewski, Kendra Van Leeuwen, Niya Beverley and Grace Mueller. JACK MCLAUGHLIN
163
Wisconsin totaled 163 blocks on the season, which ranks second on the UW season record list. The Badgers averaged 4.9 blocks per game, which ranked 25th nationally.
MEN’S
CROSS COUNTRY
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP: 1ST / NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: 8TH
McDonald wins national title in front of home crowd KRISTIN STREFF
HONORS & AWARDS NCAA CHAMPION ▪ Morgan McDonald USTFCCCA NATIONAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ▪ Morgan McDonald ALL-AMERICAN ▪ Morgan McDonald ▪ Oliver Hoare ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Morgan McDonald First team ▪ Olli Hoare First team ▪ Ben Eidenschink First team ▪ Tyson Miehe Second team
4
Morgan McDonald became the fourth Badger to win an NCAA individual title at the 2018 NCAA Cross Country Championships at the Zimmer Championship Course. McDonald crossed the line in 29:08.3, leading the Badgers to an eighth-place team finish.
49
Wisconsin captured its 49th Big Ten team title thanks to a 1-2 finish by Morgan McDonald and Olli Hoare. The Badgers recorded 38 points to easily take the team title over Purdue, which finished second with 88 points.
30
The Badgers won their 30th NCAA Great Lakes Regional championship as UW had five of the top-16 runners at the NCAA qualifying meet.
5
Five Badgers earned USTFCCCA All-Great Lakes Regional honors as Morgan McDonald earned his fourth award, Ben Eidenschink, Olin Hacker and Olli Hoare earned their second honors and freshman Shuaib Aljabaly earned his first award.
TOM LYNN
25
Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Mick Byrne earned his 25th men’s cross country conference Coach of the Year honor this season, 10 of which have come while leading the Badgers.
MORGAN McDONALD
WOMEN’S
CROSS COUNTRY
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP: 3RD / NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: 10TH
Monson wins Big Ten, NCAA regional titles to lead Badgers
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICAN ▪ Alicia Monson USTFCCCA GREAT LAKES REGION ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ▪ Alicia Monson BIG TEN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ▪ Alicia Monson
TOM LYNN
USTFCCCA GREAT LAKES REGIONAL TEAM ▪ Alicia Monson ▪ Amy Davis ▪ Shaelyn Sorensen ▪ Alissa Niggemann
4 10 11
Junior Alicia Monson finished fourth at the 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships thanks to her 6K time of 19 minutes, 55.2 seconds.
The Badgers finished 10th at the NCAA championship, marking the 23rd time in program history that the team has finished in the top-15 at the national meet.
Junior Alicia Monson won the Badgers’ 11th Big Ten individual title, and the program’s first title since Bethany Brewster won the conference crown in 2001. Wisconsin finished third in the team race.
2
The Badgers finished second at the 2018 NCAA Great Lakes Regional, their best team finish since 2014.
4
Four Badgers finished in the top-25 at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional to earn USTFCCCA Great Lakes All-Region honors: Alicia Monson, Amy Davis, Shaelyn Sorensen and Alissa Niggemann.
ALICIA MONSON
FOOTBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 8-5 / BIG TEN RECORD: 5-4 (T-2ND, WEST DIVISION)
Badgers run away with fifth straight bowl win, Taylor claims Doak Walker
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICA ▪ Beau Benzschawel First team (consensus) ▪ Michael Deiter First team ▪ Jonathan Taylor First team (unanimous) HONORABLE MENTION ALL-AMERICA ▪ Tyler Biadasz DOAK WALKER AWARD ▪ Jonathan Taylor Winner DAVID STLUKA
JONATHAN TAYLOR
5
With a 35-3 win over Miami in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the Badgers won their fifth-consecutive bowl game — becoming the first team to win five straight bowls while a member of the Big Ten Conference.
42
At 42-12, Paul Chryst is the third coach in modern Big Ten history (since 1946) to win at least 40 games in his first four seasons at a league school, joining Ohio State’s Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer.
10.2 2,194 4
With 102 wins, Wisconsin has averaged 10.2 wins over the last 10 seasons from 2009-18. The Badgers joined Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, Oklahoma and Stanford as the only Power Five programs to average 10 wins per season over that span.
Doak Walker Award winner Jonathan Taylor led the nation with 2,194 rushing yards, averaging 168.8 per game. With a combined 4,171, Taylor smashed Ron Dayne’s FBS record for yards through a player’s sophomore season (3,566).
Led by Offensive Lineman of the Year Michael Deiter, UW players occupied four of the five offensive line spots on the All-Big Ten first team: LG Deiter (consensus selection), C Tyler Biadasz (consensus), RG Beau Benzschawel (consensus) and RT David Edwards (media).
JASON WITTEN COLLEGIATE MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD ▪ D’Cota Dixon Winner WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY ▪ D’Cota Dixon Finalist AFCA GOOD WORKS TEAM ▪ D’Cota Dixon BURLSWORTH TROPHY ▪ Ryan Connelly Semifinalist BUTKUS AWARD ▪ Ryan Connelly Semifinalist MAXWELL AWARD ▪ Jonathan Taylor Semifinalist OUTLAND TROPHY ▪ Michael Deiter Semifinalist BIG TEN RUNNING BACK OF THE YEAR ▪ Jonathan Taylor BIG TEN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR ▪ Michael Deiter PINSTRIPE BOWL MVP ▪ Jonathan Taylor
MEN’S
GOLF
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP: 14TH
Hahn qualifies for NCAA regional
HONORS & AWARDS FIRST-TEAM ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Jordan Hahn BIG TEN GOLFER OF THE WEEK ▪ Jordan Hahn (Oct. 24 & April 17) ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Griffin Barela ▪ Tom Calbi ▪ Jordan Hahn ▪ Pete Kuhl ▪ Brett Robinson BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Brett Robinson GREG ANDERSON
JORDAN HAHN
292.96 2 17 4
The Badgers’ season average of 292.96 strokes per round was the best in school history, bettering the mark of 293.22 set in 2004-05.
Senior Jordan Hahn won two events in 2018-19, the Pinetree Intercollegiate and the Boilermaker Invitational. He is just the second Badger in history to win multiple events in the same season.
Senior Jordan Hahn became the first Badger in 17 years, and the 12th UW men’s golfer in history, to be named first-team All-Big Ten. Hahn finished his career with a school-record career scoring average of 72.92.
Senior Jordan Hahn became just the fourth Badger in history, and the first since 2009, to qualify as an individual for the NCAA Regional. He joined Ron Wuensche (1991), Jon Turcott (2002) and Dan Woltman (2009).
71.68
Senior Jordan Hahn set the school single-season scoring average record at 71.68, a full stroke better than the previous mark.
TOM CALBI
WOMEN’S
GOLF
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP: 9TH
Seven Badgers earn Academic All-Big Ten honors
HONORS & AWARDS ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Claire Fitzgerald ▪ Alyssa Gromala ▪ Tess Hackworthy ▪ Mackenzie Hahn ▪ Eloise Healey ▪ Jessica Reinecke ▪ Bobbi Stricker BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Tess Hackworthy
GREG ANDERSON
3
Three Badgers, senior Jessica Reinecke, junior Tess Hackworthy and freshman Tracy Lee, played every tournament for UW this season. Reinecke paced the team with three top-25 finishes.
298.03 75.26
JESSICA REINECKE
As a team, the Badgers’ single-season scoring average of 298.03 was fourth-best in school history. The top-six scoring averages in school history have come in the last six seasons.
Senior Nat Zeng finished with a career scoring average of 75.26, third-best in UW history. After missing the first five tournaments of the season due to injury, Zeng picked up a pair of top-15 finishes in the spring.
75.60
Senior Jessica Reinecke finished with a career scoring average of 75.60, fourth-best in UW history. She played in every event for the Badgers over her final two seasons.
TOM LYNN
75.57
Freshman Tracy Lee’s season scoring average of 75.57 is the second-best in school history for a Badger freshman.
MEN’S
HOCKEY
OVERALL RECORD: 14-18-5 / BIG TEN RECORD: 9-10-5-2 (5TH)
Wisconsin ends regular season strong with OT wins against Michigan TOM LYNN
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Wyatt Kalynuk Second team ▪ K’Andre Miller Honorable mention All-freshman team ▪ Peter Tischke Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honoree BIG TEN STARS OF THE WEEK
▪ Jack Berry Third Star (Oct. 16 & Nov. 27) ▪ Sean Dhooghe First Star (Dec. 11 & March 5) Second Star (Oct. 23) ▪ K’Andre Miller First Star (Dec. 4) HOCKEY HUMANITARIAN AWARD ▪ Jake Bunz
25
Sophomore defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk posted his second consecutive 25-point season from the blue line, falling one point shy of the team scoring lead. Kalynuk, team captain for 2019-20 has skated in every game through two years at UW. He was voted the team’s Spike Carlson/Chris Chelios MVP.
15
Sophomore winger Sean Dhooghe got out of the games fast, and finished strong to lead the Badgers with 15 goals. Those goals included an overtime game-winner on the last regularseason weekend of the season and a hat trick to open the Big Ten tournament.
10
Wisconsin retired the first number in Badgers hockey history when Mark Johnson’s No. 10 went into the rafters during a touching ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 9, in front of a sold-out Kohl Center.
2
Freshman defenseman K’Andre Miller was named Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Month for two months — October and December. Miller missed the final nine games of the season with an injury.
6
The Badgers graduate six seniors — two defensemen and four forwards — this season, including captain Peter Tischke and alternate captain Seamus Malone. Both Tischke and Malone joined professional leagues, signing with AHL’s Colorado Eagles and Utica Comets.
K'ANDRE MILLER
WOMEN’S
HOCKEY
OVERALL RECORD: 35-4-2 / WCHA RECORD: 18-4-2 (1ST)
Badgers win their fifth national championship TOM LYNN
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICAN ▪ Annie Pankowski First team ▪ Kristen Campbell Second team PATTY KAZMAIER TOP-3 FINALIST ▪ Annie Pankowski WCHA PLAYER OF THE YEAR ▪ Annie Pankowski WCHA GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR ▪ Kristen Campbell WCHA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ▪ Sophie Shirley NCAA FROZEN FOUR MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER ▪ Kristen Campbell
5
The Badgers won their fifth NCAA championship thanks to a 2-0 win over rival Minnesota at the 2019 NCAA Frozen Four.
494
ANNIE PANKOWSKI
Head coach Mark Johnson became the winningest coach in NCAA women’s college hockey and UW athletics history, and now has 494 wins.
6
Senior Annie Pankowski became the sixth player in school history to record more than 200 points in her career and leaves UW with 206 career points.
8
Wisconsin won the WCHA tournament title for the eighth time in school history. UW’s eight titles are the most in WCHA history.
2,232
UW led the NCAA in attendance for the fourth-straight year, averaging 2,232 fans per game at LaBahn Arena.
TOM LYNN
MEN’S
ROWING
IRA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 13TH (TEAM) / EARC CHAMPIONSHIPS: 12TH (TEAM)
Badgers beat seeding in all three eights at national championships ZACH FRANZEN
13 1
The Badgers finished 13th in the points standing at the 2019 Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championships. All three varsity eights beat their seeding.
UW’s top two varsity eights won their C/D semifinals at the IRAs, posting their best races of the year on penultimate day of the season. The varsity eight edged past Navy by less than 0.1 seconds.
5:41 2 32
All three eights of the Badgers swept Oregon State the morning of the April 13 Stanford Invitational. The varsity eight recorded one of its fastest times of the season, clocking in at 5:41.4.
Sophomore coxswain James Catalano and junior rower Jacob Wenner (waitlisted) were both named to the USRowing Under-23 National Team selection for a chance at the lightweight quadruple sculls crew in the 2019 World Rowing Championships.
The Badgers landed 32 rowers on the Academic All-Big Ten Team, the most of any Wisconsin sports team for the 2018-19 season.
HONORS & AWARDS ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Dylan Adams ▪ Evan Sadlon ▪ William Alt ▪ Paul Sagraves ▪ Matthew Bernard ▪ Taylor Steeno ▪ Philipp Bogdanov ▪ Tyler Stevens ▪ Jacob Buboltz ▪ Luke ▪ James Catalano VandenHeuvel ▪ Arthur Condor ▪ Spencer Waldron ▪ Chase Covey ▪ Adam Wehking ▪ Henry Dern ▪ Jacob Wenner ▪ Derek Franz ▪ Sam Wheeler ▪ Jonathan Kilen ▪ Bilal Yassine ▪ Bryce Kuehl ▪ John Young ▪ Kyle McCarthy ▪ Nicholas Mohrdieck ▪ Logan Morehouse ▪ Matthew Palmer ▪ Nathan Petersen ▪ Lucas Ratanawong ▪ Kevin Reed ▪ Blake Richter ▪ Tristan Ruch
JAMES CATALANO
WOMEN’S
ROWING
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 15TH (TEAM) / BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3RD (TEAM)
Department-best 12-straight NCAA appearances for the Badgers
HONORS & AWARDS CRCA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES ▪ Taylor Caudle ▪ Eliza Clifford ▪ Renee Olley ▪ Elisbet Pietz ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Sarah Gibbons First team ▪ Alicia Evans Second team BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Jane Merriman PAUL CAPOBIANCO
16
For the 12th consecutive season, Wisconsin earned a bid to the NCAA championships, finishing 15th. The Badgers have been invited in 15 of the last 16 years, bringing the program total to 16. Fourteen of 16 NCAA bids have come under head coach Bebe Bryans.
ALICIA EVANS
3
For the third time, Wisconsin hosted the 2019 Big Ten Championships, claiming the bronze as a team on May 19 at Devil’s Lake State Park.
27
A total of 27 women’s openweight rowers were named Academic All-Big Ten, the most of any women’s sport at UW and second among all Badger teams for the 2018-19 season.
23
Junior Rebekah Armstrong, sophomore Isa Darvin and junior Lauren O’Connor all earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and were named to the USRowing Under-23 National Team selection for a chance to compete in the 2019 World Under-23 Rowing Championships.
The Badgers’ varsity eight earned the 2019 season’s first Big Ten Boat of the Week honor March 19, clocking extremely fast times at the Cardinal Invite to defeat Notre Dame and Clemson with a 5:30.802 for 2000 meters.
GREG ANDERSON
1
BIG TEN DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS ▪ Taylor Caudle ▪ Eliza Clifford ▪ Laura Nicks ▪ Georgia Norton ▪ Renee Olley ▪ Elisabet Pietz ▪ Makayla Stow ▪ Madeline Thomey
WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT
ROWING
IRA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3RD (TEAM) / EAWRC CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4TH (TEAM)
Lightweight varsity fours land medals at last two championships
HONORS & AWARDS CRCA POCOCK ALL-AMERICA ▪ Payton James BIG TEN DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS ▪ Payton James ▪ Mya Lebakken ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Grace D’Souza ▪ Rachel Illgen ▪ Payton James ▪ Mya Lebakken ▪ Delaney Toepel
3
Wisconsin’s lightweight four and lightweight double sculls took home bronze medals at the 2019 Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championships, aiding the Badgers to a thirdplace team finish. The lightweight eight took fourth, showing improvement from the Eastern Sprints.
2
Finishing strong at the Eastern Sprints, the Badgers’ performance was highlighted by the second-place finish for both of the lightweight varsity fours.
1
After a narrow miss for the top final race, the varsity eight finished the UC San Diego Health Cup with a strong showing in the second final. The crew took first place with a margin of over five seconds on second place UC San Diego for a 7:00.017 time.
23
LIGHTWEIGHT EIGHT
Sophomore Grace D’Souza and Junior Rachel Illgen (waitlisted) were both named to the USRowing Under-23 National Team selection for a chance at the lightweight quadruple sculls crew in the 2019 World Rowing Championships.
ZACH FRANZEN
MEN’S
SOCCER
OVERALL RECORD: 10-6-2 / BIG TEN RECORD: 6-2-0
Badgers had most Big Ten wins in school history with six
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Robin Olofsson Second team ▪ Mitch Guitar Second team ▪ Isaac Schlenker Big Ten Sportsmanship Award BIG TEN PLAYERS OF THE WEEK ▪ Dean Cowdroy (Oct. 2 & Oct. 23) ▪ Noah Melick (Oct. 9)
DAVID STLUKA
6
Wisconsin clinched the most Big Ten wins in school history with six in 2018. The Badgers defeated Ohio State, Northwestern, Rutgers, Maryland and Michigan State en route to a second-place finish in the Big Ten and the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
3
Wisconsin earned its spot in the Big Ten semifinals for the third-consecutive year. The No. 2-seeded Badgers defeated Rutgers, 6-3, in the quarterfinals before falling to No. 3 Michigan 1-0 in the semis.
6
The Badgers had six All-Big Ten honorees in total and two All-Region selections. Mitch Guitar and Robin Olofsson were both named to the All-Big Ten second team, while Isaac Schlenker earned Big Ten sportsmanship honors. Andrew Akindele, Noah Melick and Zach Klancnik were all named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. The three freshmen combined for 31 of the team’s points.
2
Wisconsin beat two top-25 teams, taking down powerhouses Michigan and Michigan State. Wisconsin first shocked No. 5 Michigan State on the road, when sophomore Alex Alfaro scored in overtime to hand MSU its first loss of the season. UW then knocked off No. 18 Michigan in front of a wild crowd at the McClimon Complex in the second overtime period. Duncan Storey sent the ball to freshman Noah Melick who scored.
ALL-NORTH REGION ▪ Robin Olofsson Second team ▪ Mitch Guitar Third team UW LARGE TEAM HIGHEST CUMULATIVE GPA AWARD
ROBIN OLOFSSON
WOMEN’S
SOCCER
OVERALL RECORD: 14-4-4 / BIG TEN RECORD: 6-2-3
Badgers make second Sweet 16 appearance in program history TOM LYNN
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-NORTH REGION ▪ Victoria Pickett First team ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Victoria Pickett First team ▪ Dani Rhodes Second team ▪ Claire Shea Third team ▪ Jordan McNeese Big Ten Sportsmanship Award
3
The Badgers advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2018, advancing to at least the second round for the third-straight year and the fifth time under head coach Paula Wilkins. It was the Badgers’ 20th NCAA tournament appearance overall and seventh under Wilkins.
1
Victoria Pickett earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for the second year in a row. She was named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, just the third in program history. She finished the season with six points, including one goal and four assists.
250
14 2
VICTORIA PICKETT
Wisconsin head coach Paula Wilkins won her 250th game as a Big Ten head coach. Wilkins has 254 career wins, including 134 at Wisconsin and 119 at Penn State. That includes 11 NCAA tournament berths, seven Big Ten titles and three Big Ten tournament titles for the Pennsylvania native.
Forward Dani Rhodes set a program record by scoring four goals in a 6-0 defeat of Hofstra to advance to the Sweet 16. The Badgers scored six goals in a single game, breaking a program record in the NCAA tournament and helped them advance to the second Sweet 16 in school history. The Badgers were not afraid of a challenging schedule in 2018, one that paid off in taking them farther in the end. UW ended up with 14 overall wins, including six against teams that were in the top 100 of the RPI. Former Badger Rose Lavelle scored two goals in her first-ever start in a World Cup for the U.S. Women’s National Team, including the second goal in the World Cup Championship. She was awarded the Bronze Ball as the third-most outstanding player in the tournament.
DAVE GAUSTAD
4
MAC HERMANN TROPHY ▪ Victoria Pickett Semifinalist (third in program history)
SOFTBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 43-14 / BIG TEN RECORD: 15-8/5TH
Badgers clinch third-consecutive NCAA Tournament Bid SARAH PHIPPS
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICA ▪ Kayla Konwent First team ALL-REGION ▪ Kayla Konwent First team ▪ Taylor Johnson First team ▪ Kaitlyn Menz Second team ▪ Haley Hestekin Third team
KAITLYN MENZ & LAUREN FOSTER
1 3 43 3 30
Kayla Konwent became UW’s first Big Ten Player of the Year in program history. The Salem, Wisconsin, native led the league in batting average (.479), slugging percentage (.918) and on base percentage (.600). The super slugger also finished third nationally in batting average and set single-season school records for home runs and total bases. She was also a unanimous first-team selection and along with her conference accolades, Konwent earned a spot on USA Softball’s top 10 list of finalists for Player of the Year.
ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Kayla Konwent First team ▪ Taylor Johnson First team ▪ Kaitlyn Menz Second team ▪ Angie Morrow Big Ten Sportsmanship Award BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR ▪ Kayla Konwent
KAYLA KONWENT
The Badgers clinched their third-consecutive NCAA berth and made the tournament for the fifth time in seven years. Five of the Badgers’ seven all-time NCAA tournament appearances have come under head coach Yvette Healy. It was the first time in program history that the Badgers have gone to the Big Dance three years in a row. Wisconsin had the second-most wins in school history, just one win short of tying the record clinching 43 total wins. Wisconsin also finished ranked in both polls, finishing 22nd in the ESPN/USA Softball poll and 25th in the NFCA poll, as well as 29th in the final RPI.
Wisconsin had three top-15 ranked wins this season. The Badgers took down No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 9 Texas and No. 15 Arizona State.
This year’s squad was the fastest to 30 wins in school history.
MEN’S
SWIMMING & DIVING
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS: 6TH / NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS: T-36TH
Badgers boast two swimmers at NCAA championships DEB LINDSEY
ALL-AMERICA ▪ Cam Tysoe Honorable mention ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Matt Aronson ▪ Ben Attenberger ▪ Eric Geunes ▪ MJ Mao ▪ Matt Aronson ▪ Matthew Novinski ▪ Andrew Pearce ▪ Kevin Pomeroy ▪ Brayden Schachle ▪ Justin Temprano ▪ Cam Tysoe ▪ Chris Wills ▪ Tyler Zelen
MJ MAO
1
HONORS & AWARDS
BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Chris Wills The 2018-19 season marked the first chapter of the Yuri Suguiyama era. Suguiyama was named head coach after six years as associate head coach of the men’s program at Cal. Wisconsin also welcomed assistants Kristy Brager, Jennah Haney and Erik Posegay to its coaching contigent.
BIG TEN SWIMMER OF THE WEEK ▪ MJ Mao (Jan. 9)
CAM TYSOE
52.28 2
Sophomore MJ Mao rewrote Badger history with a mark of 52.28 in the 100 breaststoke at the Big Ten championships. The time toppled Nick Shafer’s 52.86 for the fastest swim in that event in program history.
The Badgers boasted two swimmers at the NCAA championships. Junior Cam Tysoe represented Wisconsin in the 200 backstroke, while MJ Mao competed in the 200 breaststroke as UW tied for 36th in the team race.
1:39.97
Junior Cam Tysoe earned honorable mention All-America honors with a 10th-place showing of 1:39.97 in the 200 backstroke at the NCAA championships. The time ranks second in school history, behind Drew teDuits.
WOMEN’S
SWIMMING & DIVING
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS: 5TH / NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 16TH
Beata Nelson notches three national titles in record-breaking season
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICA ▪ Beata Nelson First team ▪ Jess Unicomb First team ▪ Lillie Hosack First team ▪ Megan Doty First team ▪ Emmy Sehmann Honorable mention ▪ Kelsi Artim Honorable mention CSCAA SWIMMER OF THE YEAR ▪ Beata Nelson NCAA SWIMMER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ▪ Beata Nelson
BEATA NELSON
3 2 1
Junior Beata Nelson bagged three national titles at the NCAA championships. Nelson won the 200 individual medley (1:50.79), 100 backstroke (49.18) and 200 backstroke (1:47.24), each of which are the fastest marks in school history, aiding the Badgers to a 16th-place team finish.
Nelson nabbed two respective Swimmer of the Championships awards this season. For the second-consecutive year, Nelson was crowned Big Ten Swimmer of the Championships after reclaiming 200 individual medley, 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke titles. The junior was also awarded NCAA Swimmer of the Championships.
BIG TEN SWIMMER OF THE YEAR ▪ Beata Nelson BIG TEN SWIMMER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP ▪ Beata Nelson BIG TEN SWIMMER OF THE WEEK ▪ Beata Nelson (Oct. 17 & Dec. 5) ▪ Emmy Sehmann (Jan. 9)
LILLIE HOSACK
Nelson became the first swimmer in history to clock a 49.18 in the 100 backstroke. In that event, Nelson is the first woman to break the 50-second barrier on six separate occasions.
6:57.54
DEB LINDSEY
The foursome of Beata Nelson, Jess Unicomb, Megan Doty and Lillie Hosack shattered a school record with their swim of 6:57.54 in the 800 freestyle relay at the NCAA championships.
MEN’S
TENNIS
OVERALL RECORD: 10-12 / BIG TEN RECORD: 4-7 (9TH)
Young Badgers make strides during 2019 season DAVID STLUKA
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Osgar O’Hoisin Second team BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Jesper Freimuth ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Chase Colton ▪ Jesper Freimuth ▪ Robert Krill ▪ Martim Vilela
15 9 14 4 25
The Badgers were excellent in doubles action this year as they won the doubles point 15 times. UW ended the year with a 33-17 record in doubles action.
The Badgers were stellar at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium, winning nine matches at their home facility.
Freshman Jared Pratt won 14 singles matches in his debut season for the Cardinal and White, a team-high mark. Pratt was the No. 20-ranked player in the country his senior year of high school.
Four Badgers — Chase Colton, Jesper Freimuth, Robert Krill and Martim Vilela — earned Academic All-Big Ten honors this year.
Senior Osgar O’Hoisin became the 25th different Badger to earn All-Big Ten honors as the senior earned second-team accolades.
OSGAR O’HOISIN
WOMEN’S
TENNIS
OVERALL RECORD: 18-6 / BIG TEN RECORD: 9-2 (2ND)
Badgers make first NCAA tournament berth since 2005
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Sara Castellano First team BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD ▪ Ava Markham ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Sara Castellano ▪ Lexi Keberle ▪ Melissa Pick ▪ MaryAnn Rompf
CODY GLENN
18
Wisconsin posted 18 wins in 2018-19, the program’s most wins since 1998. SARA CASTELLANO
2002 8
The Badgers finished second in the Big Ten Conference with nine league wins, their best finish and most wins since 2002.
Wisconsin made its eighth NCAA tournament appearance this year and its first since the 2005 season.
13
Sara Castellano opened the dual season with a 13-match winning streak at the No. 1 position. The senior also earned seven wins over ranked opponents.
29
The Badgers cracked the ITA Rankings in in the middle of Big Ten play and achieved a season-high ranking of No. 29 in April.
MEN’S
TRACK & FIELD
BIG TEN (IN/OUT): 3RD/10TH / NCAA (IN/OUT): 4TH/T-18TH
McDonald wins three NCAA titles during track and field season
HONORS & AWARDS NCAA CHAMPIONS ▪ Morgan McDonald Indoor 3K, Indoor 5K, Outdoor 5K
DARREN MILLER
MORGAN McDONALD
3
Morgan McDonald became only the third male athlete in NCAA history to win cross country, indoor 3000, indoor 5000, and outdoor 5000 meter national titles in the same season. For his efforts McDonald was named a top-10 finalist for The Bowerman award.
4
The Badgers finished fourth at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships thanks to a score of 30 points. It marked UW’s best showing at the NCAA meet since finishing third in 2013.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
9:26.24
The distance medley relay squad of Morgan McDonald, Stacey Boyd II, Eric Brown and Olli Hoare broke the school record for the secondstraight year in the event at the Alex Wilson Invitational. Their time of 9:26.24 ranks No. 3 in NCAA history among all conditions and tracks.
OLIVER HOARE
DARREN MILLER
3:54.83
Junior Olli Hoare broke the Big Ten Conference record in the mile with a time of 3:54.83 at the Millrose Games in February. It marked the first of two times he would break a school record during the 2019 season as he also broke the school record in the 1500 meters (3:37.20).
ALL-AMERICA ▪ Eric Brown First team ▪ Ryan Dundun First team ▪ Olin Hacker First team ▪ Oliver Hoare First team ▪ Zach Lorbeck Second team ▪ Morgan McDonald First team ▪ Trent Nytes First team
WOMEN’S
TRACK & FIELD
BIG TEN (IN/OUT): 4TH/7TH / NCAA (IN/OUT): T-21ST/T-66TH
Monson wins national title in indoor 5000 meters JEN ARAGON
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS ▪ Alicia Monson Indoor 3000 Meters ALL-AMERICA ▪ Amy Davis First team ▪ Alicia Monson First team ▪ Gabby DesRosiers Second team ▪ Alissa Niggemann Second team ▪ Banke Oginni Second team ▪ Bianca Stubler Second team
ALICIA MONSON
8:45.97 1997
HONORS & AWARDS
Alicia Monson ran the No. 3 time in NCAA history of 8:45.97 in the women’s indoor 3000 meters at the Millrose Games. Her winning time at the prestigious meet came against several pro runners.
Monson became the first Badger to win an NCAA track title since 1997 with her win in the 5000 meters at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
9:51.60
Sophomore Alissa Niggemann broke the school record in the steeplechase with a time of 9 minutes, 51.60 seconds at the NCAA outdoor championships. Niggemann also became the first Badger to win a Big Ten title in the steeplechase.
7
Senior Banke Oginni ended her Badger career with seven AllAmerica honors, including three her senior year. Oginni leaves UW with the school record in the indoor weight throw, the No. 2 mark in the indoor shot put, and the No. 3 marks in the outdoor shot put and the hammer throw.
4
The Badgers broke four different school records in relay events this year as UW broke program records in the indoor 4x400 and distance medley relay before smashing school bests in the 4x200 and 4x400 relays outdoors.
BIG TEN INDOOR TRACK ATHLETE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ▪ Alicia Monson
ALISSA NIGGEMANN
VOLLEYBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 25-7 / BIG TEN RECORD: 15-5 (T3RD)
Badgers advance to sixth-straight NCAA regional GREG ANDERSON
4
The Badgers landed four players on the AVCA All-America team, tying for the second most in program history. Dana Rettke became just the third two-time first-team All-American in UW history.
6
The Badgers advanced to their sixth-straight NCAA regional, one of only five teams to advance to the Sweet 16 the last six years in a row.
2
Sophomore Dana Rettke earned two Big Ten statistical titles, leading the conference in hitting percentage (.423) and blocks per set (1.54).
22
Senior Tionna Williams wrapped up her career with 1,009 kills, becoming the 22nd Badger to hit the grand mark. The 6-foot-2 middle blocker also finished with 512 blocks in her four seasons, the eighth Badger to surpass 500 career blocks. She is also just the sixth UW player to record more than 1,000 kills and 500 blocks in a career.
8
Wisconsin was one of only seven teams in the nation and one of four teams in the Big Ten to defeat eight-or-more ranked teams this season. UW was 8-6 against the top 25 this year.
5
Wisconsin played the fifth-toughest schedule in the nation and the second-toughest schedule in the Big Ten this season, according to the final NCAA strength of schedule.
6,827
Wisconsin averaged a school record 6,827 fans per match this season, drawing 95,581 total spectators, coming up just short of last season’s school-record total of 95,680 spectators. It marked the 19th-straight season ranking in the top five nationally.
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICA ▪ Dana Rettke First team ▪ Sydney Hilley Second team ▪ Madison Duello Third team ▪ Tiffany Clark Honorable mention ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Dana Rettke First team ▪ Sydney Hilley First team ▪ Madison Duello First team AVCA NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK ▪ Dana Rettke (Oct. 22)
DANA RETTKE
WRESTLING
OVERALL RECORD: 9-6-0 / BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS: 7TH / NCAA: 21ST
Two Badgers earn All-America honors in Bono’s first season
HONORS & AWARDS ALL-AMERICANS ▪ Evan Wick ▪ Trent Hillger
STACY SCHIESL
TRENT HILLGER
BIG TEN PLACERS ▪ Beau Breske (6th) ▪ Ryan Christensen (8th) ▪ Trent Hillger (4th) ▪ Cole Martin (4th) ▪ Tristan Moran (6th) ▪ Mason Reinhardt (8th) ▪ Evan Wick (4th)
6
In Chris Bono’s first season, the Badgers qualified six wrestlers for the NCAA Championships, finishing 21st in the team race. It marked the 12th time in the last 13 seasons that the Badgers have qualified five or more wrestlers.
2
NCAA QUALIFIERS ▪ Ryan Christensen ▪ Tristan Moran ▪ Mason Reinhardt ▪ Cole Martin ▪ Trent Hillger ▪ Evan Wick
Sophomore Evan Wick became a two-time All-American after finishing in fourth place at his second NCAA championships. He became the 25th wrestler in Wisconsin program history to earn two All-America honors. Wick finished his season with a 32-6 record and posted a 14-1 dual record in addition to finishing fourth at the Big Ten Tournament.
ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN ▪ Cole Martin ▪ Tristan Moran ▪ Mason Reinhardt ▪ Ethan Rotondo ▪ Evan Wick
15
UW has had at least one wrestler earn an All-America honor in each of the last 15 seasons. Trent Hillger earned his first as a freshman while Evan Wick earned his second as a sophomore.
16
Chris Bono became the 16th head coach in Wisconsin wrestling history on March 24, 2018. In his first season with the Badgers, Bono led the Badgers to a 9-6 dual record, picking up signature wins against Nebraska on the road and Illinois at home. Every wrestler who qualified for the NCAA tournament had at least one win and Bono had two All-Americans in Evan Wick and Trent Hillger.
4
The Badgers had a strong showing at Midlands, finishing fourth overall as a team, the highest finish for Wisconsin since 2010, and getting seven wrestlers on the podium, the most at the prestigious tournament for Wisconsin since 1974.
RYAN CHRISTENSEN
DAVID STLUKA
14
Pat Christenson was announced as the 14th wrestler to enter the Wisconsin Hall of Fame on June 30. Christenson was a 1976 NCAA Champion at 167 lbs. and was also awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor that year. His 32 career falls rank third in UW history.