Wisconsin volleyball has officially set the schedule for its opening 2026 preseason action, starting with an alumni match on August 8 followed by an exhibition against Butler on August 14. Both preseason events will take place at the UW Field House in Madison, featuring a roster of prominent program figures.
The Badgers are gearing up for the 2026 campaign by offering fans two early opportunities to watch the squad in Madison. The program announced the slate on July 27, scheduling both preseason contests for 6 p.m. starts at the UW Field House, according to the team’s schedule details.
Star-Studded Alumni Roster Highlights August 8 Showcase
The August 8 alumni match pits the current roster against a group of decorated former Badgers who have continued their careers in the professional ranks. The standout lineup features former national player of the year Sarah Franklin, 2024 Olympic silver medalist Lauren Carlini, and 2025 All-American Mimi Colyer as the headliners of the exhibition.
- Outside hitters: Temi Thomas-Ailara, Sarah Franklin, Mimi Colyer, and Grace Loberg
- Middle blockers: Caroline (CC) Crawford, Alicia Andrew, and Carter Booth
- Libero: Tiffany Clark
- Setters: Lauren Carlini and Sydney Hilley
- Coaches (non-suiting): Annemarie Hickey, Anna Smrek, and Dana Rettke
Butler Exhibition Sets Up a Family Coaching Duel
Following the alumni showcase, Wisconsin returns to the floor on August 14 to host Butler. The matchup brings a distinct family dynamic to the sidelines, pitting Wisconsin assistant John Shondell against his nephew, Butler head coach Kyle Shondell.
Butler enters the contest following a 2025 campaign that yielded a 12-17 overall record alongside a 5-11 mark in the Big East. The Bulldogs faced tough tests against Big Ten opponents last year, dropping matches on the road against Iowa and at home against then-No. 14 Purdue.
Historical Context and All-Time Series Record
While the two programs share a modern family connection through the coaching staff, meetings on the court have been rare. Wisconsin and Butler last faced each other in 2005, giving the Badgers a 3-0 advantage in the all-time series history.
Kyle Shondell approaches his fourth season leading Butler after building a strong resume at the helm of Indiana Tech’s men’s program, where he earned AVCA National Coach of the Year honors at the NAIA level in 2022.
Building Toward the Regular Season at the UW Field House
Both preseason dates give supporters an early look at the roster adjustments following spring preparations, such as the March exhibition against Marquette at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee. With veteran talent returning for the alumni exhibition and a challenging non-conference warmup on tap against Butler, the opening weeks of August will set the baseline for what lies ahead in Madison.
