Wisconsin
Kelly Sheffield breaks down Wisconsin volleyball’s four 2026 recruits on signing day
Kelly Sheffield discusses volleyball recruiting in transfer portal era
Wisconsin volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield talked about his philosophy with recruiting in the transfer portal era on signing day for the 2026 class.
MADISON — Kelly Sheffield was at Luke Fickell’s house along with fellow Wisconsin head coaches Greg Gard and Mike Hastings when the longtime volleyball coach was awaiting some news from one of his 2026 recruits.
“The four of us were over there outside, and I said, ‘I’m expecting a phone call now. … If I get a FaceTime and a commitment, I’m going in the pool,’” Sheffield said.
Then came the call with good news from Audrey Flanagan, a highly-touted outside hitter from Redondo Beach, California. Flanagan delivered the good news with a regular phone call rather than a video call, which perhaps made it even better news for Sheffield.
“So I stayed dry,” Sheffield said. “But that was a cool moment. … When you’re getting a commitment, that feels as good as almost any win, and it’s really unusual to celebrate a commitment with other head coaches of other sports.”
Sheffield is drenched with optimism, though, about the four-person class that is ranked second nationally in PrepVolleyball.com’s rankings. The class consists of Flanagan and Halle Thompson at outside hitter and Lynney Tarnow and Kymora Scott at middle blocker.
“We’ve got four fantastic players, fantastic humans that will be joining our program,” Sheffield said. “Great competitors that all have very high ceilings, I believe.”
Here is what Sheffield said about each of his newest Badgers, along with their comments released via UW Athletics upon their signing:
Halle Thompson
Halle Thompson, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter from Spring, Texas, is “certainly one of the most dynamic attackers in the country,” Sheffield said.
“She was one of the starting outsides (for USA Volleyball’s U19 team) and can pass, is fearless,” Sheffield said. “Great serve. I don’t say that too many times about a high school kid, but she’s got a really, really nice serve. … She will tattoo balls from the back row. An elite back-row attacker for her age.”
Thompson, a highly-touted recruit in Texas on a highly-recruited club team, “kind of took us a little bit by surprise with her interest,” Sheffield said.
“Sometimes when you’re on the phone with people, it goes really, really well, and you just know you’re talking the same language,” Sheffield said. “And others, it’s almost like you’re talking with somebody that you’re pretty sure the words were English, but they’re not understanding me and I’m not understand them. Halle — we were speaking the same language right from the get-go.”
Thompson’s comments via UW Athletics: “The University of Wisconsin immediately felt like home from the moment I arrived on campus. After participating in a fun and exciting four-day camp and joining my future teammates in the program’s tradition of jumping into Lake Mendota, I knew Wisconsin was the perfect fit. The university’s balance of academic excellence, athletic intensity and vibrant community reflects everything I value. I’m thrilled to represent the Badgers and to grow both on the court and in the classroom, surrounded by coaches, teammates and peers who share the same drive and passion — proud to be a Badger!”
Audrey Flanagan
Audrey Flanagan, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter from Redonda Beach, California, went to the same high school as current UW setter Charlie Fuerbringer.
“Tall, six-rotation player,” Sheffield said. “Can get into angles that very few people can get to with her age. … I think she can be an elite blocker as well. Her contact point is just different than most people. Her ability to hit high and to get into angles — just a very, very smooth athlete.”
Flanagan at one point had a knee injury, but Sheffield said her approach to rehab “was done really well.”
“It was a great rehab,” Sheffield said. “We’re getting a great, great player. We’re getting a healthy player and one that’s going to have a huge impact for us.”
Flanagan and Thompson are “two of the top outsides in this class, dynamic six-rotation players,” Sheffield said. They were on the same U19 team for USA Volleyball. Flanagan will join the Badgers in May after the end of the club season rather than early-enrolling.
Flanagan’s comments via UW Athletics: “I chose Wisconsin because the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt like home. The people, the energy and the team culture were everything I was looking for. It’s a place where everyone pushes each other to get better and where the love for the game is unmatched. I can’t wait to play at the Field House and experience how special it is to be a Badger!!”
Kymora Scott
Kymora Scott, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker/right-side hitter from Flossmoor, Illinois, was a little more under the radar before she caught the UW staff’s attention at the convention center in Indianapolis.
“I was on one end of the convention center,” Sheffield said, guessing it might have been court No. 96. “And I get a text from Gary (White). ‘I need you on court 1.’ And I wrote back to him. I said, ‘Are you effing with me right now?’ That was a 25-minute walk through the crowds to get over there. He says, ‘I really need you over here.’”
When Sheffield finally finished the trek across the convention center and stood at the court where Scott was playing, she quickly impressed him.
“About two minutes in, we both sat down, and we stayed for a while,” Sheffield said. “Her athleticism, her ability to hit off of one foot really jumped out. You could see, wow, there’s an effortless ability to attack off one foot. She reminded me of a former player I had at Dayton named Megan Campbell with her ability to hit off of one foot or Devyn Robinson’s ability to hit off of one foot at the similar age.”
Scott’s under-the-radar status was “totally fine” for Sheffield, but also a little unusual for one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
“We don’t lean too much on the rankings when we’re recruiting people, but typically when we’re offering somebody scholarships, usually it’s not somebody that most people don’t know about,” Sheffield said. “And that was kind of the case here.”
Scott’s comments via UW Athletics: “I chose UW-Madison because when I stepped on campus for the first time, I realized this was more than just volleyball. The campus, the campus live, which never has a dull moment, school pride, the support the students have for each other and the alumni being so proud to say that they attended Wisconsin. The resources at Wisconsin sets them apart from other colleges. These resources set students up for success after graduation. UW is a great place to continue to be that beacon of light to others who look like me, through majors such as communications where I interact with others and represent myself through ways like volleyball and outside of volleyball.”
Lynney Tarnow
Lynney Tarnow, a 6-foot-5 middle blocker from Downers Grove, Illinois, has a long history as a Wisconsin fan.
“We’ve known Lynney for a long, long time,” Sheffield said. “She sent me a picture a few weeks ago of her when she was probably about nine and coming to our little Badgers camp, and I think she was eating a popsicle or something during one of the breaks. With those groups, we give them popsicles during the breaks. We’re not doing that to our high school kids.”
Now that Tarnow is beyond her days of having popsicles at UW youth volleyball camps, she has a skill set worthy of national attention.
“Most people in the country know who she is,” Sheffield said. “Very physical attacker. Played for an elite club. Played for national championships and has been in the USA pipeline for a while. Has got the ability to hit off one or two feet. Can be a very physical blocker.”
Tarnow drew a comparison from Sheffield to former UW star Haleigh Nelson.
“She has a lot more experience coming in than what Haleigh had at the same age,” Sheffield said. “But there’s certainly some similarities. I would say Lynney’s a better athlete at this age, and we all know what type of impact Haleigh had in her career.”
Tarnow’s comments via UW Athletics: “I chose Wisconsin because I have loved this school since my very first volleyball camp when I was nine years old. It has been my dream to be a part of this prestigious program, with its traditions and massive support from the community. I’m thrilled to be a Badger!”
The search for a pet kangaroo that escaped from its home outside of Necedah has captured media attention across the country.
Chesney is a 16-month-old kangaroo owned by Debbie Marlund, who operates Sunshine Farm Petting Zoo. He and his brother Kenny live in Marlund’s home, along with her five labradors, and often visit the residents of nursing homes and senior centers in the region.
“Chesney actually sleeps in bed with me every night,” Marlund said. “They’re both home bodies. They do get plenty of outside time when it’s nice. They don’t particularly care for cold weather.”
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The kangaroo was in his outdoor enclosure Wednesday morning when he was spooked by an unfamiliar dog and escaped. He’s been spotted multiple times in the area around his home but has so far evaded several attempts to catch him.
News of the search has been picked up by several TV news stations, including as far away as Seattle, and even made a British-based publication.
Marlund said she has not stopped searching for Chesney since Wednesday morning.
“I have been asking neighbors to let me go on their property and walk trails, walk paths, and get close to the vicinity,” said Marlund, adding that friends have been driving local roads to make sure he isn’t spotted leaving the area.
Colton Johnson of Midwest Aerial Drone Services has also aided in the search using a drone and thermal camera.
He often uses the equipment to search for lost pets but said tracking a kangaroo is more difficult because of its speed.
“It’s hard to keep up with him,” Johnson said. “He slipped us last night, but we’re going to head back out there tonight and see if we can get eyes on him.”
Johnson said there have been plenty of people in the area showing up to try to get a look at Chesney. But he urged residents to avoid going after the kangaroo because it could drive the scared animal further into the wooded area.
Marlund asked locals to keep an eye out for Chesney and report any sightings.
“He’s not going to come to a stranger, he’s too spooked,” she said. “But I think it is beneficial for people who are staying in the area or driving by to keep their eye out.”
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If you’re looking to make reservations for an Easter meal, check out these Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Calendars are quickly filling up with Easter services, egg hunts, photos with bunnies and brunch plans.
If cooking isn’t your thing, or you’ve been too busy to plan and cook this year, you have options in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Several local restaurants and businesses have you covered with all of your favorite Easter treats.
The following Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants and businesses will be offering Easter breakfast, brunch or dinner.
- Branding Iron Supper Club will offer an Easter Dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at 9721 State 13 S. in Saratoga. The Easter menu includes a ham dinner, a prime rib dinner, Branding Iron’s full menu, salad bar and a fresh fruit mimosa bar. The Easter Bunny will also visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available at 715-325-8102.
- Lake Arrowhead Association will host an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead, 1195 Apache Lane in Rome. The menu will include a variety of options including a carving station for prime rib and smoked ham, mahi mahi with a Korean glaze, sliced pork loin, chicken Alfredo, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, french fries, baby red potatoes, carrots, a build-your-own omelet station, biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, vegetables and more. Reservations are required, including a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot and can be made at 715-325-2915 or banquets@lakearrowheadgolf.com or events@lakearrowheadgolf.com.
- Nekoosa Court will host an Easter Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 4 at Nekoosa Court, 145 N. Cedar St. in Nekoosa. Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, pancakes and beverages with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow.
- Olympic II will host Easter Weekend Specials from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at 2520 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Easter specials include a breakfast special of an 8-ounce New York strip steak and eggs, hashbrowns and toast, as well as a tenderloin and jumbo shrimp dish, a roast turkey and ham combo, chicken breast and four shrimp, ham steak, roast chicken and roast turkey. Reservations and orders for takeout can be placed at 715-424-4744.
- Quality Foods is offering a complete Heat & Serve Easter Dinner, including a ham dinner for eight people with off-the-bone ham, mashed potatoes and beef gravy or eight three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, homemade stuffing, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and eight slices of cheesecake. The store also will offer an Easter prime rib dinner for four, including prime rib, four three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and cheesecake while supplies last at 1021 W. Grand Ave. and 1811 Baker Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Orders must be placed by April 1 at 715-423-8350 for Baker Drive and at 715-423-9750 for West Grand Avenue. Orders must be picked up by noon April 5.
- Slice of Heaven Bakery will host a free Easter dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at 1158 Snow Pass in Rome. Guests can eat at the event or order for takeout. Reservations are not needed, but those who need a delivery should contact rebeccalacount@gmail.com or call 608-449-0702.
- The Whitney will offer an Easter Breakfast Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hotel Mead Resorts & Convention Centers, 451 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Hot dishes include pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, french toast casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and chicken and wild rice soup. Cold dishes include a yogurt bar, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, muffins, cranberry bread, croissants, biscuits and an English muffin. Desserts include fruit pie, carrot cake, peach cobbler and coffee cake. The buffet is available by reservation only at 715-423-1500.
Want to add your business to the list? Please email cshuda@usatodayco.com with the name of your restaurant, your Easter hours, what your Easter menu will include, and whether reservations are required.
March continues on the ice as Dartmouth Big Green takes on Wisconsin Badgers in a regional semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
MORE: How to live stream NCAA men’s hockey tournament 2026: TV channel, schedule
How to Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth
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Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
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Wisconsin enters the tournament as one of the more complete teams in the field, combining strong defensive structure with high-end offensive talent. The Badgers have leaned on forward Cruz Lucius, a dynamic scorer capable of creating chances in transition, along with Kirsten Simms, who has been a consistent offensive presence throughout the season. On the blue line, Wisconsin’s physicality and ability to limit quality scoring chances have made it a difficult matchup.
Dartmouth arrives as a disciplined and well-coached group that thrives on structure and goaltending. The Big Green will look to slow the game down and rely on key contributors like John Fusco and Cade Webber to control play in their own zone while generating offense through efficient puck movement.
This matchup will likely come down to pace and execution. Wisconsin prefers to push tempo and create scoring opportunities off the rush, while Dartmouth will aim to keep things tight, limit mistakes, and capitalize on special teams opportunities.
Fans can watch the NCAA hockey tournament across the ESPN family of networks, with games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while select matchups stream exclusively on ESPN+.
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