Expectations for libero Kristen Simon were high upon her arrival before last season at Wisconsin. She had been named the 2024 Gatorade Kentucky Volleyball Player of the Year. She was ranked as a top-20 player in the country. And Wisconsin volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield said, even before Simon played a match for the Badgers, that she had the potential to become one of the best liberos in the college game.

Simon didn’t disappoint in her freshman season. She played in all but three sets as the starting libero. She led the team with 3.47 digs per set, and her 375 digs were the most by a Badgers freshman since Lauren Carlini in 2013. Simon also was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association North All-Region team in addition to earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team.

Simon returns for her sophomore season as part of a loaded Wisconsin team with national championship ambitions. Wisconsin is set to open the season with a pair of matches August 21-22 against Kentucky and Louisville — which happens to be Simon’s hometown — at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. In the latest Badger Connect Podcast with Mike Heller, Simon discusses her recruiting process, acclimating to Wisconsin, life off the court and more. You can view the full episode here:

(Top photo of Kristen Simon courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics)