Wisconsin Volleyball Prepares for Sweet 16 Match Against a Familiar Visionary Program
When Jamie Morrison took over as head coach of the Texas A&M volleyball team, he envisioned transforming the program into a perennial powerhouse. On Friday night, that vision faces a key test.
A Coach with a Vision
Ahead of the NCAA Sweet 16 matchup, where the sixth-seeded Aggies (21-7) face the second-seeded Wisconsin Badgers (25-6), Morrison said, “The vision for the program when I took over was, can we do what Wisconsin has done?”
To prepare, Morrison visited Wisconsin earlier in his tenure, seeking insights from Badgers coach Kelly Sheffield. Sheffield provided an in-depth tour, a detailed discussion, and shared key strategies that helped him build Wisconsin into a national contender.
“I have great respect for how he sees the game and how he coaches,” Sheffield said of Morrison. “He’s one of the top minds in the sport, and he has a vision for his program.”
Sheffield knows that vision well. When he began coaching at Wisconsin in 2013, his goal was to emulate programs like Nebraska, focusing not just on building a strong team but creating a lasting program with deep community ties.
Aggies vs. Badgers: A Familiar Clash
The two teams met earlier this season in Madison, where Wisconsin secured a competitive sweep (25-18, 30-28, 25-19). Despite the loss, Aggies outside hitter Logan Lednicky believes the match was closer than the scoreline suggested.
“That match was competitive on both ends,” said Lednicky, who leads the Aggies with 4.47 kills per set and a .304 hitting percentage. “We’re a much better team now, and I’m sure they’ve improved too.”
Morrison echoed that sentiment, calling the earlier matchup invaluable preparation for high-stakes environments like the NCAA tournament. “That match taught us a lot. The set environments and intensity pushed us to grow.”
For Wisconsin, familiarity is also an advantage. “It’s rare to meet a team again in the tournament,” Sheffield noted. “But it helps both sides. We know their strengths, and they know ours.”
Wisconsin’s Depth and Leadership
The Badgers’ depth has been a cornerstone of their success. Veterans like Devyn Robinson and Caroline Crawford have embraced reduced roles this season, sharing middle-blocking duties with standout sophomore Carter Booth in Wisconsin’s new 5-1 system.
Sheffield highlighted Robinson and Crawford’s sacrifices during Thursday’s press conference, praising their team-first mentality. “These two are models of selflessness. They’ve prioritized the team’s success over personal accolades, which is rare in today’s landscape.”
Robinson, a two-time AVCA All-American, downplayed the transition. “We know what it takes to win. If this is what’s needed, then that’s what we do,” she said.
Crawford echoed this sentiment, calling the team’s unity and shared purpose their greatest strength.
Aggies’ Keys to Success
To upset Wisconsin, the Aggies will need strong performances from Lednicky and Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, who anchors their defense with 1.44 blocks per set. However, Morrison acknowledged the challenge of facing Wisconsin’s size and skill at the net.
“You rarely find a weak point in their lineup,” Morrison said. “Their blocking is elite, and you have to be smart and precise to capitalize on openings.”
The Stage is Set
The Aggies earned their Sweet 16 spot with impressive victories over Colorado State and third-seeded Arizona State, showcasing resilience and growth throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, the Badgers are entering the matchup with their sights set on another deep run, fueled by experience and an unwavering commitment to team play.
For Morrison, Friday’s game is more than just a contest. It’s a glimpse into the future he’s striving to create at Texas A&M—a future inspired, in part, by the very team his Aggies will battle under the bright lights of the NCAA tournament.
