S. Res. 487 

In the Senate of the United States, 

January 20, 2022. 

Whereas, on December 18, 2021, the University of Wisconsin 

Badgers won the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘NCAA’’) Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship and finished 

the season with an impressive record of 31 wins and 3 

losses; 

Whereas the University of Wisconsin women’s volleyball team 

defeated the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 

thrilling 5-set match to win the program’s first ever national championship; 

Whereas the following players should be congratulated for 

their hard work and dedication in representing the University of Wisconsin with dignity: Izzy Ashburn, Lauren 

Barnes, Joslyn Boyer, Giorgia Civita, Jade Demps, Liz 

Gregorski, MJ Hammill, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, 

Lauren Jardine, Grace Loberg, Anna MacDonald, Julia 

Orzol, Sydney Reed, Dana Rettke, Devyn Robinson, 

Anna Smrek, and Julia Wohlert; 

Whereas the Badgers were led by an outstanding coaching 

and support staff, including Kelly Sheffield, Brittany 

Dildine, Gary White, Jessica Williams, Annemarie Hickey, Mackenzie Long, Kristen Walker, Kevin Schultz, 

Katie Smith, Diane Nordstrom, and Bianca Miceli; 
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†SRES 487 ES 

Whereas the championship point was scored by senior middle 

blocker Dana Rettke, the 2021 National Player of the 

Year and the only 5-time American Volleyball Coaches 

Association (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘AVCA’’) 

First-Team All-American in NCAA Volleyball history; 

Whereas freshman opposite hitter Anna Smrek was named 

the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA National 

Championship, while Dana Rettke and Sydney Hilley 

were also named to the NCAA National Championship 

All-Tournament Team; 

Whereas senior setter Sydney Hilley was also selected as the 

2021 Senior CLASS Award recipient as the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I women’s 

volleyball; 

Whereas Assistant Coach Brittany Dildine was named the 

AVCA Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year; 

Whereas the University of Wisconsin women’s volleyball 

team— 

(1) captured the 2021 Big Ten conference championship for the third consecutive season; 

(2) featured 3 players who earned AVCA All-American honors at the end of the season, Dana Rettke, Sydney Hilley, and Lauren Barnes; and 

(3) has had a history of players, past and present, 

who also represent the University of Wisconsin on the 

international stage; 

Whereas the players and staff persevered through the challenges presented by the COVID–19 pandemic; and 

Whereas the Badger women’s volleyball team has brought 

great pride and honor to the University of Wisconsin and 
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†SRES 487 ES 

its alumni, loyal fans, and the State of Wisconsin: Now, 

therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Senate— 

(1) congratulates the University of Wisconsin Badgers on winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship; 

(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, 

coaches, and staff who contributed to this championship 

season; and 

(3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the 

Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to— 

(A) the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, Rebecca Blank; 

(B) the Athletic Director of the University of 

Wisconsin, Chris McIntosh; and 

(C) the Head Coach of the University of Wisconsin volleyball team, Kelly Sheffield. 

Attest: 

Secretary.