2 former Badgers on Olympic team 'adding fuel to my fire' for current Wisconsin volleyball stars (2024)

CHICAGO — What struck University of Wisconsin volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield about his trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics was how emotional it was and the pride spectators had for their countries.

He was able to have dinner with one of his first two Olympians, Dana Rettke, and texted with her and Lauren Carlini each day.

“It's a ride for anybody that's there in the Olympics,” Sheffield told BadgerExtra, “the emotions that are there, and you want to try to keep things steady for them; give them space.”

“We're hoping she's here tomorrow. So she's heading in the right direction,” Sheffield said.

Rettke didn’t appear in the first three group stage matches in which the Americans finished 2-1. But that hasn’t diminished her mood about her trip.

“Playing time has been limited for both of them, but their pride for the journey that they're on and what they're trying to do and trying to be good for their team is really, really high,” Sheffield said. “The energy of being in the middle of the Olympics is something that it's hard to explain if you haven't been there. All the fans that are there, just pride in their country, just the energy in each of these facilities is crazy. And we’ve got two Badgers volleyball players, but there are a lot of Badgers in other sports that are there, and I think ... Wisconsin fans should be very, very proud.”

The lack of playing hasn’t diminished the accomplishment in Devyn Robinson’s eyes, either.

“Seeing Dana in the Olympic jersey is really inspiring to me because I've looked up to here ever since before I even committed to Wisconsin,” Robinson said. “She's a big reason why I came here, and to see her living out her dreams is just adding fuel to my fire to feel like I played with her. I know what she did to get to the spot that she's at, and I can do those things, too.”

Robinson, Franklin and junior middle blocker Carter Booth trained with USA Volleyball in March, which culminated in a scrimmage. Franklin and Booth moved on to represent the U.S. at the NORCECA Pan Am Cup, where they won the silver medal. Badgers recruits Audrey Flanagan and Halle Thompson won gold with the U.S. at the Under-19NORCECA Continental Championship in Honduras.Being on that level opened the Badgers' eyes, and so has watching the Olympics, which helps them envision their dreams coming true.

“We'll watch it and be able to talk about what things worked well for them, what things didn't work well. And to see people who have been in our jersey up there, it makes it very realistic for a lot of us to be able to look toward that once we finish our college careers,” said Franklin, who suffered an ankle injurywhile playing with the U.S. but is feeling better and playing it by ear for her return.

Sheffield spent a week in Paris with his family, meeting Badgers and watching volleyball, gymnastics and other events. His Badgers team reports Tuesday for the start of their season. And while the players will continue to support Rettke, Carlini and the U.S., plus Badgers in other sports, work begins to ensure there are Badgers represented for the 2028 Olympics hosted in Los Angeles.

“The pride and the joy that is just around for everybody, it was just such a great vibe,” Sheffield said. “I'm fired up for it to get to Los Angeles in four years. Hopefully we'll have some players, but if not, I can guarantee you me and my family will be there.”