Wisconsin Volleyball Tested Multiple Starting Lineups
Coach Kelly Sheffield utilized ten different starting combinations through the team's first ten matches.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Volleyball
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Is constant roster rotation better for team development than maintaining a consistent starting lineup?
Wisconsin volleyball has deployed a different starting lineup in every one of its first 10 matches this season. Coach Kelly Sheffield employed this strategy to evaluate 11 new players on the roster before entering Big Ten conference play.
Why it matters
The rotations were intended to gather sufficient data on a young roster rather than rushing to make permanent personnel decisions after only two weeks of play. This approach aimed to ensure the team finds its most effective configuration for the competitive conference schedule ahead.
Coach Kelly Sheffield has utilized 10 unique starting lineups across 10 nonconference matches. Throughout these 38 sets, 12 different players logged action in at least 15 sets to provide the coaching staff with performance metrics.
The players
Kelly Sheffield
He is the head coach of the Wisconsin volleyball team and has served in this position for over 13 years.
Charlie Fuerbringer
She is a key member of the Wisconsin volleyball squad who has secured a starting role in every match this season.
Audrey Flanagan
She is a consistent starter for Wisconsin who has maintained her place in the lineup through all 10 games.
Anna Bardaro
She has been a primary defensive contributor for the team, starting as the libero in eight of the season's matches.
Lynney Tarnow
She has become an established presence in the lineup, starting nine of the team's first 10 matches.
The details
Players Charlie Fuerbringer and Audrey Flanagan started in all 10 matches, while Anna Bardaro held the starting libero position for eight. The team has managed these rotations while integrating 11 newcomers and navigating injuries, such as Grace Egan's back recovery and Jaela Auguste's absence for five matches.
Timeline
The team played its nonconference matches throughout August and September 2026.
Wisconsin faces Oregon on September 24, 2026.
The team travels to play Purdue on September 27, 2026.
Consequential conference matches are scheduled for November and December 2026.
Roadmap
This experimental phase allows the program to integrate a high volume of new personnel before the rigorous demands of the Big Ten conference season begin. It positions the coaching staff to finalize a cohesive unit capable of sustaining success against top-tier national programs.
With 12 players having seen significant action across 15 or more sets, the team has narrowed its core rotation heading into ranked matchups against Oregon and Purdue. Fans should anticipate a shift toward a more fixed starting lineup as the team enters conference play this month.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster flexibility during the nonconference period is a strategic move to stress-test new players before the schedule intensifies. Consistency is expected to be the primary focus for the staff as the team prepares for critical upcoming conference battles.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Volleyball section.
Live Poll
Is constant roster rotation better for team development than maintaining a consistent starting lineup?
