‘Curse Me If You Must’: Wisconsin Volleyball Coach Explains Why Alumni Match Won’t Be Streamed

Wisconsin volleyball's opening exhibition match featuring popular alumni will not be televised for viewers.

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Kelly Sheffield talks to his players during a timeout / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Wisconsin Badgers kick off their 2026 season with an expected sold-out alumni exhibition match on Saturday, Aug. 8, according to head coach Kelly Sheffield on X (formerly Twitter).

However, Badger fans who are unable to make it to the Field House won’t be able to see the match at all.

“We tried, unsuccessfully, to get the match televised," head coach Kelly Sheffield posted on X (formerly Twitter).  After receiving the news, the decision was made not to stream the match. We were good with it being shown to a big audience, but had no interest in putting it out to a small audience that really mainly helps our upcoming opponents. So the only way to see it is to be here in person. Curse me if you must. Hope to see you in the Field House!"

We tried, unsuccessfully, to get the match televised. After receiving the news, the decision was made to not stream the match. We were good with it being shown to a big audience, but had no interest in putting it out to a small audience that really mainly helps our upcoming…

— Kelly Sheffield (@KellyPSheffield) August 7, 2026

Unsurprisingly, the news of the match's lack of visitbility was met with confusion and annoyance from fans who are accustomed to having games from one of the best teams in one of the best conferences.

​There also will be no radio coverage, according to volleyball play-by-play announcer Jon Arias.

No radio coverage tonight. Should I do a set or 2 on X?

— Jon Arias (@JonAriasRadio) August 8, 2026

Thirteen former Badgers will return to play in four sets against the current roster, including 11 who have played professionally, two Olympians, and four National Champions.

Notable alumni include Allie Andrew (middle blocker, c/o 2025), Carter Booth (middle blocker, c/o 2025), Lauren Carlini (setter c/o 2016), Tiffany Clark (libero, c/o 2019), Mimi Colyer (outside hitter, c/o 2025), CC Crawford (middle blocker, c/o 2024), Sarah Franklin (outside hitter, c/o 2024), Sydney Hilley (setter, c/o 2021), Grace Loberg (outside hitter, c/o 2021), and Temi Thomas-Ailara (outside hitter, c/o 2023). Alumni coaches are Annemarie Hickey, Dana Rettke, and Anna Smerk.

​Grace Lopez (right side) will play in her first match in nearly six months, though only in the back row. Top-rated freshman outside hitter Halle Thomson will also only play back row. Florida transfer Jaela Auguste (middle blocker) and Morgan Van Wie (setter) will not play.

​Wisconsin will also unveil its 2025 National Semifinalist banner before the game, and players will be available for autographs afterward.

​Needless to say, Wisconsin and volleyball fans in general are excited to watch old favorites match up against new talent and prepare for what they might see during the season.

I'm not one to overly hype, but tomorrow's alumni match already feels special with so many former Badgers who have returned for this event.

Not sure many will ever see this much generational talent in any building, let alone the Field House. https://t.co/BQv7k0ESFQ

— Jake Kocorowski (@JakeKoco) August 7, 2026

​"I'm not one to overly hype, but tomorrow's alumni match already feels special with so many former Badgers who have returned for this event. Not sure many will ever see this much generational talent in any building, let alone the Field House," Jake Kocorowski of Badger Observer noted on X.

​Updates will likely be available via the official Wisconsin Volleyball account on X.