The Wisconsin volleyball team recently held an open practice at the Final Four, giving fans and onlookers a sneak peek at the talent and potential of the team for the upcoming season. One player who has already made a big impression is freshman setter Charlie Fuerbringer. Standing at 5-foot-11, Fuerbringer has quickly earned the respect and admiration of her teammates with her fearless and confident play on the court.
Senior outside hitter Sarah Franklin praised Fuerbringer, calling her a „baller,“ while senior middle blocker Caroline Crawford noted her trustworthiness and junior middle blocker Carter Booth highlighted her fearlessness. Fuerbringer’s teammates have recognized her ability to take ownership of her role on the team and have expressed confidence in her abilities as a setter.
With the task of distributing the ball to a talented group of hitters, Fuerbringer is poised to lead an attack that ranked second in the nation in hitting percentage last season. The team is gearing up for a challenging season opener against No. 6 Louisville, followed by matches against powerhouse teams like No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Stanford.
Despite the pressure of facing top-ranked opponents early in the season, Fuerbringer remains unfazed and ready to embrace the challenge. Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield has praised Fuerbringer’s confidence and fearlessness, noting that she thrives in high-pressure situations.
Fuerbringer’s background in volleyball is deeply rooted in her family, with both her parents being former All-Americans and NCAA champions, and her uncle a former Olympian. Growing up in a volleyball-centric environment has helped Fuerbringer develop a strong volleyball IQ and a natural affinity for the setter position.
In the absence of a returning setter from last season, Fuerbringer has leaned on the leadership of graduate transfer Carly Anderson, who brings experience and guidance to the team. Anderson’s support and mentorship have been invaluable to Fuerbringer as she navigates her role as a freshman setter.
In a recent exhibition match against Bradley, Fuerbringer showcased her skills with 36 assists, two aces, five digs, and one block. Despite rating her performance as a „5 or 6 out of 10,“ Fuerbringer displayed composure and adaptability on the court, demonstrating her potential to excel at the collegiate level.
As Fuerbringer continues to grow and develop as a player, her teammates and coaches have high expectations for her contributions to the team. With her natural talent, volleyball pedigree, and unwavering confidence, Fuerbringer is poised to make a significant impact on the Wisconsin volleyball team this season and beyond.