MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Women’s Volleyball team departed for Tampa, Florida today. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin Women's Volleyball team is headed to Florida for the Final Four

  • They got a sendoff complete with music and cheering Tuesday

  • It's the fourth time in five years that they've made it to the Final Four

  • They'll play the National Semifinal against Texas Thursday 

They’re set to compete in the Final Four this week, after securing their spot with a win against Oregon Saturday night.

“We can't be more excited about where this program is and what they've been able to accomplish this season,” said Patrick Herb, Communications Director for Wisconsin Athletics.

The team got a sendoff complete with music and cheering Tuesday. It’s the fourth time in five years that they’ve made it to the Final Four, and they are hoping for their second national title after winning it all in 2021.

“This team has had a target on their back the entire season,” Herb said. “They came into the season really highly ranked expectations were really high. And they've managed to exceed that.”

While there’s sure to be plenty of alumni and fans cheering the team on in Florida, Badgers fans in Wisconsin are getting fired up too.

Lucas Simon-Wambach is the general manager at SconnieBar on Regent St., one of the businesses that will host a watch party for the Badgers’ National Semifinal against Texas Thursday.

“We’ve gotten to know a lot of the fans, and kind of how early they like to come out and have drinks and food before the game,” Simon-Wambach said. “So, we've had some good crowds throughout the season.”

The bar’s proximity to the Fieldhouse means it already draws plenty of Badgers Fans on game days. Simon-Wambach said he’s seen growing interest in the volleyball team over the years.

“Even when there isn't a game on, there's kind of enough buzz around the team where even people that are in for lunch or for happy hour are really talking a lot about the team,” he said.

Having a Wisconsin women’s team represented on the national stage adds to the significance.

“You can't help but be struck by how many young people come to these games, young girls who idolize our Badger women and see themselves someday being on that court,” Herb said.

There’s still two wins to go before the national title is theirs. The Badgers will face Texas Thursday night at approximately 8:30 p.m.