MADISON, Wis. — A new professional volleyball league, known as League One Volleyball (LOVB), is starting this year.
One of the teams is based in Madison.
Many of the players on the Madison team played during college in the Midwest. It includes some big names, like former Olympian Lauren Carlini and reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Sarah Franklin.
The Madison team is one of six professional women volleyball teams in the league that will debut this week.
LOVB Madison Volleyball setter Carlini said being able to play professionally in front of her home crowd in The Field House at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a dream come true.
“It’s going to feel a little bit different, of course,” said Carlini. “So just really looking forward to being back out there. And I’m sure I’ll have a little bit of anxious energy getting going. And then once I step on that court and we get going, it’s going to be like, ‘We’re home, let’s freaking do this.’”
Joining Carlini on the court are two former Badgers, Temi Thomas-Ailara and Franklin. Franklin is fresh from completing her eligibility at UW in December. She said she grew up watching Carlini and sharing the same court with her is a treat not only for her but also for the fans.
“It’s really cool to be able to be on the same court and be set by [Carlini] because, you know, she has some really great sets that I have a lot of options to hit,” said Franklin. “So as a hitter, it’s fantastic, and she makes some great choices to get us one on one. But, you know, it’s really awesome.”
To continue their careers after college, most women have had to travel overseas to play. Now, they have an option to stay much closer to home. Franklin said she’s thankful for this opportunity.
“I think it’s just special,” said Franklin. “I think being a part of something that’s bigger than yourself and knowing that you’re growing the sport for all the young girls as well as doing it with some Olympians, with some older girls who have played this sport for a while but have had to struggle overseas in different areas.”
As a former Badgers star, Carlini said she felt the love and support the UW faithful brought day in and out. She said she is glad to be able to return the favor.
“There’s one thing the Madison people and Wisconsin people love, is their volleyball,” said Carlini. “They love their volleyball and their sports. And so being able to bring a professional team to them, this is something they’ve earned right over the years for as long as they’ve been Badger fans and supporting us and seeing that growth and the potential. There’s a reason why they chose this market and why LOVB is here in this city.”