Chris Borland—Football
Borland jumped onto the field as a freshman in 2009 and had an outstanding season for the Badgers forcing five fumbles, recovering three fumbles and recording one interception. After the season Borland was named Big Ten Freshman of the year, and earned first-team Freshman All-American and honorable mention All-Big Ten.
With high expectations, the 2010 campaign started and ended abruptly for the talented linebacker, leaving in the first quarter of the second game of the season with a shoulder injury that would require surgery. Borland missed the remainder of the season.
A healthy Borland is expected to take the field as the Badgers open the 2011 season on Sept. 1 against UNLV. Capable of producing excellent numbers and with the ability to make the big play when needed, Borland will be a key a part of the Badger defense.
Hilary Knight—Women's hockey
Knight has already etched her name in Wisconsin sports history and she still has her senior season to play. Knight is the current all-time UW leader in career goals, tallying 112 goals in her three seasons. Knight's stick handling is something of beauty and she has a mean slap shot.
Knight participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, taking the 2009-'10 season off from playing at Wisconsin.
Returning to the Badgers for the 2010-'11 season, she led the nation in goals with 47, helping the Badgers to their fourth National Championship in the past six years.
Knight will once again lead the Badgers in search of another National Title, and there is no indication that this highly talented athlete will be slowing down anytime soon.
Joey Tennyson—Men's soccer
Tennyson caught the attention of then first-year head coach John Trask during his freshman season in 2010. Despite scoring only three goals and one assist in 17 games, Tennyson was third on the team in points with seven.
Described as having soccer intelligence and outstanding ability, Tennyson displayed a willingness to lead the team, even as a freshman. Part of a freshman recruiting class of 13 new players for Trask, he quickly used his knowledge and abilities gained while playing a Shattuck-St. Mary's, where he led his team to the US Club Soccer National Finals, to make himself stand out.
As the 2011 season approaches, now-second-year head coach Trask looks to build on the success the team saw near the end of last season. Tennyson will be called on to take a more active role in leading the Badgers. If put into this position of having to lead the team, look for him to make the most out of the opportunity and have more success on the field during his sophomore campaign.
Taylor Wurtz—Women's basketball
Self-described as being determined, Wurtz was one of the hardest working members of the 2010-'11 women's basketball team. The only player on the team to start all 31 games of the season, Wurtz can be called the Badgers workhorse, averaging just over 33 minutes per game.
Wurtz led the team in rebounds per game with 6.4. She also recorded 12 games with double-digit scoring and had two double-doubles. She is a versatile player that can be used anywhere on the court, and will be an integral part of new head coach Bobbie Kelsey's team this fall.
Mark Zengerle—Men's Hockey
Of all the young players on the Badgers last season, forward Mark Zengerle was arguably the most impressive. Playing on the wing, he led the team with 31 assists, exhibiting superb vision on the ice, a trait that will serve him well as he moves into a new role in his sophomore season.
Zengerle will begin the 2011-'12 season in his natural position at center. The move should allow Zengerle to maximize his playmaking ability. The position change should also help him increase his goal total.
Zengerle scored five goals last season, electing most of the time to dish to line mates Craig Smith and Jordy Murray. Without those two playing with him Zengerle should be able to have more chances to show off his scoring ability.
The scoring touch is there, evidenced by his 33 goals in his last juniors season and playing center should allow him to show it off this season. If he does, Mark Zengerle should be in store for a huge sophomore season.
Ryan Evans contributed to this report.
