The University of Wisconsin Athletic Board recognized the success and efforts of UW-Madison women’s volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield at a meeting Friday.
Sheffield, who completed his first year coaching at the university, helped lead the team to the NCAA national championship in December.
Sheffield said the team leant itself to the “classic underdog story,” citing the fact that among the team, only one member had played in a NCAA game prior to the one against Pennsylvania State.
“Along the way as our season went through, I think they ended up inspiring quite a few people,” Sheffield said.
Sheffield said although the team had weaknesses, one of the team’s strengths was their ability to quickly adjust to a change in game plans, even with short notice.
The coach also noted the team’s decision to rebrand themselves as a unit and dedicate themselves to being alcohol-free throughout the season.
Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee Staff Liaison Randy Marnocha also presented the first proposal of the 2014-’15 budget for the Athletic Department to board members.
Marnocha explained the budget came before the board after coaches and department heads submitted requests, which were then approved by Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Darrell Bazzell.
The outlined budget includes a $1.4 million allotment for a stadium Wi-Fi project, which Marnocha said would aim to improve wireless accessibility at Camp Randall.
“It’s meant to be a benefit to our fans and the people using the Camp Randall facilities,” Marnocha said, adding that if all goes according to plan, the new technology would be up and running by the first football game in the fall.
