Wisconsin Volleyball Signs Middle Blocker Jane Manecke

Manecke chooses Wisconsin over basketball offers to join Badgers' 2026 recruiting class

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:12am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the action and intensity of a volleyball game, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes.A cubist interpretation of the energy and movement of a college volleyball match captures the dynamic nature of the sport.Madison Today

Wisconsin volleyball head coach Kelly Sheffield announced the signing of middle blocker Jane Manecke on March 10, 2026, marking the sixth commitment for the program's 2026 recruiting class. Manecke, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois, chose Wisconsin over multiple basketball scholarship offers to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level.

Why it matters

The addition of Manecke helps replenish the middle blocker position for the Badgers following the graduation of key contributors Carter Booth and Alicia Andrews. Her commitment continues Wisconsin's successful recruiting efforts under head coach Kelly Sheffield, who has consistently built competitive classes despite losing key players to graduation each season.

The details

Manecke's commitment brings Wisconsin's 2026 recruiting class to 15 confirmed players, with three spots remaining under the NCAA's 18-player scholarship limit for volleyball teams. She joins previously committed teammates Halle Thompson, Lynney Tarnow, Kymora Scott, Isabelle Hoppe and Audrey Flanagan in the incoming class.

  • Manecke signed with Wisconsin on March 10, 2026.

The players

Kelly Sheffield

The head coach of the Wisconsin volleyball team.

Jane Manecke

A 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois, who chose to play volleyball at Wisconsin over multiple basketball scholarship offers.

Carter Booth

A former middle blocker for the Wisconsin volleyball team who exhausted her eligibility after the 2025 season.

Alicia Andrews

A former middle blocker for the Wisconsin volleyball team who exhausted her eligibility after the 2025 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Manecke's decision helps replenish the middle blocker position following the graduation of Carter Booth and Alicia Andrews, who exhausted their eligibility after the 2025 season.”

— Kelly Sheffield, Head Coach, Wisconsin Volleyball

“I'm grateful to my coaches and trainers at Nazareth Academy and Adversity for their role in my development, and to the Wisconsin volleyball staff for believing in me and offering this opportunity.”

— Jane Manecke

What’s next

The Wisconsin volleyball team will continue to finalize its 2026 recruiting class, with three remaining scholarship spots available.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's successful recruitment of Jane Manecke, a talented middle blocker who chose volleyball over basketball, demonstrates the program's ability to attract top talent and maintain a competitive roster despite regular player turnover. This addition strengthens the Badgers' front line for the 2026 season.