Former University of Wisconsin middle blocker Danielle Hart has signed to play with Athletes Unlimited Volleyball this season, AU announced Thursday.
The 6-foot-4 Hart earned first team All-Big Ten and third team All-American honors in 2022, her final season with the Badgers. She ranked fifth nationally with 1.51 blocks per set and ranked third in the Big Ten with a .437 hitting percentage.
Hart, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, played in 110 matches for the Badgers, averaging 1.19 blocks per set to rank ninth on UW’s all-time list. She also hit .362 for her career, fourth-best in program history.
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AU is the first of three professional volleyball leagues operating or planning to start in the United States. AU will begin its third season of operation in October with a season running from Oct. 6 through Nov. 7. All the competition will take place in Mesa, Arizona, this year.
Hart signed last month to play with the Omaha, Nebraska-based team in the Pro Volleyball Federation, which is planning to launch its first season early in 2024. She will play alongside former UW teammate, setter Sydney Hilley, with the Omaha team.
Photos: Wisconsin volleyball faces Athletes Unlimited in spring exhibition
Wisconsin Badgers Devyn Robinson (10) spikes the ball against Athletes Unlimited's Leah Edmond (13) and Jenna Rosenthal (16) during the second set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin Badgers MJ Hammill (6) sets the ball during the second set against Athletes Unlimited at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin Badgers celebrates during the second set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Athletes Unlimited's Sydney Hilley (8), a former Badgers player, sets the ball during the first set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Athletes Unlimited's Sydney Hilley (8), a former Badgers player, smiles during the first set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin Badgers' Devyn Robinson (10) tips the ball during the second set against Athletes Unlimited at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Badgers' Devyn Robinson (10) blocks the hit of Athletes Unlimited's Leah Edmond (13) during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin Badgers Julia Orzoł (22) hits the ball against Athletes Unlimited's Jenna Rosenthal (16) during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Badgers' Devyn Robinson (10) tips the ball against Athletes Unlimited during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Badgers' Devyn Robinson (10) lobs the ball against Athletes Unlimited during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Badgers' Carter Booth (52) hits the ball against Athletes Unlimited during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
The Badgers celebrate during the first set against Athletes Unlimited at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Athletes Unlimited's Jenna Rosenthal (16) celebrates during the first set against the Badgers at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Badgers' Liz Gregorski (25) hits the ball against Athletes Unlimited during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Badgers' Liz Gregorski (25) hits the ball against Athletes Unlimited during the third set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Athletes Unlimited's Sydney Hilley (8), a former Badgers player, watches the server during the fourth set at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield expects an improved sophomore season from libero Gulce Guctekin.
