Gophers volleyball ready for Wisconsin's outstanding middle blockers

There is nothing better than experiencing a Gophers vs. Wisconsin volleyball border battle at Maturi Pavilion. The atmosphere. The rivalry. The intensity.

It will be Gophers coach Keegan Cook's first time in this home environment when the No. 16 Gophers (7-3) host the No. 7 Badgers (6-3) on Wednesday night.

“Rivalries are what makes the sport special,” said Cook, who will coach in front of a sold-out crowd.

The one thing Cook already knows about the Badgers, since he played against them last year, is their size up front. He'll see a similar performance on Big Ten opening night.

Carter Booth, a former Gopher who is a 6-foot-4 middle blocker, and Anna Smrek, a 6-foot-4 right wing, are both All-Americas. Last year's NCAA player Sarah Franklin is a 6-foot-4 outside hitter.

“It's as physical as you'll ever see going back and forth across the net,” Cook said. “Great athletes do great things.”

In 2023, the Badgers defeated the Gophers in three sets. Physically, Wisconsin is pretty much the same impressive team it was last year.

Cook has seen some of his team's biggest strides come from sophomore Calissa Minatee and senior Phoebe Awoleye. The pair are small for middle blockers but big in athleticism and versatility.