MADISON, Wis. –  Amber MacDonald, a junior on the Wisconsin volleyball team, has been elected captain of the Badger team for 2017, head coach Kelly Sheffield announced on Friday.

"Amber was unanimously voted on by the team to be our captain this fall," said Sheffield. "Over and over again, I heard the same thing from current players as well as our recent graduates 'Amber epitomizes what a Badger is.'  People trust her. She is selfless, works hard to bring out the best in others, is resilient, open to learning, and passionate. Leadership comes from a lot of different places within our program, but I have confidence that Amber will be a great captain for this team."

A 5-4 defensive specialist, MacDonald has played in 63 matches and 227 sets at Wisconsin. She is averaging 1.89 digs per set for her career, tallying 10-or-more digs in 16 matches, and 0.14 service aces per set. The Alpharetta, Georgia, native has been UW's leader in service aces in 10 matches and in digs in four matches.

"It's a huge honor to be chosen to be the captain of such a prestigious program," said MacDonald. "I have been very fortunate to have played with great leaders who have taught me what it means to be a Badger. Now my job is to help protect and pass on the winning UW culture that has been built on years of hard work by the coaches and players, and supported by our fans."
 
The Badgers open their fall training camp on Aug. 8. The season begins on Aug. 25-26 when Wisconsin hosts the fourth-annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge.