MADISON, Wis. — Junior
Dana Rettke had one of the best summers of her life, training with the U.S. National Team for three months as well as traveling with her Badger team for 12 days in Europe. The 6-foot-8 middle blocker was the youngest member of the national team, winning a gold medal in the Volleyball Nations League and being a member of the American team that qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Best memories of touring Europe with the team?
"Being with the team after a month and a half of long travel, exploring with my best friends, swimming in Lake Bled and eating too much gelato together."
Best memories of national team tour?
"Our last night in Italy on week two of Volleyball Nations League, we all told stories about our favorite parts of the tournament thus far, and we were just laughing and having a great time. Overall, though some of my favorite memories came from getting to know all the players on the team. I've gotten to know them as people, not just as volleyball players, and that was really special to me."
What does your passport look like now with all of the traveling and stamps? Any interesting ones?
I filled up four pages in two months! I went in and out of Romania four times to get to and from Bulgaria. All the European stamps look the same, just with different letters for each country and different modes of transportation. It's exciting to fill up my passport!"
What was it like to play as a teammate with former Badger Lauren Carlini?
"It was awesome! Lauren is a very fierce competitor and an extremely hard worker. She loves her teammates and will do anything and everything to put the team in the best position to win. I loved her energy, and you can really see her passion for volleyball and her teammates. She has had such a big impact on this program and I really got to see where that came from in her."
What were some of the challenges you learned from such a whirlwind international summer?
"I learned a lot about packing: bringing only what is necessary, bringing certain things (like tooth brushes, extra clothes and care products) in a carry on because it's not a four-hour flight, it's a 14-hour flight. Also, staying organized while living out of a bag is very important. I also learned to appreciate having my own spaces like a closet and my own room. I did a lot of hotel hopping. Also bringing things that make me happy or remind me of home, for instance a favorite t-shirt of mine or lots of chocolate. I was told by the older girls that I will learn as I go, it's all about experience and trial and error."
What did you work on the most with the National Team?
"Blocking, blocking, blocking! I really worked on getting my eyes on the setter faster in order to pick up cues before the ball is set. The international game is so much faster, so knowing sets before they happen gives you a huge advantage on making early and correct moves. I got better as the summer went on, but I still have lots of room to improve."
What's it like being coach by U.S. National Team Coach Karch Kiraly, one of the best volleyball players ever?
"It was an honor to be coached by Karch. He is so wise and knows so much about the game, it was really cool to hear his perspective on anything and everything. He's a great coach and fosters a very positive environment. I'm excited to keep working with him more in the future!"
What is the biggest difference between the college and professional game?
"Some of the rules are different. For example, in the pro game, liberos can't serve, both middles do. In the college game, liberos are allowed to serve, meaning only one middle has to serve. There are also only six subs for each set in the international game, where as in college, there is 12 subs per set. You don't see as much subbing for any reason in the international game. The college game also uses a different ball then the rest of the world does, and it may not sound like huge deal, but it is for sure a noticeable difference for players. The biggest difference outside of the rules is that the game is faster and the players are more experienced. Getting better at reading the game and moving fast is critical. Some of the older players are very good at this, so then knowing how to score against smart, experienced players is a fun challenge in itself."
How are you working towards your dream of being a six-rotation player?
"I work on my defense every day at practice! Always getting one percent better!"
You danced for years. How did that help your volleyball career?
"Since I am so tall, it helped me grow into my body. I think that is where I learned a lot of my coordination, as well as teach me how my body works. I loved dance and I would recommend it to any kid growing up."
What do you enjoy doing off the court?
"I love to chat with my friends, go on adventures, listen to music, and eat ice cream. Off the court, I live a pretty low-key life, but I love to have lots of fun!"
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
"Making history and making unforgettable memories with this team. We have a very, very talented group this year, and are looking to win the Big Ten and a national championship."
What is the key to being a good teammate in such a team-oriented game?
"Getting to know your teammates and how to bring out the best in them. This is a much more productive way of communicating with your team mates. This builds much for trust and understanding within the team."
