Madison, Wis. – Former Badger volleyball star Danielle Hart was drafted to play in the Athletes Unlimited Professional Volleyball league Saturday evening.

"I am so excited about the opportunity to play with Athletes Unlimited this fall," said Hart.  "I have heard nothing but great things from other players and their experience."

Hart, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker, earned third-team American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America honors and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. She ranked fifth nationally with 1.51 blocks per set, leading the Badgers in blocks in 17 matches. Hart also led the team and ranked third in the Big Ten with a .437 hitting percentage. She added 1.78 kills per set, which ranked fourth on the team.

For her career, the Virginia Beach, Virginia, native played in 110 matches, averaging 1.19 blocks per set, which ranks ninth on the UW all-time list. She also hit .362 for her career, which ranks fourth. In 2019 and 2020, Hart was a second team All-Big Ten pick and two-time team Most Improved player.

The third season of Athletes Unlimited volleyball will be held in the Phoenix area at the Bell Bank Park in Mesa. The championship season will take place in October and November. The 30-match championship season will be aired live exclusively on ESPN platforms.

Catch the Badgers and AU, featuring former Badger All-American setter Sydney Hilley, together at the UW Field House as the two teams will compete this spring on April 5 as part of the Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Exhibition Tour. First serve is at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. For more information on the April 5 match, click here.