MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin women's basketball has signed point guard Nikki Kerstein as announced by head coach Robin Pingeton on Wednesday.

Kerstein is ranked the No. 5 overall player and No. 2 point guard in Illinois. She is a four-time Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) All-State selection, a two-time First Team All-State honoree, and was named the 2025 3A Player of the Year. This past season, she led Montini to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) 3A State Championship and was named Finals MVP for the second time in her career.

Over her four years, Kerstein has put together an impressive resume. She scored 2,195 career points and added 644 assists, 537 steals, 528 rebounds, 116 blocks, and 261 made three-pointers. She is also in the IHSA record books for being among the top 20 all-time in both career steals and assists.

Kerstein helped Montini to four strong postseason runs: a state title in 2025, third place in 2024, fourth place in 2023, and a sectional championship in 2022. In her senior season, she averaged 18.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.4 steals per game.
She also played club basketball for Mac Irvin Lady Fire, one of the top programs in the country.

"I am extremely grateful and excited to become a Badger!" Kerstein said. "I cannot wait to make some great memories!"