Wisconsin Volleyball Announces Staffing Changes
July 23, 2025 | Volleyball
Carlini elevated to assistant coach
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin volleyball head coach Kelly Sheffield has announced staffing changes within the program. Lauren Carlini, who served as an offensive analyst and strategy consultant last season, has been promoted to full-time assistant coach. Associate head coach Gary White has been elevated to Director of Player Personnel and Analytics, and the Badgers also added John Shondell as an assistant coach.
Carlini is one of the most decorated athletes in program history; a four-time AVCA All-American, collected numerous Big Ten honors including back-to-back seasons as Big Ten Setter of the Year and named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2014. In 2024, Carlini also was named to the 2024 Paris Olympic roster where she helped the U.S. to a silver medal.
"I'm fired up to have Lauren's voice much more involved in practices and matches," said head coach Kelly Sheffield. "Her role last year didn't allow her to have much interaction with the players on the court. She has so much to offer and it's great for all of us to have her more involved."
White has spent the last 12 seasons at Wisconsin, including the last three years as an associate head coach. During his time at Wisconsin, White has assisted with coaching UW's front-row players as well as overseeing opponent scouting. He has guided six Badger middle blockers to All-America honors, including five-time First Team selection and 2017 National Player of the Year Dana Rettke.
"Gary and I have spent a lot of time discussing the evolving nature of college athletics and how it affects our program," added Sheffield. "We are both excited about adding this position and what it can mean to our team and staff."
Sheffield also adds John Shondell as an assistant coach. Shondell recently spent a season with the Indy Ignite, of the Pro Volleyball Federation, as an assistant coach. Prior to the Ignite, Shondell spent 19 seasons at Purdue as an assistant coach.
"John brings an enormous amount of coaching knowledge and experience, and I'm thrilled about adding him to the Wisconsin staff," said Shefield. "His passion for the game, commitment to the student-athlete and teaching ability are second to none."
The Badgers will host the Red and White scrimmage game at the UW Field House on August 16, followed by an exhibition against Notre Dame on August 17. The team kicks off the 2025 season with the Opening Spike Classic over Labor Day Weekend at the Kohl Center. The four-team invite will feature four of the nation's top collegiate programs in Creighton, Kansas, Texas, along with the Badgers. Each match will be nationally televised on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Tickets are available at UWBadgers.com.
Carlini is one of the most decorated athletes in program history; a four-time AVCA All-American, collected numerous Big Ten honors including back-to-back seasons as Big Ten Setter of the Year and named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2014. In 2024, Carlini also was named to the 2024 Paris Olympic roster where she helped the U.S. to a silver medal.
"I'm fired up to have Lauren's voice much more involved in practices and matches," said head coach Kelly Sheffield. "Her role last year didn't allow her to have much interaction with the players on the court. She has so much to offer and it's great for all of us to have her more involved."
White has spent the last 12 seasons at Wisconsin, including the last three years as an associate head coach. During his time at Wisconsin, White has assisted with coaching UW's front-row players as well as overseeing opponent scouting. He has guided six Badger middle blockers to All-America honors, including five-time First Team selection and 2017 National Player of the Year Dana Rettke.
"Gary and I have spent a lot of time discussing the evolving nature of college athletics and how it affects our program," added Sheffield. "We are both excited about adding this position and what it can mean to our team and staff."
Sheffield also adds John Shondell as an assistant coach. Shondell recently spent a season with the Indy Ignite, of the Pro Volleyball Federation, as an assistant coach. Prior to the Ignite, Shondell spent 19 seasons at Purdue as an assistant coach.
"John brings an enormous amount of coaching knowledge and experience, and I'm thrilled about adding him to the Wisconsin staff," said Shefield. "His passion for the game, commitment to the student-athlete and teaching ability are second to none."
The Badgers will host the Red and White scrimmage game at the UW Field House on August 16, followed by an exhibition against Notre Dame on August 17. The team kicks off the 2025 season with the Opening Spike Classic over Labor Day Weekend at the Kohl Center. The four-team invite will feature four of the nation's top collegiate programs in Creighton, Kansas, Texas, along with the Badgers. Each match will be nationally televised on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Tickets are available at UWBadgers.com.
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