Wisconsin Badgers

 Lauren Carlini is no stranger to Wisconsin Badger volleyball as she returns to her alma matter, but this time as part of the volleyball staff. On September 12, 2024, head coach Kelly Sheffield announced that Carlini return to the Badger bench as Offensive Analyst and Strategy Consultant.

"Today is a great day for Wisconsin Volleyball," Badger head coach Kelly Sheffield said. "I am so excited to bring Lauren back to be a member of our staff.  Her love and knowledge of this university, city, and program run deep.  Lauren had as big of an impact on the Wisconsin Volleyball program as anyone who has ever come through here, and she has continued to elevate the teams she has been a part of throughout her professional career – including setting her team to a Champions League title, winning an Olympic Silver Medal, and now being a founding member of the new professional team here in Wisconsin.  She has played the game for more than 20 years and I'm looking forward to her bringing all of that knowledge and passion back to Madison."

As a collegiate athlete here at Wisconsin, Carlini became one of the most decorated athletes in program history. The six-foot-two setter starred from 2013-16 and racked up four American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American awards, including three First Team honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior, and Second Team honors as a freshman. In the Big Ten, Carlini totaled four First Team All-Big Ten, and was named 2014 and 2015 Big Ten Setter of the Year, and 2014 Big Ten Player of the Year. Lastly, in her final year as a Badger, Carlini was recognized with the Sullivan Awards for best amateur athlete in any sport. 

After her time at UW, Carlini went on to play professionally in Italy, Russia and Turkey. During her seven years overseas, Carlini earned one Champions League title (2019 with Igor Gorgonzola Novara of Italy) and six domestic cup medals. She was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2016. In 2017 and 2019, she earned Gold at the Pan American Cup. On top of that, she earned MVP and Best Setter in 2018. Carlini was named to the 2024 Paris Olympic roster, where she helped the U.S. to a silver medal.