Kelly Sheffield couldn’t speak with Audrey Flanagan until this past Saturday, but the University of Wisconsin volleyball coach had some surrogates filling that void until then.
People are also reading…
Flanagan
Photos: Scene at the Final Four, where Wisconsin volleyball falls to Texas
Fans line up to purchase NCAA items outside Amalie Arena ahead of the NCAA Volleyball Final Four in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Fans line up to purchase NCAA items outside Amalie Arena ahead of the NCAA Volleyball Final Four in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Serenity Elman, 15, goes up to hit a volleyball outside Amalie Arena ahead of the NCAA Volleyball Final Four in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson (10) and Temi Thomas-Ailara (12) go up to block against Texas' Madisen Skinner (6) during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson (10) goes up to block against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Bucky Badger is seen during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match between Wisconsin and Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Izzy Ashburn (11) sets the ball next to Wisconsin's Carter Booth (52) during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Carter Booth (52) motions to the court after a kill against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield smiles during a timeout during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) and teammates celebrate after a point against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Gulce Guctekin (21) leaps into MJ Hammill (6)'s arms after a point against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) goes up to hit the ball against Texas' Madisen Skinner (6) during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin fans cheer after a point against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
A look inside Amalie Arena during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match between Nebraska and Pittsburgh in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin fans, from left, Dirk Hoagland, Jeremy Tjards, Sam Polentini, Aidan van Epern and Jack Rueth, sing along to the Wisconsin fight song after the Texas Longhorns defeated the Badgers in their NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas players celebrate after defeating Wisconsin, 3-1, to advance to the NCAA Volleyball Championship in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Texas won, 3-1, and will play Nebraska in the Championship.
Wisconsin players react after falling to Texas, 3-1, in their NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Texas won, 3-1, and will play Nebraska in the Championship.
Wisconsin players react after falling to Texas, 3-1, in their NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Texas won, 3-1, and will play Nebraska in the Championship.
Wisconsin's MJ Hammill (6) sets the ball during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's MJ Hammill (6) and wathes the court during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin assistant coach Gary White, right, and Brittany Dildine, left, watch on as Wisconsin takes on Texas during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin players watch on as Texas leads in the the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Texas won, 3-1.
Jerstyn Payne, 14, of Utah, creates a Nebraska poster outside Amalie Arena ahead of the NCAA Volleyball Final Four in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin fans celebrate a point against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
The Wisconsin band performs during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin players celebrate a point against Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott reacts during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Wisconsin at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
An NCAA patch is seen on Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson (10) during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Izzy Ashburn (11) serves to Texas during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas players celebrate after winning the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Wisconsin at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) hits the ball against Texas during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) and Carter Booth (52) go up to block against Texas' Madisen Skinner (6) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
A look inside Amalie Arena during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match between Texas and Wisconsin in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) hits the ball against Texas' Asjia O'Neal (7) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) hits the ball against Texas' Asjia O'Neal (7) and' Ella Swindle (1) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson (10) and Carter Booth (52) go up to block against Texas' Madisen Skinner (6) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) serves the ball to Texas during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Temi Thomas-Ailara (12) goes up to block against Texas' Ella Swindle (1) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson (10) and Carter Booth (52) go up to block against Texas' Jenna Wenaas (13) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Temi Thomas-Ailara (12) hits the ball against Texas' Bella Bergmark (5) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) and CC Crawford (9) go up to block against Texas' Molly Phillips (15) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) goes up to block against Texas' Jenna Wenaas (13) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) hits the ball against Texas' Molly Phillips (15) and' Bella Bergmark (5) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
A look inside Amalie Arena during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match between Texas and Wisconsin in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) hits the ball against Texas' Jenna Wenaas (13) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Valerie Gargano, 11, holds up a Texas sign during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match between Texas and Wisconsin at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sydney Reed (0) high-fives Gulce Guctekin (21) during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas' Madisen Skinner (6) hits the ball against Wisconsin's Carter Booth (52) and Devyn Robinson (10) during the first set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
An official motions for a Texas point during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) hits the ball against Texas during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Carter Booth (52) celebrates after a point against Texas with teammates, Gulce Guctekin (21) and CC Crawford (9) during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas' Asjia O'Neal (7) spikes the ball during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Wisconsin at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) serves the ball to Texas during the second set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Izzy Ashburn (11) dives in an attempt to hit the ball during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott watches on as the Longhorns take on Wisconsin during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's MJ Hammill (6) serves the ball to Texas during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's MJ Hammill (6) sets the ball during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) hits the ball during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) and Joslyn Boyer (1) celebrate a kill against Texas during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Joslyn Boyer (1) hits the ball during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas' Keonilei Akana (12) hits the ball during the third set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Wisconsin at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Nebraska head coach John Cook watches the Wisconsin and Texas NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Texas players celebrate a point against Wisconsin during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Sarah Franklin (13) hits the ball during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) serves the ball to Texas during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson (10) reacts during the fourth set of a NCAA Volleyball Final Four match against Texas at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield and MJ Hammill during a news conference following their loss to Texas in an NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield speaks during a news conference following their loss to Texas in an NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield speaks during a news conference following their loss to Texas in an NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield speaks during a news conference following their loss to Texas in an NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's MJ Hammill, Izzy Ashburn and Sarah Franklin during a news conference following their loss to Texas in an NCAA Volleyball Final Four match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Wisconsin's Izzy Ashburn, center, reacts during a news conference following the Badgers' loss to Texas in an NCAA Volleyball Final Four match Thursday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.. Ashburn sits between teammates MJ Hammill and Sarah Franklin.
