A pair of Wisconsin Badgers alums will represent Canada and Poland during 2026 Volleyball Nations League action this summer.
Former Badger outside hitter and libero Julia Orzol will represent Poland in this summer’s action, while Badger alum Anna Smrek will play for the Canadians’ 2026 Volleyball Nations League roster.
The two accompany Badger greats Dana Retke and Sarah Franklin, who will don the red, white, and blue for the Americans, during the offseason window.
During her time at Wisconsin, Smrek – the tallest woman to ever don a Badger uniform – appeared in 188 matches from 2021-24. She was a 2023-24 First-Team All-Big Ten teamer, MVP of the 2021 NCAA Championship, and UW’s Most Improved Player in 2021.
Orzol, Smrek’s teammate from 2021-24, was named 2021 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and to the 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team during her stint for Sheffield in Wisconsin. The first Badger signee from Poland, Orzol was also the team captain in 2024.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Former Wisconsin Badgers named to 2026 VNL rosters for Canada, Poland
Reporting by Mike Hall, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
