Wisconsin volleyball transfer out injured for 2025 season

Lopez, who was expected to play a major role this season on the right side, suffered a torn ACL the day before the Badgers left for their spring break trip to Hawaii and will have to sit out the 2025 season.

The 6-foot-1 Lopez transferred to Wisconsin after two seasons at Miami, where she was a two-time All-ACC and honorable mention All-American performer.

Lopez said the injury occurred when she landed after going for a kill during practice on March 21. While she was hopeful that it might be a less severe injury, the ACL tear was confirmed by an MRI performed on Tuesday.

Lopez announced her injury Tuesday evening on her Instagram account.

“I was beyond excited and fully prepared for this season,” she wrote, “but sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and God had a different plan for me.

“This is not the journey I had envisioned, but I refuse to let it define me. Instead, I see it as another challenge, one that I will face with unwavering determination and resilience.”

This is the second torn ACL she has suffered, both to her right knee. The first one happened four years ago while she was still in high school in Puerto Rico.

If anything, that experience has her feeling better prepared to deal with what lies ahead for her as she prepares for surgery scheduled for April 14.

“The first time I didn’t cry at all because I didn’t know about the process at all,” Lopez said in a phone interview. “But this  time I got very sentimental because I knew it was going to be a long process again and I would lose my volleyball season this year. 

“On the good side, this time I feel stronger. I’ve been lifting weights, so it doesn’t feel as bad as the first time. And here, I also have so many people around me that can help me in the recovery every day. 

“Obviously, right now I don’t feel the best mentally. I’m going to go through this whole recovery again and it’s up to me to decide whether I go through this recovery depressed or if I should go through this recovery happy and trusting the people around me and trusting myself.”

Lopez averaged 3.54 kills per set and hit .255 in 2024 as she helped lead the Hurricanes to a 22-11 record and a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the second round before losing to Nebraska. As a freshman, she averaged 4.11 kills and hit .278.

Coach Kelly Sheffield was counting on her to step in and fill the void left at the opposite position by the graduation of Anna Smrek. The Badgers currently have no players with experience on the right side. Their five outside hitters — Mimi Colyer, Grace Egan, Una Vajagic, Trinity Shadd-Ceres and Madison Quest — all have primarily played on the left side. Addy Horner played right side and setter in high school and club but is training primarily as a setter with the Badgers this spring.

Now Sheffield will be looking for an experienced opposite when the transfer portal reopens on May 1. He already was hoping to come away with reinforcement at middle blocker either from the portal or overseas.

Lopez, who has two years of eligibility remaining, vows to do everything she can to support her teammates this fall and make a triumphant return in 2026.

“I promise to give my all, to push myself beyond my limits and to come back stronger than ever,” Lopez wrote. “This is just a pause, not the end of my story. I’m looking forward to cheer on my Badger girls this season. See you soon, better, stronger and more determined than ever!”