Badgers add Montana setter Carly Anderson as a transfer

Anderson, a graduate transfer from Ontario, will provide depth and experience at setter.

• By
  
  Bremen Keasey
  
• on January 7, 2024 7:06 am

Setter Carly Anderson (4) passes the ball in a match for Montana on Nov. 11, 2022. Anderson committed to the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday night, adding depth and experience at the setter position.

Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images

The Wisconsin Badgers added another piece to the roster with the apparent commitment of former Montana Grizzlies setter Carly Anderson Saturday night.

Anderson, who is listed at 5-foot-9 on Montana’s roster page, was a two-time All-Big Sky Second Team player. As the Griz’s main setter last season, Anderson averaged 9.49 assists per set, posted 1.82 digs per set, and tallied 54 total blocks. The setter was also a threat from the service line for the Griz, leading the team in aces as she posted 42 on the season, which is 0.38 aces per set.

Anderson, a Mississauga, Ontario native, will have one year of eligibility left as she comes to UW as a graduate transfer. She will be a third setter on the roster for the Badgers after the 2024 commitments of Charlie Fuerbringer and Morgan Van Wie.

Although Fuerbringer would be expected to eventually take the reins as the Badgers’ setter long-term — and potentially even for the 2024 fall season — Anderson will be a crucial bridge for Wisconsin, who, without her signing, would be without a true setter during the spring semester.

Anderson’s serving prowess could also hint that she would be a serving specialist in the rotation, and her addition means the Badgers could use either a 5-1 or a 6-2 system.

Either way, the Badgers add another Canadian to the roster — Anna Smrek hails from Ontario as well, as does incoming freshman outside hitter Trinity Shadd-Ceres — and a crucial piece of depth for next season.

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