Both the Wisconsin Badgers and Pittsburgh Panthers are coming off crushing NCAA defeats in the tournament while also dealing with key departures from their program.  Recently, reports have indicated that first team All-American outside hitter Torrey Stafford is entering the transfer portal.  This is one player that the Badgers must pursue.

The Wisconsin Badgers and Pittsburgh Panthers suffered brutal defeats in the 2024 NCAA tournament

In this year’s tournament, Pittsburgh earned as the number one overall seed whereas Wisconsin was a second seed.  The Badgers ended up losing in the elite eight to Nebraska whereas the Panthers lost in the final four to Louisville.  In the finals, Penn State topped Louisville, who had to play without star hitter Anna DeBeer.

All-American outside hitter Torrey Stafford has entered the transfer portal (report)

According to Talia Goodman, Pittsburgh first team All-American outside hitter Torrey Stafford has entered the transfer portal.  The 6’2″ sophomore led the team in hitting percentage (.358) while finishing second in both points per set (4.24) and kills per set (3.70).  Stafford’s decision to enter the transfer portal was likely triggered by Pittsburgh losing seniors Rachel Fairbanks, Emmy Klika, Valeria Vazquez Gomez, Cat Flood, and Nisa Buzlutepe.

Pitt volleyball OH and AVCA First Team All-American Torrey Stafford has entered the transfer portal, a source told @On3sports. https://t.co/f4FynAvnsY pic.twitter.com/Xnz9VuKVAU

— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) December 29, 2024

The Wisconsin Badgers should pursue Torrey Stafford

Coach Kelly Sheffield is dealing with the departures of several core players as seniors Sarah Franklin, Devyn Robinson, Anna Smrek, CC Crawford, Julia Orzol, and Carly Anderson won’t be back.  Additionally, Gulce Guctekin and Saige Dammrow entered the transfer portal and have already committed elsewhere.

In an effort to restock at outside hitter, the Badgers have already brought in transfer Grace Eagan and have a talented incoming freshman named Madison Quest.  Outside of those two, 5’11” Trinity Shadd-Ceres and 6’0″ Una Vajagic are the only other internal options to replace the production lost by Franklin and Orzol departing.  Torrey Stafford would provide the Badgers with the best chance at not missing a beat in 2025.

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