Badgers commit Kristen Simon digs into ‘top libero’ potential
MADISON, Wis. (BVM) – Wisconsin volleyball commit Kristen Simon is digging into the potential of her becoming a top libero at the college level someday.
It’s a sentiment reinforced by Badgers volleyball head coach Kelly Sheffield via a Class of 2025 signing day release, “I can see Kristen becoming one of the top libero’s in the college game one of these days.”
“I seriously loved seeing what coach Kelly said about me on signing day,” Simon said. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work and it was just so nice to see that he has so much faith in me. He sees all the progress that I’ve made and I hope to live up to the potential he sees in me.”
Simon verbally committed to Sheffield and the Badgers after her sophomore year in 2023. The 5-foot-8 libero/defensive specialist has since demonstrated her growth and even higher potential.
Last week, Simon was honored as the 2024-25 Gatorade Kentucky Volleyball Player of the Year, becoming one of only three liberos nationwide to receive this distinction. She completed her senior season at Assumption High School with 464 digs, 59 aces and 23 assists. She was previously named the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Defensive Player of the Year, contributing 59 service aces and 28 assists during the season.
Simon also led the 35-8 Assumption Rockets to their second consecutive state title this past season.
“My senior season started off a little rough because I got a concussion when I was out in California with USA and NTDP,” Simon said. “It was hard because I was gone for most of the preseason and the first part of the regular season. I definitely don’t think it was easy, but I worked my way to earn the libero jersey back. It’s just amazing that I get to leave the program with two state titles.”
Winning has been at the top of her mind throughout her volleyball career. That won’t change at Wisconsin, where her focus will be helping the Badgers win their first national title since 2021.
“I want to win a national championship at Wisconsin,” Simon said. “I’m hoping to just bring my true self and bring my game. I don’t think Wisconsin volleyball has ever had a player from Louisville, Kentucky before. I want to bring that culture with me to their gym and bring my competitiveness. I just hope to play and be successful.”
Notably, Simon’s decision to sign with the University of Wisconsin came as a surprise – given her offers from elite schools like Stanford, the winningest program in history, and Louisville, which is just a 15-minute drive from her home.
“I visited Louisville and Stanford, but I just felt the most at home at Wisconsin,” Simon said. “As soon as I stepped onto campus, I could see myself there. I knew that was the atmosphere that I wanted to be in and that those were the players that I wanted to surround myself with. The players push each other to be their best selves and they hold each other accountable.”
Simon also highlighted what drew Wisconsin coaches to her – further fueling her excitement to join the team.
“Coaches during my recruiting at Wisconsin told me they loved the energy and competitiveness that I brought to the game,” Simon said. “They told me they feel like I’m good at bringing people up and just bringing the team together to get what needs to get done.”
Assumption head coach Ron Kordes describes Simon’s elite skills as having “two defenders in one.” He anticipates she will have “an outstanding college career at Wisconsin.”
“She is a phenomenal passer in serve-receive,” Kordes said. “Her accuracy and consistency allow our team to get in system and enhance our offensive talents at the net. Also, her ability to serve aggressively and accurately makes it more difficult for our opponents to get into their offense. She is a tremendous defender, as her quickness allows her to cover so much court.”
Simon is set to join the Badgers in the fall and says she’ll be focused on both her athletic and academic journey.
“I got into the College of Letters & Science,” said Simon, who holds a weighted 4.44 GPA. “I’m interested in the medical field, but I’m still undecided since it’s still far out. But also, I’ve dreamed of playing pro since I was little. I think it’ll all just come down to where I’m at in my stage of life four years from now.”
Overall, Simon is exploring her full potential and is living by a quote from professional volleyball libero Zoe Fleck: “Trust your own process.”
“Don’t worry about how far along other people are or what accomplishes they’re getting because your own process is unique to yourself,” Simon explained. “You just have to keep grinding and worrying about yourself – and the results will come.”
