UW Athletics announced that sophomore outside hitter Decelise Champion has been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive week. Champion’s back‑to‑back performances against Oregon and Purdue highlighted the Badgers’ opening weekend of conference play.
Standout numbers against Oregon
In the opening match versus Oregon, Champion recorded a double‑double with 16 kills, 10 digs and four block assists. Her .429 hitting percentage (16‑1‑35) was the second‑highest performance for Wisconsin in the contest, underscoring her impact on both offense and defense.
Dominant effort versus Purdue
Against Purdue, Champion led the team with 11 kills, added nine digs and contributed five block assists. The consistent production helped Wisconsin secure a solid win and maintain momentum heading into the next round of conference play.
What’s next for the Badgers
Following the two victories, the Badgers will host No. 18 Indiana on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the UW Field House. The Hoosiers enter the match with a 9‑2 overall record and a 2‑0 mark in the Big Ten. After the Indiana game, Wisconsin travels to Minneapolis for a Sunday evening showdown with No. 15 Minnesota, which currently sits at 6‑4 overall and 0‑2 in conference play.
Champion’s back‑to‑back honors reflect her rapid adjustment to the collegiate level and her growing role as a leader on the court. Coach Dan Tracy praised her work ethic, noting that “Decelise brings energy every practice and translates that into game‑time production that lifts the entire team.”
The Big Ten’s weekly awards spotlight emerging talent across the conference, and Champion’s consecutive recognitions place her among the league’s most promising newcomers. As the Badgers continue their conference schedule, fans can expect Champion to remain a focal point of Wisconsin’s offensive strategy.
Local supporters are encouraged to attend the Indiana matchup at the UW Field House, where the community can rally behind the team and celebrate the achievements of its rising stars. With the season still early, the Badgers are positioned to contend for a top spot in the Big Ten, and Champion’s contributions will be a key factor in that pursuit.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
