If you’ve been following Big Ten volleyball lately, you’ve probably heard the name Lola Schumacher—though, for some reason, a lot of folks keep searching for "Laura Schumacher Wisconsin volleyball." Let’s get that straight right out of the gate: it’s Lola. And honestly, what she did during her short stint in Madison was nothing short of a defensive masterclass.
The Badgers have a history of legendary liberos. Think Lauren Barnes or Tiffany Clark. When Lola Schumacher stepped onto the floor at the UW Field House as a freshman in 2024, she didn't just fit in. She took over.
The Freshman Season That Shook the Field House
It’s rare for a freshman to walk into a program as prestigious as Wisconsin and grab the libero jersey. Usually, Kelly Sheffield likes to let players marinate a bit. Not Lola. She made her debut against Louisville and by the time Stanford rolled around in early September, she was the starter.
She was a vacuum.
During that 2024 season, she played in 30 matches and started 23 of them at libero. Even with a nagging injury that sidelined her for three games, she still led the entire team in digs. We’re talking 3.64 digs per set. To put that in perspective for the casual fan, she was basically a human brick wall that refused to let the ball hit the hardwood.
Her career-high 27 digs against Baylor was one of those "okay, she's the real deal" moments. She wasn't just scrappy; she was technically sound. Her read on the ball was advanced for an 18-year-old. She eventually earned a spot on the All-Big Ten Freshman Team, which felt like just the beginning of a Hall of Fame trajectory in Madison.
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The Transfer Portal Shock: Why Did She Leave?
Then came the news that nobody saw coming. In May 2025, Lola Schumacher entered the transfer portal.
Wait, what?
She was the starting libero for a Final Four-caliber team. She was a fan favorite. Why walk away?
The reality of college sports in 2026 is that the portal is always humming. If you look at the roster math, Wisconsin had a "good problem" that turned into a tough situation for Lola. The Badgers were bringing in some heavy hitters in the defensive specialist department—players like Aniya Warren and Kristen Simon. In the world of high-level NCAA volleyball, your spot is never safe.
There was a lot of chatter that Schumacher might see a reduced role or have to fight off two of the best recruits in the country just to keep her jersey. Rather than staying in a crowded gym, she decided to head west.
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Making Waves at UCLA
She didn't stay uncommitted for long. Schumacher headed to UCLA, and honestly, the Bruins got a steal.
In the 2025 season, she didn't just play well; she became arguably the best libero in the country. She led the Big Ten (UCLA’s new home) in digs per set at 4.38. Think about that. She left the Big Ten’s powerhouse in Wisconsin only to dominate the same conference while wearing blue and gold.
- 2025 First Team All-Big Ten
- AVCA All-Pacific Region First Team
- Two-time Defensive Player of the Week
She even put up 20 digs against No. 1-seed Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. The girl is a gamer. Pure and simple.
Clearing Up the "Laura" Confusion
So, why are people looking for "Laura Schumacher Wisconsin volleyball"?
It’s likely a mix-up with names or perhaps confusing her with other athletes in the UW system. There was a Laura Schumacher who swam at UW-Stevens Point, and there's the Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament hosted by UW-Whitewater.
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But if you’re talking about the libero who was diving across the floor in Madison and making spectacular saves, you’re talking about Lola.
What’s Next for Schumacher?
Lola Schumacher is currently one of the most exciting defensive players to watch in the nation. Her path from being a standout at Brebeuf Jesuit Prep in Indiana to a star in the Big Ten—twice, for two different schools—is a testament to her drive.
She’s a Sports Psychology major, which honestly makes sense. You have to be mentally bulletproof to play libero at this level. You’re the one getting pelted with 70 mph serves and high-velocity spikes all night.
If you're a fan of the game, here's the play:
- Watch the UCLA tape. If you missed her at Wisconsin, go back and watch her 2025 season at UCLA. Her reception percentage was a staggering .946.
- Follow the Freshman Class. If you're a Badger fan still mourning her departure, keep an eye on how the new defensive recruits handle the pressure Lola thrived under.
- Check the Schedule. When UCLA plays Wisconsin, circle it on your calendar. It’s the ultimate "what if" matchup.
Lola Schumacher proved that she could thrive in the pressure cooker of the UW Field House and then reinvent herself as the centerpiece of a program across the country. Whether you call her Laura by mistake or Lola by choice, there’s no denying she’s one of the best to ever wear the libero jersey in the modern era of the Big Ten.