Wisconsin Volleyball Signs Middle Blocker Jane Manecke

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin volleyball head coach Kelly Sheffield announced the signing of middle blocker Jane Manecke on March 10, 2026, marking the sixth commitment for the program’s 2026 recruiting class.

Manecke, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois, chose Wisconsin over multiple basketball scholarship offers, including opportunities from Belmont and DePaul, to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level.

The commitment brings Wisconsin’s 2026 recruiting class to 15 confirmed players, with three spots remaining under the NCAA’s 18-player scholarship limit for volleyball teams. Manecke joins previously committed teammates Halle Thompson, Lynney Tarnow, Kymora Scott, Isabelle Hoppe and Audrey Flanagan in the incoming class.

Sheffield expressed satisfaction with the addition, noting that Manecke’s decision helps replenish the middle blocker position following the graduation of Carter Booth and Alicia Andrews, who exhausted their eligibility after the 2025 season.

In her announcement posted to social media, Manecke thanked her coaches and trainers at Nazareth Academy and Adversity for their role in her development, while expressing gratitude to the Wisconsin volleyball staff for believing in her abilities and offering her the opportunity to join the program.

Head coach Kelly Sheffield has previously indicated a preference for not fully utilizing all 18 available scholarships, stating after recent transfer portal activity that he would likely prefer to keep the roster below the maximum limit unless required to fill all available spots.

Manecke’s commitment represents a continuation of Wisconsin’s successful recruiting efforts under Sheffield, who has consistently built competitive classes despite losing key contributors to graduation each season. The addition of a player with Manecke’s dual-sport background and physical attributes addresses a specific need in the team’s front line.