By Zachary Schuster for VolleyballMag.com
MADISON, Wisconsin — With stops in 11 cities in less than a month, the 2023 Athletes Unlimited exhibition tour has likely felt like a bit of a whirlwind for the pro players.
“We basically had a week of preseason training,” Sydney Hilley said, “and then it was like, ‘All right, go play the best collegiate teams in the country.’
“It’s been fun competing with some of the top colleges and seeing all the fans who are so loyal to their college teams.”
And that especially was the case last Wednesday when Hilley returned to the UW Field House, back for the first time since her team’s victory over Minnesota that propelled the Badgers to the national semifinals and on to winning the 2021 NCAA championship.
With Hilley’s return getting heavy billing, it was only fitting that fans were lined up outside the Field House for four hours on a blustery Madison spring day to get prime seats for the free match between Wisconsin and the pros.
Hilley’s reception?
“I think a 10,” Hilley said. “I knew the Field House would give me a warm welcome because we have the best fans in…
