CHICAGO – Kelly Sheffieldis a supporter of college volleyball’s decision to begin practices one week earlier in 2025.
“I believe the science will indicate that this is more beneficial for us,” said Sheffield, whoseWisconsin Badgersstart practicing on July 31 andhave their initial regular-season game on August 29thwe are definitely pleased with that.
That’s not the only adjustment Sheffield hopes the NCAA will implement regarding when teams can, and cannot, officially practice.
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Sheffield — entering his 13th year as the Badgers’ coach — supported the idea of volleyball adopting a strategy similar to sports like basketball, which permit teams to conduct limited practices and other structured activities during the summer.
I believe our sport is limited because we can’t access our players during the summer like other sports do,” Sheffield stated at the Big Ten volleyball media days. “Our program isn’t even allowed to share anything about them working out. These individuals are in the gym or the weight room training.
Especially during the time when athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness, every chance to share about volleyball—whether it’s just a highlight reel or a photo collection from a summer training session—could potentially be a way to market an athlete to interested fans and sponsors.
You observe other sports that can achieve this and promote their activities, and the effect it has on Name, Image, and Likeness,” Sheffield stated. “We haven’t reached the stage in our sport where we can be visible all year round. We have these off periods — the start of our tournament when we aren’t nationally televised, and there are times during the summer when other sports can engage with their athletes and market their teams and players. We aren’t able to do that.
Some athletes from Sheffield have discovered alternative methods to promote themselves beyond their sports this summer. For instance, Travel Wisconsin has collaborated with University of Wisconsin athletes from different teams for a Wonders of Wisconsin Wednesday series, in which they explore various attractions throughout the state. The series began with volleyball players Charlie Fuerbringer, Maile Chan, and Morgan Van Wie visiting Kohler-Andre State Park.
If they want to promote themselves and their work, they have to do it on their own,” Sheffield stated. “Our school can’t handle that. I believe that’s a challenging aspect.
The ‘most achievable’ Title IX legal case
The NCAA Division II Management Council recently suggested a plan that would grant athletes five years to compete. (It still needs to overcome several remaining steps before being approved.) Sheffield also voiced his approval for extending eligibility to five years at the Division I level.
That would affect significantly more individuals than NIL does,” Sheffield stated. “It would be incredible for every player to essentially obtain a free graduate degree.
In reality, he views the existing eligibility guidelines as a matter of equity under Title IX. Football athletes can participate in up to four games without using their redshirt year. The NCAA introduced an exception last year that stops playoff games from being counted toward this cap, allowing freshman players to potentially compete in a fifth or sixth game while still retaining their redshirt status.
You see all these lawsuits that are taking place,” Sheffield said. “The lawsuit I believe would be the easiest to win under Title IX is how football players can have roughly a third of their season where they’re allowed to play and still redshirt. If our players participate in one match, they’ve lost their entire year.
Similar to the summer restrictions, Sheffield views the present set of rules in terms of NIL opportunities.
What is permitted under Title IX when there are more than 100 male athletes who not only gain an early advantage but also have the opportunity to develop their personal brand through NIL?” Sheffield stated. “Now that money is involved, that appears to be the easiest lawsuit to win.
This piece first was published on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Kelly Sheffield shares insights on the rule that “handcuffs” volleyball, and the “most winnable” Title IX legal case
