Badgers Score a Double Win: Upset Over Nebraska, Commitment from In-State Standout Ava Van Vonderen
Sunday turned out to be a banner day for Wisconsin women’s basketball - and not just because of what happened on the court.
The Badgers pulled off a gritty 63-60 upset over No. 24 Nebraska, marking their second win over a ranked opponent this season.
It was the kind of performance that signals real momentum for a program trying to reestablish itself in the Big Ten. But the celebration didn’t stop when the final buzzer sounded.
Shortly after the game, Wisconsin landed a major commitment for the future - Ava Van Vonderen, a versatile 6-foot-1 forward out of Kimberly High School, announced she’s joining the Badgers’ 2027 recruiting class.
Van Vonderen made it official the next day with a post on X, calling Wisconsin “a perfectly built culture” and “everything I want in a new home.” That’s a powerful endorsement from one of the state’s top young prospects - and a sign that head coach Robin Pingeton is building something that resonates with local talent.
Van Vonderen joins Madison Edgewood guard Anna Miller in the 2027 class, continuing a trend of in-state recruiting wins for Pingeton and her staff. The 2026 class already features three Wisconsin natives: Adaline Sheplee (Rice Lake), Leah Nordin (Shawano), and Giselle Janowski (Pewaukee). That’s five in-state commits over two classes - a clear signal that the Badgers are locking down the borders.
And Van Vonderen isn’t just a name on a list. She’s the real deal.
As a junior, she’s been the engine for a strong Kimberly squad, leading the team in scoring (14.3 points per game), rebounding (7.5), and assists (2.6). That all-around production speaks to her versatility - she’s not just a scorer or a rebounder, she’s a playmaker in every sense.
Her impact was especially clear during last season’s championship run. In the WIAA Division 1 state title game, Van Vonderen delivered a team-high 15 points and nine rebounds, helping Kimberly secure the crown. Big stage, big performance - the kind of moment that tells you a player is built for the next level.
“She’s a skilled player, yet she does all the intangibles,” said Kimberly head coach Dave Lepisto. “She’s the first one diving on the floor.
She chases balls down. She rebounds well.”
That blend of skill and grit is what sets Van Vonderen apart. Coaches love players who do the dirty work, but when those players also lead your team in scoring and passing? That’s a rare combination.
“When you have some of your better players and your best players who are skilled [and] who are still those intangible players, that translates to any level,” Lepisto added. “She wants to be great and she keeps getting better and better and she works hard.”
For Wisconsin, this commitment is about more than just adding talent. It’s about identity.
Pingeton is building a team that reflects the values of the state - tough, team-first, and unafraid of the grind. Van Vonderen fits that mold perfectly.
And with the Badgers showing signs of life on the court - knocking off ranked teams and playing with confidence - the timing couldn’t be better. The pieces are starting to come together.
Sunday’s win over Nebraska was a statement. Van Vonderen’s commitment?
That’s the exclamation point.