“I Refuse to Lose”: Carter Booth’s Viral Rallying Cry Captures the Fire Behind Wisconsin’s Final Four Run
Sometimes, a single moment says everything you need to know about a team. For Wisconsin volleyball, that moment came after their stunning upset over No. 1 Texas in the NCAA Tournament - and it came live on national TV.
Middle blocker Carter Booth, riding the emotional high of knocking off the top team in the country, delivered what’s quickly become an iconic line: “I refuse to f***** lose.” The raw, unfiltered passion slipped past ESPN’s censors and straight into the hearts of Badger fans everywhere.
Now? It’s on T-shirts, it’s on social media, and it’s etched into the identity of a team that just won’t quit.
But what happened behind the scenes might be even better.
Locker Room Laughter and a Chancellor’s Approval
In a recent podcast appearance, Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield shared the story with Jon Arias, the voice of Badger basketball. After the game, emotions were still running high in the locker room when Athletic Director Chris McIntosh walked in. Booth, realizing her postgame words had gone viral, quickly apologized.
McIntosh’s response? Classic.
“I just got a text from the chancellor,” he told her. “And the chancellor freaking loved it.”
That’s not just a green light - that’s a full-on endorsement from the top of the university. And it says a lot about what this Wisconsin team represents: grit, passion, and a refusal to back down, no matter the opponent.
A Rallying Cry for a Team That Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here
Let’s be real - not many had Wisconsin penciled in for a Final Four run. But the Badgers didn’t just sneak into this spot.
They earned it the hard way, taking down No. 2 Stanford and then toppling No.
1 Texas to punch their ticket.
Booth’s fiery declaration wasn’t just a viral moment - it was a window into the mindset that got them here. This is a team that plays with edge, with resilience, and with a chip on their shoulder.
They’re not just happy to be in the Final Four. They’re here to win it.
And now, another giant looms: No. 1 Kentucky.
If Wisconsin wants to keep this run going, they’ll need every ounce of that “refuse to lose” energy. The Wildcats are a powerhouse in their own right, and the Badgers will have to dig deep - again - to pull off another upset.
What’s Next?
If Wisconsin does it - if they take down a second straight No. 1 and punch their ticket to the National Championship - don’t be surprised if there’s another viral moment waiting in the wings. ESPN’s censors might want to keep a finger on the button just in case.
But honestly? That’s what makes this run so fun.
Wisconsin isn’t just winning - they’re doing it with heart, with fire, and with a little bit of attitude. And that’s exactly how legends are made.