Una Vajagic, the former Wisconsin outside hitter, is starting her Arizona State chapter of volleyball right back where her last one ended: Wisconsin. She’s in the state for AVCA First Serve, returning to a place that’s 80-plus miles from her old stomping grounds with the Badgers, and man, you know that’s gotta be bringing “all the memories” back. This whole trip puts her surprising offseason move from Wisconsin to Arizona State right back in the spotlight as she preps for the second half of an August 22 doubleheader, with her former team kicking off the day against Louisville.
The Transfer Nobody Saw Coming (Or Agreed On)
This transfer was clearly a massive deal, and Vajagic herself admits it was a “very tough decision.” She gets it, Wisconsin is “a great school and great place to be.” But she decided to “go the other way and find something else,” believing Arizona State was “the right fit” for her. Simple enough, right? Not for everyone involved. Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield dropped a bomb back in January, saying Vajagic and her agent representation “felt like there were better opportunities out there for her.” But Sheffield? He felt way differently about her future in Madison. He said it himself: “A kid that seemed like she was having so much joy here and really, really fit in , how that turned sideways certainly feels like we were sabotaged.” That’s a strong word to throw out there, making you wonder what really went down behind the scenes. Despite the tough exit, Vajagic says she’s still in touch “with a lot of teammates” from Wisconsin, which is cool to hear.
New Team, New Vibes, High Hopes for the Sun Devils
Now that she’s with the Sun Devils, ranked No. 12 in the 2026 AVCA preseason poll, Vajagic is already making waves. Arizona State middle blocker Ella Lomigora couldn’t be more hyped, saying Vajagic is “so feisty and so competitive” and that it’s “a joy to be able to play with her.” Lomigora even credits Vajagic with stepping “up the level in our gym,” which is huge praise for a new player. Arizona State is coming off a killer 28-4 season in 2025, even if it ended in a four-set loss to Creighton in the NCAA regional semifinals. With the graduation of Bailey Miller and Tatum Parrott at outside hitter, the team had some big shoes to fill. That’s where Vajagic and former Wisconsin middle blocker Tosia Serafinowska come in. Coach JJ Van Niel was aggressive in filling those needs, saying it was “nice that they were available and we were able to get them.” He even shared a funny moment, taking Vajagic and Serafinowska to In-N-Out Burger for the first time. They apparently loved it, calling it “amazing,” and Van Niel summed it up: “They’re both great kids and really fun to be around.”
This Aug. 22 doubleheader is just the start for Arizona State, and with a No. 12 ranking, the pressure is on. You know everyone’s watching to see how Vajagic fits in and if she can help push the Sun Devils even further than their regional semifinal exit last season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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