MADISON — When Black Hawk graduate Natalie Leuzinger joined the Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team in 2020, it was as a preferred walk-on. After two years of hard work, Leuzinger earned a full-ride scholarship heading into the 2022-23 season. Now, as a senior, she earned her first start in the team’s exhibition match against UW-Whitewater on Sunday, Oct. 29.

“It feels awesome,” Leuzinger said the start. “I know that my hard work is paying off.”

Wisconsin won handily, 84-64, as Leuzinger chipped in five points. The Monroe native went 2-for-4 from the field, including a 3-pointer. She grabbed a team-best six rebounds with four assists. 

The Badgers, celebrating 50 years of women’s basketball in Wisconsin this winter, begin the regular season with a home game against Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Wisconsin beat Milwaukee 58-49 last season to extend its all-time record against the Panthers to 9-3. 

“I’m excited about this group,” Leuzinger said. “It is a brand new team without a lot of experience, but this group will surprise people. Going to Italy this summer really helped us mesh.”