Dana Rettke


Dana Rettke is an American volleyball player for the Wisconsin Badgers. Rettke won several awards while at Wisconsin, including the 2019–2020 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year.

Personal Life

Rettke was born in 1999 to John and Kathy Rettke. Dana is 6'8 and both of her parents are exceptionally tall, with her mom standing 5'11 and her father towering at 6'6. She grew up in Riverside, Illinois with her sister Leah Rettke who also plays volleyball and is 5'11 tall. Coming from a tall family has helped her maintain a sense of humor about the attention her stature draws.

Education

Dana Rettke is majoring in marketing and international business at University of Wisconsin. Dana went to Riverside Brookfield High School where she was a standout volleyball player and was the tallest person to ever play there.

Volleyball

Rettke plays middle blocker, using her 6'8 frame to her advantage. Shortly after attending high school, dana started playing volleyball since her best friend was on the team. The Triple Ace Volleyball Club coach contacted University of Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield, suggesting Dana would be a player of interest. Initially, Sheffield wasn't impressed.
However, he saw her pick up a basketball and dribble a figure 8 between her legs before gliding down the court. He decided she was something special. She was also being courted for basketball scholarships from schools like University of Iowa, Illinois State, Michigan State, Stanford, Loyola and Northwestern.
On December 13, 2019, Rettke helped the Wisconsin Badgers defeat the Texas A&M Aggies and move on to the Elite 8.

Awards

Rettke was selected as AVCA All-America First-Team her first two years in college. She was also named 2017 AVCA National Freshman of the Year. She was named the 2019–2020 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year.