All-American Sarah Franklin returns in time for first day of Wisconsin volleyball practice

MADISON – The Wisconsin volleyball team held its first practice of the season Tuesday and welcomed back one of its top players.

Outside hitter Sarah Franklin was cleared to practice after being sidelined the last two months following surgery due to blood clots associated with Quadrilateral Space Syndrome. The condition adversely affects nerves in arteries in areas such as the shoulder.

Last week at Big Ten media days in Chicago, Badgers coach Kelly Sheffield said Franklin was on track to return to the team soon but couldn't say she would be definitely available on the first day.

According to the team’s Twitter account, Franklin's doctor cleared her Tuesday. She was greeted with cheers and hugs from teammates after sharing the news..

Franklin’s return gives UW another weapon on a team that will be one of the best nation.

“Before her, I don't know what we call it, medical issue, she was playing probably better than anybody in our gym,” Sheffield said last week. “She was having a great spring.”

Franklin averaged a team-high 3.6 kills per set last season while posting a .246 hitting percentage.

A third-time All-American last season, she is one of three Badgers who earned that distinction from the American Volleyball Coaches Association last season. Senior Devyn Robinson was also a third-team pick All-American and Temi Thomas-Ailara, a graduate transfer from Northwestern, made the second team.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: All-American Sarah Franklin cleared for return to Wisconsin volleyball