Coming out of high school, Ronnie Porter was a four-time conference player of the year, a two-time all-state selection, and scored 2,174 career points. After playing three years for the Badgers, Porter was at a crossroads in her career. After the departure of head coach Marisa Moseley and multiple players from last year's team either transferring or graduating, it could have been a done deal for Porter to follow suit. But she didn’t.
After more consideration and the hiring of head coach Robin Pingeton from Missouri, Porter removed her name from the transfer portal to return to the Badgers for her senior year.
“The home feel of Madison and the Kohl Center I couldn’t feel anywhere else,” Porter said. “It was an easy decision to stay here.”
Porter has made her presence known for the Badgers, averaging 7.2 points and 3.4 assists per game throughout her career. Her breakout year came as a sophomore, when she averaged 10.6 points and 4.1 assists per game. Porter has started every game for the Badgers in the past two seasons. Now in her senior year, Porter will have to become a key leader for a Badgers team with eight new players and a new head coach..
Wisconsin played UW-River Falls in an exhibition game on Oct. 26, which gave fans an idea of what to expect from this Badgers team as they head into the season. Once the game ended, a major story coming out of it was the barrage of 3-pointers. The Badgers finished with 15 made 3-pointers, with Porter going 3-for-3 from behind the arc.
Two games into the regular season, Porter is averaging just 4.7 points per game and has only connected on one 3-pointer.
Throughout her career, Porter has shot 24.2% on 3-pointers. But the biggest way Porter could contribute to this new scheme is by becoming a key distributor, dishing out assists for long-range shots. Destiny Howell in particular was electric from the 3-point line, ending with nine 3-pointers against UW-River Falls. Porter and Howell could become a dynamic duo if they continue to perform at a high level and Howell keeps splashing from deep.
In the first regular game of the season, Porter took more of a role player role as she came off the bench for the first time in two years. She contributed five rebounds and three assists. She struggled to find her footing as she turned the ball over four times, but with a whole new team around her, it was to be expected. Though she may not have had the best game, she provided the team with composure and leadership, a necessity with so many new players.
She has come on recently, scoring 5 points at Marquette on Saturday, and 9 points against UW-Milwaukee on Monday.
Now more than ever, Porter will have to become a role model for this team. With a young team, the Badgers will encounter challenges throughout the season, and Porter will have to help the team fight through those rough patches. As Pingeton starts to get a hold of the team, Porter will have to make sure things go smoothly on the court. Though her contributions on the court will be important, her work off the court will be essential in making sure the team stays united and prepared to fight in every game.
