#35 Kjersten Bakke
5'11 Guard/Forward
DeForest, Wi
2002-06

Kjersten Bakke  walked-on to the Badgers for the 2002 season.  She is not quite the typical walk-on.  She was recruited to do this and turned down several D1 scholarship offers, including one from UW-Milwaukee, to play for the Badgers.  She was one of the most competitive player's around.  But she suffered from both a lack of height and talent that was not at the Big 10 level.  She played post in high school, and never found a spot for her 5'11 body in the Big 10.  What she lacked in talent, she tried to make up for in intensity and effort.  Bakke had a motor that didn't quit.  She was frequently overmatched by more talented players, but no one out-worked her.  Unfortunately, she never learned to be aggressive without fouling.  She brought an intensity that gave the team a lift when she entered a game.  With the lack of depth in 2003, Bakke was given an opportunity to play major minutes.  She responded by earning a starting spot.  At times she was effective.  At other times she was overmatched and her take no prisoners style of play often left her in foul trouble.  Kjersten's sophomore season ended early when she tore her acl.

In the end, she became a fan favorite because of her hustle and intensity.  But her talent-level was never up to Big 10 standards.
 

2005:  Named Academic All Big 10.  Given the team's Community Service Award

2004:  Named Academic All Big 10

High School:  Averaged 17.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists a game as a senior

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