After winning an NCAA national championship, the Wisconsin Badgers are inexplicably set to get better with their 2023-2024 recruiting class.

Sometimes the rich get richer, and that looks to be the case when looking at the University of Wisconsin women's hockey recruiting classes for next season. The reigning national champions already have some of the best young players in the world including Caroline Harvey, Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, Lacey Eden, Claire Enright, and Vivian Jungels, among others who will all be back next season.

But when you look at the Wisconsin women's hockey incoming class, the Badgers are set to remain one of the top NCAA women's hockey programs for the foreseeable future.

Here's a look at the 2023-2024 Wisconsin Badgers rookie class.

Laney Potter, D, 2004 - The mobile defender brings size and offensive upside to the Badgers blueline. At five-foot-eleven, Potter has the reach and physical ability to contain just about anyone, a point she proved as a focal point on USA's 2022 U-18 silver medal team. Having spent the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, who fell in this year's 19U national championship game in overtime, Potter's offensive game has flourished. This year she recorded 27 goals and 67 points in 71 games. 

Ava Murphy, D, 2005 - Playing for the Oakville Hornets in Ontario's OWHL U22 Elite league this season, Murphy was again one of the top defenders in the province. She has two gold medals with Canada's U-18 team, flashing offensive ability that will make her a valued member of Wisconsin's attack. In 11 career U-18 games for Canada, she has nine points. 

Cassie Hall, F, 2005 - After watching her former Little Caesars teammate Kirsten Simms shine at Wisconsin this season, Hall will become the second Michigan product on Wisconsin's roster next season. She's got a great first step, and uses her speed to jump into spaces and generate scoring chances. Hall represented USA at the last two U-18 women's World Championship tournaments, winning silver and bronze.

Bella Vasseur, F, 2005 - Coming from the powerhouse Bishop Kearney Selects program, Vasseur joins BK alumni Harvey, Simms, and Edwards in Wisconsin. That's elite company to join. Vasseur's skating skills, specifically her edge work, and ability to navigate traffic set her apart. She has soft hands and plays a heads up style where she'll not only find her own space, but make those around her better as well.

Ava McNaughton, G, 2004 - With Cami Kronish graduating from Wisconsin, there is an opening in Wisconsin's crease. While Jane Gervais is the leading candidate to take the starting role, McNaughton will have an open opportunity to win the backup role. Another Bishop Kearney grad, McNaughton got into one game for USA's U-18 team at the 2022 Worlds. 

The other commit on Wisconsin's list this season is Kelly Gorbatenko, a 5'11" forward out of Chicago Mission. 

Looking forward to 2024-2025, Wisconsin's recruiting class, looks to be better still. That season Wisconsin will add Maggie Scannell, Finley McCarthy and Emma Venusio. Rhyah Stewart will also join the school as a recruit.

THN's 2023-2024 NCAA Recruiting Class Features

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