Former Missouri Basketball Recruit Nikki Kerstein Joins Robin Pingeton at Wisconsin

MADISON – The Wisconsin women’s basketball team has secured a future star in Nikki Kerstein, a 5-foot-8 point guard from Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, Illinois. The team announced Wednesday that Kerstein has signed to play for the Badgers. She was originally recruited by Wisconsin coach Robin Pingeton when Pingeton was at Missouri, but after Pingeton’s resignation from the Tigers, Kerstein re-opened her recruitment.

This past season, Kerstein led Montini Catholic to a Class 3A state championship. She averaged 18.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.4 steals per game. Kerstein has been recognized for her outstanding play, earning Class 3A first-team all-state honors from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association for the last two years.

Over her high school career, she accumulated 2,195 points, 644 assists, 537 steals, 528 rebounds, and 116 blocks, showcasing her all-around skills.

Kerstein is currently the only confirmed incoming freshman for the Badgers. Two other early signees, Leyre Urdiain (Georgia Tech) and Ines Garcis Monje (Davidson), chose different programs after Marisa Moseley resigned as head coach.