November 12, 2026 | Football, Softball
Pair of standout Badgers have made an impact on and off the field
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Badger student-athletes Charles Perkins (football) and Hannah Conger (Softball) were announced as recipients of the 2026-27 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, revealed by the Big Ten Conference on Thursday.
The award, established in 2025, is given to student-athletes at Big Ten institutions who strive to have a positive impact not only in their chosen sport, but also within their community.
Each Big Ten member-institution nominates two student-athletes, one male and one female, from their respective schools. Of the 36 winners from the conference, two overall honorees will be selected and announced by the Big Ten in the spring of 2027.
Since joining the Badgers in 2025, Perkins has been an important piece of the Wisconsin defense. He has started every game on the defensive line this fall for UW and has posted 14 tackles and a pair of sacks. Perkins anchors a defensive line unit that has helped Wisconsin's defense allow only 14.5 points per game during Big Ten action this season. Off the field, Perkins has made an impact in the Madison community by giving back at Bayview Community Center as a summer intern. He helped coordinate sports activities for the community center and brought energy and positivity to the summer youth program's outdoor activities.
Conger starred as UW's starting shortstop in 2026 and had clutch performances in Wisconsin's postseason run last spring. Conger earned Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors after delivering a walk-off hit in UW's first round win over Purdue and then posted another walk-off knock in Wisconsin's win over Baylor in the NCAA Tournament. Conger hit .312 across 54 games, totaling 43 hits and 25 RBI. Conger has given back to the community by being an active and enthusiastic participant in Miracle League during the summer, an inclusive program for children with disabilities to experience playing baseball and softball.
Wisconsin Jackie Robinson Award recipients
2025-26: Ricardo Hallman (football) and Erin Connelly (women's soccer)
2024-25: Kamari McGee (men's basketball) and Marianne Picard (women's hockey)
The award, established in 2025, is given to student-athletes at Big Ten institutions who strive to have a positive impact not only in their chosen sport, but also within their community.
Each Big Ten member-institution nominates two student-athletes, one male and one female, from their respective schools. Of the 36 winners from the conference, two overall honorees will be selected and announced by the Big Ten in the spring of 2027.
Since joining the Badgers in 2025, Perkins has been an important piece of the Wisconsin defense. He has started every game on the defensive line this fall for UW and has posted 14 tackles and a pair of sacks. Perkins anchors a defensive line unit that has helped Wisconsin's defense allow only 14.5 points per game during Big Ten action this season. Off the field, Perkins has made an impact in the Madison community by giving back at Bayview Community Center as a summer intern. He helped coordinate sports activities for the community center and brought energy and positivity to the summer youth program's outdoor activities.
Conger starred as UW's starting shortstop in 2026 and had clutch performances in Wisconsin's postseason run last spring. Conger earned Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors after delivering a walk-off hit in UW's first round win over Purdue and then posted another walk-off knock in Wisconsin's win over Baylor in the NCAA Tournament. Conger hit .312 across 54 games, totaling 43 hits and 25 RBI. Conger has given back to the community by being an active and enthusiastic participant in Miracle League during the summer, an inclusive program for children with disabilities to experience playing baseball and softball.
Wisconsin Jackie Robinson Award recipients
2025-26: Ricardo Hallman (football) and Erin Connelly (women's soccer)
2024-25: Kamari McGee (men's basketball) and Marianne Picard (women's hockey)
Players Mentioned
Thursday, November 12
Thursday, November 12
Saturday, November 07
Wednesday, October 28
