Paula Wilkins' decision to leave Penn State for Wisconsin was a surprise. First of all, the Nittany Lions are a perennial national contender, expected to again challenge for a Women's College Cup berth in 2007. Secondly, she is a native Pennsylvanian, having grown up in Middletown.

 "My decision was based primarily on things in my personal life and the desire for a new challenge," Wilkins said in making the announcement that she was leaving Happy Valley in late January.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported that Wilkins will receive a "groundbreaking deal." It said she will be paid a base salary of $90,000, making her the first Badger women's head coach to earn more than her men's counterpart. The State Journal reported that UW men's head coach Jeff Rohrman is paid $55,894 for an 11-month contract.