“She was just super aggressive.” Husker coach Dani Busboom Kelly said, praising Ryan Hunter’s fantastic performance against Kansas. “For a freshman to come out there and swing away, and some of those out-of-system swings were pretty insane. That sets the tone for her, like she’s going to go after it and go for kills.” The freshman’s breakout performance was the highlight of Nebraska Volleyball’s memorial night.

Right from the start, Hunter’s performance was notable with 11 kills on Sizzling. 563 hitting percentage along with two blocks and two digs. In just three sets, she showed her strong play. Hunter brought new energy to the team and gave Nebraska fans a reason to be excited for each season. But how did she get here? Who is Ryan Hunter, and what is the story behind her hard work and dedication that fueled her incredible journey to this breakout performance?

Who is Ryan Hunter? 

Ryan Hunter’s debut at Nebraska was highly anticipated, and her performance reflected every possible reason. She is a left-handed opposite hitter with an electrifying, fast-paced style. Her combination of natural style and strong mentality ensures that she never loses her game under pressure, despite her young age. “Ryan wants the ball in the big moments and likes to take the big swings.” John Cook, former head coach of Nebraska, said, praising her fearless approach.

Hunter began her volleyball journey at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She led the team with 3.9 kills per set, 163 digs, 72 aces, and 54 blocks during her sophomore season. She made the move to Cox Mill High School in her junior year, averaging 4.3 kills per set and hitting .317. She also contributed 169 digs, 51 blocks, and 49 aces.

Hunter earned the Charlotte Observer North Carolina Player of the Year award and a first-team all-state selection. She also played for the volleyball club Triangle VC for a year and was on the PrepVolleyball.com 18U Club All-American Watch list. In addition, Hunter received training from the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program and was chosen for the Junior Volleyball Association All-National Team for the class of 2025.

As a result of her versatility and ability to remain confident under pressure, she was able to hit high and hard. She also has excellent timing as a blocker and emerges as a strong player capable of earning additional points in the game. Hunter is turning out to be a formidable weapon for Nebraska, thanks to her competitive nature and excellent game instinct. Former head coach John Cook emphasized that she played both offensively and defensively. Her various contributions added a unique strength to her team.

“Ryan has a bubbly personality, but when the game starts, she’s an intense competitor.” Hunter’s game is a well-defined approach with a balanced personality off-court and fierce competitiveness. Cook also added, “She has been working extremely hard to come back from an unfortunate injury last spring at a club tournament.” However, despite the injury, she came back to court and played her game with resilience, both for the team and the sport. But what exactly was Hunter’s injury related to?

Overcoming injury: Ryan Hunter’s comeback

Last spring, Ryan Hunter suffered an ACL tear during her club tournament; because of this, she missed her senior season and a lot of important matches. The young athlete, with high expectations for her final year before college, was devastated by this heartbreaking setback. Her ankle injury sidelined her for several months, a tough time not only for her but also for her team. They relied on her leadership and exceptional skills. 

However, Hunter remained determined to recover and overcome the challenges, rewriting her story. “She has worked so hard to get to this point, especially coming off of an injury that she had; you would never be able to tell.” Teammate Andi Jackson further added, “I’m so proud of Ryan.” Andi praised her resilience, shown not just in her game but in her team-first mentality, also calling her an “amazing person.” 

When she finally stepped back onto the court against Kansas, her confidence cleared all the doubt, and her performance showed strong play. According to Busboom, Hunter’s fearless swing and attacking mentality were precisely what Nebraska needed. This comeback story marks the birth of a new star; the Huskers’ future looks incredible and bright with her leading the charge.