By now, all volleyball fans in the USA know that Nebraska is home to the top stars of the sport. The Huskers athletes command reverence in the community, and they seem to be in just as much demand in the professional circuit as well. The 2025 drafts of the Pro Volleyball Federation concluded only recently, and Nebraska senior Merritt Beason was the first to find herself a new camp. The outside hitter was drafted by the Atlanta Vibe. And yet, despite her new career milestone, Beason’s father isn’t surprised.

With a 0.246 attack percentage in the 2024/25 season, the Gardendale native has been on a roll this season. Naturally, with the pro volleyball scene booming in the country, Beason was on the radar for everyone, especially with this year being her last stint with the Huskers. But this was already pre-ordained, her dad posits.

In a post by Hail Varsity on X from November 28, Merritt’s father, Scott Beason, recalled how following a dedicated path has helped the two-year Nebraska team captain to become one of the most coveted volleyball stars. “Even when she was little, she’s always been a worker. I’m not surprised (about her success) based on her work ethic,” said the AVCA All-American’s dad. The Husker star has racked up a ton of accolades during her time at Lincoln. Along with her AVCA honors, Merritt has also bagged numerous nods of the hat from the Big Ten and the SEC.

“Beason was just always working,” the social media update notes, while Scott remembers how having a net in the backyard got his daughter relentlessly urging him to help her practice. Unsurprisingly, that paid off, incredibly well, we might add. As a Husker, Beason has so far recorded an incredible 1308 kills in 418 sets. 3.129 kills per set only underscores her ability to spearhead the attack against Nebraska’s opponents. And yet, being a part of her journey from the beginning, Scott knows Merritt was bound to make her mark in the USA’s collegiate volleyball scene.

Now that her collegiate career comes to an end, Beason will have a final shot at becoming a national champ. With the Huskers coming within touching distance of the NCAA title last year, fans would hope that the seniors get to make their last ride one to remember. And considering the one heartache head coach John Cook still has, we would hope that Merritt, Lexi Rodriguez, and the others also give their best to sign off in style.

One last shot at national glory for Merritt Beason and her senior colleagues

Last week, the Huskers beat the Wisconsin Badgers for the second time this year: their first double win over the arch-enemies in a long time. In early November, Cook’s girls also ended Wisconsi’s 11-year-long undefeated streak at home. Understandably, emotions were high, but the HC couldn’t help but reiterate how great things would be if the seniors also got to win the NCAA championship. “If you look at their legacy, what they’ve done, I mean, they’ve literally done everything but win a national championship, and you know, we still got an opportunity to do that,” the coach remains optimistic in his mind. However, while Beason would eye to make the opportunity count, her staunch followers can’t forget how she could have had a very different career path altogether!

Hailing from Alabama, Merritt had no idea how big women’s volleyball was in Nebraska. In her hometown, girls had mostly two options: cheerleaders for football teams, or take up softball. “I didn’t even know you could play volleyball at a young age. It’s just something you don’t really dream of. I almost tried out for cheer instead,” she confessed only recently. Thankfully, fate had different plans for Beason. She found her love for a game and moved states to pursue her dreams. So what new heights would you want to see Merritt Beason soar in the coming days? Tell us below!