Harper Murray’s preseason struggles are no secret. Her challenges began after Nebraska’s seemingly unstoppable momentum came to a sudden halt in last season’s NCAA championship finals. However, the intense backlash she faced for boldly declaring that Nebraska could win the next three national titles truly set her on a difficult path.

“Making that comment just opened up like a whole new world of hate that I never thought I was going to get.” the Husker’s star player revealed in an ESPN video on December 5. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Murray couldn’t cope with the backlash and made decisions that led to a DUI arrest in April. And despite coming back strong, it’s a topic Murray has continued to face questions about.

So it was no surprise when Harper Murray was the huge focus after another stellar performance in Nebraska’s round 2 match-up with Miami. However, this time it was Bergen Reilly who spelled out just how important Murray has been to Nebraska’s success. “Yeah, she’s a big key to our team. She does a lot for us.” Reilley confidently said when discussing Murray’s impressive, 0.400+ hit percentage in the last two matches.

“She passes a lot of balls; obviously she hits a lot of balls. And just getting her in a rhythm is really good for us. I don’t know, I think she’s just been really aggressive this tournament,” Reilly told the reporter during Nebraska’s presser. And the setter didn’t exaggerate, either. With 9 kills out of 17 attempts. Harper Murray reached a .412 hit percentage in Nebraska’s 3-0 sweep against Miami.

However, there’s also a good reason behind Murray trying to push beyond her limits this season. While the outside hitter still has many doubters, she is in a far more positive mindset this season. Neither, has Murray let any roadblocks affect her like last season’s finals loss to Texas. “I’m in a way better place now where I can handle seeing these things a lot better and hearing these things,” admitted Murray. So with the past struggle behind her, Murray is playing for a lot more than personal glory.

Why Harper Murray is more determined than ever

The 19-year-old OH reached spectacular highs during the 2023 season. From becoming the first NU freshman to pass the 2.21/55.7 GP% since VolleyMetrics started compiling stats to earning the Big10 Freshman of the Year, it seemed the sky was the limit for Murray. However, her equally spectacular fall nearly drove her to quit volleyball.

“I was worried. I was just trying to numb myself and try to hurt myself before other people could…” Harper Murray told ESPN. “My mom and my coaches knew I was struggling for a while, and they were all trying to help me,” said Nebraska’s star hitter. However, despite her not being willing to recognize that help for a while, neither her mother, Coach John Cook, nor her teammate lost faith in Murray.

“You do everything you can before you give up on these kids,” Coach Cook told the New York Times about the 19-year-old. Now that she’s left those dark times behind, Murry has realized their immense contribution. So the Nebraska Husker is competing not just to win the 2024 NCAA championship but for the pride of everyone who helped the volleyball player earn a second shot at redemption.