“I didn’t even know you could play volleyball at a young age,” the teary-eyed outside hitter stated. Yes, Merritt Beason was right on the spot. Born and raised in Alabama, finding a knack in volleyball doesn’t sit quite well. Rather, preferring jobs in football clubs like the North Alabama Lions, Samford Bulldogs, or South Alabama Jaguars is more suitable. After all, throughout the decades, that has justified the culture in Alabama. Beason meanwhile revealed, “I almost tried out for cheer instead.” The thought of it still makes her laugh. She can still thank herself for not having to go to the cheerleader role in the football clubs at the critical juncture of her life. 

Rather, opting for the volleyball sport has made Merritt Beason what she is today. With multiple laurels from AVCA and Big Ten volleyball, she is clearly one of the best in Nebraska volleyball. Furthermore, in her last home game in her collegiate career, the 21-year-old left the arena with her head held high. Her squad has just completed its 41st straight victory on its home turf. Beason’s ability turned the tide for the team in most of those matches. On Saturday, she did the same job as well. 

Despite facing the emotional weight in front of the sold-out Bob Devaney Sports Center, Merritt Beason held her nerve. Because of her mastery, Badgers’ best bait, Sarah Franklin, remained bottled throughout the match. Isn’t that something to cheer for? As per the OH herself, the moment of celebration has yet to come. The reason? The championship title is still far away from the grab. 

On November 24, in her thankful note, Merritt mentioned, “Thank you Husker nation for all of the love and support the past two years. These people have helped mold me into the person I am today, and for that I’m forever grateful. This team is truly so special and the love I have for each and every one of these girls is endless. Thank you Nebraska for the best 2 years & the sweetest senior night!!!” Yet she put the reminder: “The jobs not finished yet.” The senior may have finished her home run on high. But she knows the value of the title.

After all, last year Merritt witnessed the fall. She has the first-hand experience of watching the Huskers go down against the Texas Longhorns. She was there in the NCAA D1 Women’s Volleyball final. Still, the Big Red had to digest the defeat. She additionally remembers that before the final game, everything had been in song for the Lincoln-based squad. But on the penultimate night in the full house of Amalie Arena, no record worked for Nebraska volleyball. 

Rather, the dream of winning the nation’s best title crumbled with a 0-3 defeat (25-22, 25-14, 25-11). Merritt Beason doesn’t want the repeat of that folly. She knows that just two regular games are waiting in the corner. Being the senior, she wants her squad to finish those games on high notes and continue the fireworks next year. Only that would be a perfect farewell to her collegiate career. However, her heartfelt tribute to Nebraska Huskers has a share ready for Rebekah Allick. The reason?

Merritt Beason has flowers ready for her Nebraskan friend 

On Saturday night, Merritt Beason entered the post-game press conference with her teammate Rebekah Allick. The junior middle blocker has been known for sharing a close camaraderie with Beason and Lexi Rodriguez. Unfortunately, she had to bid goodbye to both seniors on the same night. Naturally, the emotional rundown had been high for her. However, she found flowers from the Alabama native in the press conference. How?

In the packed press conference, Merritt Beason held Allick’s hand throughout. She even said, “These girls took me in at a time when, to be quite honest like I hated volleyball. I didn’t want to continue playing volleyball. I wasn’t super confident in Merritt as a human being.” Tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Allick, sitting next to her, bit her lips, trying hard to control her tears. For her, it was a moment of acknowledgment. Two years ago, it was Rebekah Allick who suggested coach John Cook sign Beason up. “You want this girl on the team,” she said to Cook. Later, the Huskers put in Merritt from Florida. And now, as they say, the rest is history.