The Nebraska Cornhuskers aren’t just a close-knit squad on the court but off of it as well. Whether it’s current or ex-Huskers in the spotlight, they can always count on their team’s support. So when ex-Nebraska volleyball player Nicklin Hames revealed a significant, and thankfully past chapter of her life, members of the current team flooded the comments section.

On November 8, Hames posted the TikTok compilation where she chronicled snippets of her battle with cancer. The video started with a clip of the ex-husker ringing the ‘cancer-free’ bell at the clinic. Although the Nebraska alumni didn’t give any details, the current Huskers players were delighted she beat cancer. So they showed nothing but love and support for their retired senior.

“You’re so strong and so loved. So proud of you,” libero Lexi Rodriguez commented on Hames’ TikTok video. Sophomore and rising Huskers star Harper Murray, who just recorded her fourth double-double of the season against Oregon on November 7, joined Rodriguez. “Love you,” wrote the outside hitter from Ann Arbor in a short but sweet show of support.

Meanwhile, despite announcing she is cancer-free, the former Nebraska volleyball team member remains hesitant. “Have been debating on sharing my last few months and the health issues I have been going through.” Nicklin Hames wrote in the caption of her TikTok. However, that makes her recent career announcement of joining K2 volleyball as a head coach even more impressive.

Despite battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Hames didn’t hit the pause button on her career. That’s because she announced her appointment as head coach on September 14. The former defensive specialist also expressed her gratitude for those who stood by her.“I have reached the end of it and reflecting back, I’m just so grateful for the best support staff and people in my life,” she added.

However, it turns out Hames has a lot more support than she realized. Another senior at Nebraska, Kennedi Orr, expressed her admiration for the ex-college volleyball star. “Love you, Nicki!! You’re so amazing,” commented Nebraska volleyball experienced and reliable setter. Yet, it’s no surprise that the Cornhuskers are so happy about Hames beating cancer.

How Nebraska volleyball is doing its part

“So proud of you love you so much,” fellow ex-Husker Ally Batenhorst commented on the post. Batenhorst who was still a fresh face at NU when Hames retired in 2022, expressed her joy. Part of the reason the Cornhuskers expressed their pride also came from the fact that the NU has actively worked to raise cancer awareness.

On October 13, the defending Big 10 champions announced “It’s Pink Night at The Bob!” on game night against Purdue. Pink Night was Nebraska volleyball’s effort to raise breast cancer awareness and give recognition to the survivors. NU honored seven incredible women who survived breast cancer at the Bob Devaney Center.

Besides honoring their guests, the Huskers also sported pink sleeves during the game. So it’s no wonder that players such as middle blocker Andi Jackson commented “Love you so much Nicki,” and OH Merritt Beason wrote “You’re amazing,” to honor Nicklin Hames winning her battle with cancer.

It’s also crucial to note that the Nebraska volleyball isn’t alone in raising cancer awareness. In October, the Rochester Institute of Technology VB team also did its part during breast cancer awareness month. Maybe the unconditional support that Nicklin Hames received from the Huskers, will compel her to share more about her story of resilience.