It’s been a banner season for the Huskers women so far, isn’t it? A 19-1 lead to lift their second straight Big Ten Conference title, just imagine the wave of success they’d be riding on. And making it to their 43rd NCAA tournament is not a small feat either. While 2024’s been an all-in-all exceptional time for the Big Reds, it’s been particularly brilliant for the sophomore Bergen Reilly.

This young gun from Nebraska Volleyball has peaked both on and off the court this year. Remember how she had a double-double in the final 43 assists and 14 digs in the Big Ten final against the Maryland Terps? Well, that was just the tip of the iceberg. If you look at how she’s been nailing it all season, you’d be at a loss for words. And let’s not forget her NIL background, for it’s something she truly values.

Reilly throws her weight behind the importance of NIL

Recently, in an 1890 Nebraska QnA session, Bergen Reilly was asked if she thinks NIL has made a big impact on college athletes. And well, the 19-year-old was all for making money out of it. She remarked, “I think it’s been huge. I mean, just not having to worry so much about the fact that I don’t have time for a job because I know that that’s the case for most student-athletes. And that’s how it’s been in the past before”

While Reilly was relieved that monetizing her Name, Image, and Likeness has taken a load off her shoulders, she was also grateful that she doesn’t have to prioritize between filling her pockets and polishing her skill, or simply resting. “And I also, just having some sort of security knowing that I don’t have to go and try and find some money in my very few off hours, has been really helpful so far,” she said.

Well, Bergen Reilly seems to be speaking with experience. Not even a few months back, she’d joined hands with Red Bull, becoming the first American Volleyball player to do so. “Officially got my wiiings!!” her way of announcing her NIL deal was every bit savvy. And why not? She was no longer just a teen from Sioux Falls, but a player who was now in the elite company of the Longhorn Madisen Skinner of Texas and Olivia Babcock of Pittsburgh. She had all the bragging rights!

And now, the gratitude Reilly has in her heart for the NIL landscape is truly heartwarming. We all know that balancing sports and college isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially with just scholarships to lean on. So, no matter how uncertain the NIL arena can be, many have welcomed the NCAA’s 2021 rule-changing decision as a lifeline thrown their way. Well, Reilly is admittedly one of them, who is free of all financial concerns and is thriving on the game front.

Bergen Reilly’s knocking it out of the park in 2024

Reilly’s game has been on fleek this season! Don’t believe us? Well, the stats speak for themselves. The University of Nebraska precision maestro, aka Bergen Reilly, was recently named the Big Ten Setter of the Year for a second year on the trot. After the 2023 feat, she retained her rank in 2024, which makes her the only player in conference history to win this title in both her freshman and sophomore seasons.

Not just that, Reilly emerged as the official Nebraska star. She’s the first Husker to bag multiple Big Ten Setter of the Year honors. Also, in all the important Big Red games, she’s proved equal to the challenge. The recent opening game of the 2024 NCAA tournament is proof as the Huskers swept FAMU 3-0, where Reilly emerged as one of the pros who had 32 assists and 12 digs.

As they advanced to round two, the Huskers got ready for the 40th NCAA regional appearance by sweeping Miami 3-0 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. This is when Bergen Reilly contributed with 33 assists and led a rather balanced offensive attack. Thus, she’s truly on a roll both on and off-court. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us below!