Watching the Nebraska Huskers this season for most of their campaign felt quite brilliant. The team really felt rejuvenated after their defeat against the Texas Longhorns in the 2023 NCAA finals. They wanted to take the title this year. The side was well on course for this goal, as it only lost two regular games this season and even defeated teams like Florida, Miami, and the Wisconsin Badgers at the NCAA tournament.

But, unfortunately, in the semifinals, Nebraska met their match against Penn State, who came back from a two-set deficit to defeat the Huskers 3-2, moving into the finals and leaving their opponents in tears. The loss meant that the Huskers would heartbreakingly see numerous players like Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason depart without a title in their hands. It was a pretty rough day for the team.

But after every defeat, a great side must learn from it and try to become better. Thus, Nebraska volleyball is also set to attempt that, as, despite the departure of important players, the spirit of the team lives on. This is why sophomore Bergen Reilly announced her decision to stay on the team for another year amidst the opening of the transfer portal. She uploaded a post on her Instagram, thanking the fans for their huge support this season for the team.

The player also thanked the departing seniors for inspiring her and transitioning this volleyball team into a family. While she did feel bad about them leaving, Bergen understood that this was the unfortunate tale of college volleyball and they must accept it. But before ending the post, she wrote about her availability, stating that the setter would return to the team and try to mount another title challenge.

The Nebraska player said, “Words cannot express how thankful I am for this group of women. I will cherish the memories made and the bonds created this year forever. Lexi, Merritt, Kenna, Lindsay, and Leyla, you all have had such an impact on me, this program, and the sport of volleyball as a whole. You have turned this team into a family. Nebraska won’t be the same without you five, but I will forever be thankful that I got to share the court with you all. See you next year, Husker Nation. We’ll be back.” Thus, Bergen Reilly believes that her team can come back and produce a great season despite the departure of so many seniors. Such is a sign of a great team.

Nebraska Huskers plan next season with new recruits

Now that the new season knocks on the Nebraska Huskers’ door this season, the team will look forward to filling the gaps left by the departure of their seniors. However, John Cook seems to have already made an interesting decision about the future of the volleyball team. The coach had announced five new prospects joining the team for the 2025 season as they try to get an answer to every gap left by the departure of a senior. Thus, he decided to make full use of the high school pool of players.

The five new signings are setter Campbell Flynn, opposite hitter Ryan Hunter, libero Keri Leimbach, middle blocker Manaia Ogbechie, and outside hitter Teraya Sigler. These players would slot in right away with the existing squad. Every single one of them has a brilliant position in prep volleyball and has great stats to back their inclusion on an already star-studded Nebraska Huskers side. Hopefully, they live up to their expectations and take the team to the next level.