Joining offers from the volleyball camps of Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Creighton, Ohio, and Nebraska volleyball don’t happen regularly. But Keri Leimbach, the former Lincoln Lutheran standout, has had her days in her career when she landed calls from the major camps. Leimbach followed her dream while choosing his college squad; for her, it has always been the Huskers.

On November 13, Keri Leimbach signed the papers to confirm her inclusion in the NU. Now, Leimbach is just a few steps away from donning the white jersey and showing up at the Devaney Centre. But what led the giant volleyball camps to offer her a position? Also, what did Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook notice in her that made Leimbach special? 

Notably, in 2023, the Nebraska native committed to the Nebraska Huskers. After that, she continued to play for the Warriors, however, on Wednesday, Leimbach officially signed the financial aid agreements, completing her stint for the Warriors. Therefore, it shows that she had been on the radar for quite a while. And if you believe Cook’s words, he had kept a close watch on Keri Leimbach’s development for the last several years. The 68-year-old coach said, “Her floor defense is exceptional, as she passed 2,000 career digs in high school… Keri is also a great passer. Keri is a proven winner with four state championships in high school.” 

Before signing up for Nebraska volleyball, Keri Leimbach had a major responsibility. She had to play a vital role in making the Lincoln Lutheran Class C-2 championship. But in the meantime, she had a personal milestone waiting for her. She had the chance to touch the 2000 digs in her career, playing as defense support/libero. Ultimately, on November 7, Leimbach touched the feat, but that wasn’t the end.

Leimbach made the Warriors state champion for the fourth time in a row and finished her career with 2,063 career digs. As a senior in her high school, Keri Leimbach averaged 6.0 digs per set with 54 service aces. In her entire high school career, she had 5.3 digs per set on average and 244 aces in her resume. In her club (Nebraska ONE) career as well, she displayed a similar phenomenal form. What could have been better than this?

The net result of these high-flying numbers is her chance to enter the squad, but Leimbach had a few more memorable things saved for the signing day. 

Keri Leimbach signed with Nebraska Huskers for 2025

In northeast Lincoln, the college volleyball signing day comes as a festival. For Keri Leimbach, it was a special event this time. She is the first one from the Warriors to land an offer from the Nebraska Huskers. Furthermore, from Lincoln High School, she is the only player in the last six years to secure an offer from the Big Red. The last time came in 2019 when Emma Gabel earned the same call. Therefore, anyone could expect Leimbach’s emotion on Wednesday. And can you believe what she had practiced for the big day? 

After the signing episode, Leimbach shared her wish to put a good signature on the paper. Later, she laid out, “I made sure my signature was good. I’m just really excited to be a part of the program. It just shows that hard work pays off, and I’m just really excited and blessed.” Keri also conceded, “Growing up a Lincoln kid just being able to go play for the university is pretty special and I’m really blessed.”

Leimbach’s school coach Sue Zeigler also felt the weight of emotions, remarking, “This is our first player that’s a Husker. That’s awesome. It’s amazing to have her just down the street, literally, and be playing state championships on the court that you’re going to be playing on for four years.” Now, as Keri Leimbach matches up with enormous responsibilities, the question is: Will she be able to continue her success?

January is just two months away, so, what do you think lies ahead for Keri Leimbach? Share in the comments below.