After an undefeated (18-0) season, BIG East champions Creighton volleyball’s historic run ended in the NCAA Elite Eight. After an incredible back-and-forth battle, the Blue Jays fell to the Nittany Lion 3-2. It was the last time seniors Norah Sis, Kendra Wait, and others wore Creighton’s colors. Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth fought to hold back tears while discussing their contribution.

The post-match press conference was an emotional session for everyone at Creighton. Not only did they fall short of winning the national title, Booth and the seniors felt overwhelmed. “It’s hard for me to put into words with these two and our senior group. God, they’re just… the best women. They are selfless,” said Booth, recalling their journey at Creighton.

“I mean, I love them like my daughters,” the Creighton volleyball coach added. It became apparent that the coach was fighting back tears as she paused after nearly every sentence. Booth’s emotional tribute struck a chord with the fans. “This is so heartbreaking and beautiful to watch at the same time! What a brilliant coach Booth is, love it.” Wrote a fan while reposting the video.

However, Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth wasn’t done praising her seniors. “We talk about what’s wrong with college athletics. These guys are what’s right about college athletics. They’re student-athletes. They’re wonderful humans. I’m just sad I didn’t get to coach them and the other seniors longer,” the AVCA Regional Coach of the Year added regretfully.

As the Creighton volleyball coach pointed out, college athletics aren’t without its controversies. Only recently, volleyball coach Amy Pauly made explosive statements about the untimely transfer window announcement. In light of the 2025 transfer window opening ahead of the NCAA Championship’s conclusion, Pauly alleged some coaches were interacting with prospects outside of official channels.

The Orlando Valkyries coach explained some coaches resorted to such tactics to influence player decisions. However, Booth equated Noah Sis, Kendra Wait, and the other Creighton seniors as the pinnacle that college athletics can reach. This ultimate praise drew even more admiration from the fans.

Fan praised the Creighton volleyball coach as Booth prepares to rebuild

“Can’t remember more emotional press conference,” wrote another fan. “These women expected to win and were crushed, but still held their heads high and represented themselves in a first-class manner.” the fan praised Creighton players’ and coach’s undaunted spirit. However, despite their undaunted spiritism, the players shared in their coach’s sadness.

Former track and field star, Kendra Wait, who became one of Creighton volleyball’s stars, expressed her emotions. “You know, we fought our hearts out on that court. We battled, and there’s no other group of women I would want to go out there and battle with.” said the college volleyball star. The faith everyone showcased convinced fans that Creighton’s future was bright.

“Tell me WHO wouldn’t want to go play for Creighton after watching their end run this year. I can tell you from personal experience that coaches who respect players as people are rare – and they are EVERYTHING. @CoachKBooth is a class act. (As is Angie Oxley),” commented a fan. The Blue Jays fans didn’t just praise Coach Booth, but also assistant coach Angie Oxley.

Others showered the Creighton volleyball coach with similar praise. “Pure class and a true Hall of Fame caliber Coach Teacher Leader—a transformative role model!“ commented one netizen. The volleyball community was so impressed not only because the coach praised her pupils once, but because she did so on every occasion. Booth also wrote a tribute on social media.

“Heartbroken. I’m aching we lost, but my bigger emotion is the sadness of this journey being over,” wrote the 50-year-old. Once again, Kirsten Bernthal Booth prioritized her players over the accolades. In fact, she even thanks the fans for their role in supporting the Blue Jays. “It was truly a joy every day with this group. I’m so grateful for these 19 women, our incredible staff, and the support of Bluejay Nation,” concluded Booth.

Another longtime fan even praised the coach for bringing glory to Nebraska. Born and raised in Nebraska, Coach Booth initially hoped to make a career in tennis, but fell in love with volleyball. After graduating from Lincoln East High School as a player, the school’s athletic Hall of Famer took an interest in coaching and the rest is history.

“This just hits differently, especially when a former #NEBPreps can make an impact at the #NxtLvl as a #Homegrown athlete,” praised the coach’s longtime fan. However, the Creighton volleyball coach now has the daunting task of returning to the drawing board. Besides Norah Sis and Kenrda Wait, Kiara Reinhardt, Elise Goetzinger, Katie Maser, and others also rank among the seniors.

Now the Creighton Blue Jays coach has to find players who can fill in the gaps left by the likes of Norah Sis. Sis, who became the third overall pick at the 2024 PVF Draft for the Orlando Valkyries, is among the most decorated payers in the university’s history. Thankfully, talented juniors such as Ava Martin, who scored 17 kills against Penn State, will help Booth rebuild. Yet what did you think about Kirsten Bernthal Booth’s heartfelt tribute? Write your views in the comments.