After an amazing 2023 season, the Nebraska volleyball team is back! After losing in the NCAA championship to the Texas Longhorns, the Huskers are starting out their season with a hunger like no other. The Huskers went on an astonishing 33-2 record last season with their only losses to as said before, Texas (in the national championship), and to the Wisconsin Badgers. With talent from all over the US, the Huskers are moving together as one to dominate the league.
Coach John Cook won Coach of the Year three times dating back to 2016, 2017, and 2023. Coaching since 2000, Cook has, “won 694 matches and guided the Huskers to 18 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and six national semifinals.” While coaching this past season, Cook and his team broke history with an astonishing 92,003 people filling their stadium, the most fans ever seen at a women’s athletic event.
Harper Murray: As an incoming sophomore, Murray is looking to play an all-around 6-rotation as an outside hitter. With stats showing 431 kills and 251 digs in the 2023-2024 season, Murray is on the rise as one of the NCAA’s top hitters in the making. Sister of Harper, Kendall Murray, who also plays at Michigan for volleyball, and Harper both share the number 27 in honor of their dad who sadly passed away due to lung cancer back in 2011. Vada Murray, father of the two, played football at U of M back in 1988 until 1990. Murray is ready to get back into the volleyball season and will dominate once again.
Merritt Beason: Named captain of last season’s team, Beason is looking to close out her college career with a bang. After transferring from Florida volleyball in 2023, Merritt has done a fantastic job of leading the Huskers to constant victory. Beason, dealing out 3.35 kills per set and a .261 hitting percentage, will come back stronger and more lethal in the 2024 season. Beason also put up 3.76 kills per set and was infamously known for her serves.
Bergen Reilly: In the class of 2023 joining Murray to the Huskers, Bergen Reilly started, played, and dominated her freshman year. Playing a 5-1 rotation all around, Reilly stacked up many assists, aces, and blocks for the 2024 season. With dozens of awards for B1G Ten, Reilly has done an outstanding job in her position. Averaging 10.51 assists per set, Bergen has literally set the team up for success. Not to mention her seasonal achievements; 1272 assists, 70 kills, 26 aces, 319 digs, and 63 blocks. Reilly has done a great job of adapting to the pace of play at Nebraska as a freshman. Now as a sophomore, Reilly is ready to begin her preside over the league with her sets.
