Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

The Nebraska women's basketball team picked up a big addition inside for the 2024-25 season with the signing of Croatian Petra Bozan, Head Coach Amy Williams announced on Monday, Aug. 26.

Bozan, a 6-3 forward/center, arrived in Nebraska Sunday evening just in time for the start of fall classes on Monday, after a strong performance for her home country at the FIBA U18 Women's Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal (Aug. 3-11).

Bozan led Croatia in both points (113) and rebounds (70) over seven tournament games, ranking sixth among all players in the 16-team tournament in scoring (16.1 ppg) and third in rebounding (10.0 rpg). She added 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists.

"We are thrilled to be adding Petra to our Husker women's basketball family," Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. "Her length, skill set and experience make her a perfect complement to our current roster, and we are excited to see her growth and development in a Husker uniform."

Against Turkey (Aug. 8), Bozan erupted for 25 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes, going 10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. She added a second double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Poland (Aug. 4), before putting up her first of two 20-point performances in the tournament with 21 points to go with nine rebounds against Belgium (Aug. 5).&nbsp;

For the tournament, Bozan hit 48 percent of her field goal attempts, including 27.3 percent (6-22) of her threes, while knocking down 72.2 percent (13-18) of her free throws.

During the 2023-24 season, Bozan competed for KAZL Split in Croatia's Premier League, averaging 15.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocked shots over 22 games, to earn second-team All-Premier League honors. She hit 54.5 percent of her field goals and 73.6 percent of her free throws, helping KAZL Split to a 17-5 record. Her performances included a season-high 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and seven steals in a win over Zagreb (Oct. 28, 2023). It was one of her 17 double-doubles during the 22-game Premier League regular season. She pulled down a season-high 19 rebounds against Brod na Savi (Nov. 4, 2023).

Last summer, Bozan averaged 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Croatia at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships. Her efforts in Sofia, Bulgaria included double-doubles against Greece and Macedonia before adding a third double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the title game win over Luxembourg. She earned a spot on the tournament's All-Star Five to propel Croatia to the championship of Division B.

She also represented Croatia at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championships in Portugal, averaging 13.6 points and a tournament-best 15.0 rebounds over seven games. She led Croatia to a third-place finish, including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort against Spain in the semifinals. She produced six double-doubles, including a 19-point, 15-rebound effort in a win over Italy, and a huge 14-point, 23-rebound performance in a win over Finland. She also averaged 2.4 blocks and 1.7 steals.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;The Nebraska women's basketball team picked up a big addition inside for the 2024-25 season with the signing of Croatian Petra Bozan, Head Coach Amy Williams announced on Monday, Aug. 26.Bozan, a 6-3 forward/center, arrived in Nebraska Sunday evening just in time for the start of fall classes on Monday, after a strong performance for her home country at the FIBA U18 Women's Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal (Aug. 3-11).Bozan led Croatia in both points (113) and rebounds (70) over seven tournament games, ranking sixth among all players in the 16-team tournament in scoring (16.1 ppg) and third in rebounding (10.0 rpg). She added 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists."We are thrilled to be adding Petra to our Husker women's basketball family," Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. "Her length, skill set and experience make her a perfect complement to our current roster, and we are excited to see her growth and development in a Husker uniform."Against Turkey (Aug. 8), Bozan erupted for 25 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes, going 10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. She added a second double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Poland (Aug. 4), before putting up her first of two 20-point performances in the tournament with 21 points to go with nine rebounds against Belgium (Aug. 5).&nbsp;For the tournament, Bozan hit 48 percent of her field goal attempts, including 27.3 percent (6-22) of her threes, while knocking down 72.2 percent (13-18) of her free throws.During the 2023-24 season, Bozan competed for KAZL Split in Croatia's Premier League, averaging 15.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocked shots over 22 games, to earn second-team All-Premier League honors. She hit 54.5 percent of her field goals and 73.6 percent of her free throws, helping KAZL Split to a 17-5 record. Her performances included a season-high 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and seven steals in a win over Zagreb (Oct. 28, 2023). It was one of her 17 double-doubles during the 22-game Premier League regular season. She pulled down a season-high 19 rebounds against Brod na Savi (Nov. 4, 2023).Last summer, Bozan averaged 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Croatia at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships. Her efforts in Sofia, Bulgaria included double-doubles against Greece and Macedonia before adding a third double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the title game win over Luxembourg. She earned a spot on the tournament's All-Star Five to propel Croatia to the championship of Division B.She also represented Croatia at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championships in Portugal, averaging 13.6 points and a tournament-best 15.0 rebounds over seven games. She led Croatia to a third-place finish, including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort against Spain in the semifinals. She produced six double-doubles, including a 19-point, 15-rebound effort in a win over Italy, and a huge 14-point, 23-rebound performance in a win over Finland. She also averaged 2.4 blocks and 1.7 steals.

Huskers add Croatian star Bozan to 2024-25 roster

Story by NU Athletic Communications

• Nebraska will take part in a primetime season-opening event, the AVCA First Serve Showcase, on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.

• No. 2 Nebraska will play the first match of the Division I season, taking on No. 9 Kentucky at 6 p.m. (CT). Wisconsin will face Louisville in the second match of the doubleheader. All four teams participating in the AVCA First Serve Showcase are ranked in the top 10 of the AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll.

• Nebraska finished the 2023 season at 33-2 (19-1 Big Ten) and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla.

• The Huskers won the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2017, and head coach John Cook was named AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year.

• With four freshmen in the lineup, the Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season.

• The Huskers, who had no seniors on their roster in 2023, return 10 letterwinners, including every starter.

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason (first team), libero Lexi Rodriguez (first team), setter Bergen Reilly (second team) and outside hitter Harper Murray (third team) were AVCA All-America selections in 2023.

• Beason was the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, and Murray was both the AVCA North Region and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year, and Rodriguez was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

• The Huskers bring back 86.5 percent of their kills from 2023, 99.7 percent of their assists, 100 percent of their service aces, 96.2 percent of their digs and 79.4 percent of their blocks.

• Nebraska brought in two new additions via the transfer portal in the offseason in Minnesota outside hitter Taylor Landfair and San Diego middle blocker Leyla Blackwell. Landfair, a 6-5 outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., is a senior for the Huskers but has two years of eligibility remaining after receiving a medical hardship for the 2021 season. Landfair was the Big Ten Player of the Year and an AVCA first-team All-American in 2022 at Minnesota after 4.36 kills per set on .257 hitting with 1.63 digs per set. Blackwell, a 6-4 middle blocker from San Diego, Calif., was a three-time All-WCC selection at San Diego and averaged 2.25 kills and 1.24 blocks per set with a .329 hitting percentage last season. Blackwell guided the Toreros to the NCAA semifinals in 2022 by shattering the school record for single-season block assists (152), and she finished sixth nationally at 1.50 blocks per set.

• Nebraska has two freshmen on the roster who enrolled in January and played during the beach volleyball season. Skyler Pierce is a 6-2 outside hitter from Lenexa, Kan., and Olivia Mauch is a 5-6 libero from Bennington, Neb. Both Pierce and Mauch tied for the team lead with 18 wins during the beach volleyball season.

• Kentucky finished last season with a 21-8 record and 17-1 mark in the SEC, which earned them the conference title. The Wildcats’ season ended in Lincoln in a 3-2 NCAA regional semifinal loss to Arkansas.&nbsp;

• Kentucky was picked third in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll behind Texas and Florida. Eleanor Beavin, Brooklyn DeLeye and Emma Grome were all Preseason-All SEC selections. Grome led the NCAA with 12.10 assists per set last season and was an AVCA second-team All-American for the third time in her career. DeLeye was the SEC Freshman of the Year last year, averaging a team-high 3.69 kills per set. Beavin averaged 4.09 digs per set and was an All-SEC selection last year.&nbsp;

• Kentucky took a foreign tour trip to Japan in May.

• Nebraska is 11-2 against Kentucky all-time. The Huskers have won 10 matches in a row in the series, including a 3-1 win in Lincoln last year.

• Kentucky’s last win against Nebraska was in 1983.

• Nebraska head coach John Cook has faced off against Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner, a Nebraska assistant from 2000-04, six times. The Huskers have won all six matches, three in sweeps and three in four sets.

HALL OF FAME COACH COOK IN YEAR 25 at NU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Nebraska head coach John Cook is in his 25th season as the Nebraska volleyball head coach in 2024. He has led the Huskers to four national championships, 11 final fours, 13 conference championships and 22 top-10 final rankings since 2000.

• Cook has 850 career wins and is one of the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA history. Since taking over the program in 2000, Cook has led the Huskers to a nation-leading .873 win percentage (689-100).

• Under Cook, the Huskers have achieved 68 AVCA All-Americans and 20 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, both among the best in the nation. He is a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, earning the prestigious honor in 2000, 2005 and 2023, and an eight-time conference coach of the year, including Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2023.

• In 2023, Cook was voted AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading a young Nebraska team with no seniors to its first Big Ten title since 2017. The Huskers finished the regular season 28-1 overall, their best regular season record since going 28-1 in 2005. After going 26-6 last year and missing the NCAA regional finals for the first time since 2011, the Huskers started over with a starting lineup featuring four true freshmen and a junior transfer (Beason). Cook’s Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season. Despite having no seniors on the roster for just the second time in Cook’s 24 years at Nebraska - as well as starting a true freshman at setter for only the second time in Cook’s tenure - the Huskers earned the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and the sixth time overall under Cook.

• Cook was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2017, joining former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit in the hall.

RODRIGUEZ AMONG ALL-TIME GREAT NU LIBEROS

• Lexi Rodriguez is in her final year of a stellar career as the Huskers’ libero. A four-year starter and a three-year team captain, Rodriguez will go down in history as one of the all-time greats in Nebraska volleyball history.

• Rodriguez is a three-time AVCA All-American, earning first-team honors in 2021 and 2023, and second-team honors in 2022. She will look to join Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Sarah Pavan (2004-07) as the only four-time All-Americans in program history.

• Rodriguez made her mark instantly as a freshman in 2021, earning AVCA National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Over the last two seasons, Rodriguez has guided the Huskers to the No. 1 defense in the country, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year again in 2023 to become the fifth player in Big Ten history to receive the honor twice in a career.

• Rodriguez enters the 2024 season with 1,424 career digs, which ranks fifth in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in assists at NU with 1,890.

BEASON BACK TO LEAD HUSKER ATTACK AGAIN

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason made an instant impact on the Nebraska volleyball program after transferring from Florida in 2023, and she will look to take the next step in her senior season as a second-year captain.

• Last year, Beason put together a sensational season, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors and AVCA North Region Player of the Year, becoming just the second Husker (Kelly Hunter) to earn that honor.

• Beason averaged a team-leading 3.76 kills per set on .282 hitting with 2.05 digs per set. She was named Big Ten Player of the Week four times and was the AVCA National Player of the Week on Oct. 23 after averaging 4.25 kills per set and 1.75 digs per set in wins against Northwestern and top-ranked Wisconsin.

• Beason was the MVP of the NCAA Lincoln Regional after 19 kills, 11 digs and a career-high eight blocks in a regional final win over Arkansas.

KRAUSE LOOKING TO PICK UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF

• Outside hitter Lindsay Krause was having the best year of her Husker career in 2023 before it ended in mid-October with an ankle injury. At the time of her injury, Krause was averaging 2.50 kills per set and was hitting .285 for the season.

• Not only that, Krause was putting up 2.82 kills per set on .366 hitting through six Big Ten matches, which led all Big Ten outside hitters in conference action at the time.

• Krause was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Oct. 9 following a season-high 15 kills on .519 hitting at Michigan and nine kills on .381 hitting at Michigan State.&nbsp;

DIFFERENT NAME, SAME GAME FOR ALLICK

• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick, who went by Bekka&nbsp; during her first two seasons as a Husker, decided after time spent praying in the offseason to go by Rebekah, the name her dad always called her.

• Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten second-team selection. Last season, she averaged 1.76 kills per set with a team-high 1.50 blocks per set, which ranked second among Big Ten players and seven in the nation. Her 1.50 blocks per set was also the No. 2 mark in school history in the rally scoring era.

• Allick was at her best at the end of the 2023 season, registering a career-high 12 blocks in the NCAA regional final win over Arkansas and 10 blocks in the NCAA semifinal sweep of Pittsburgh.

• Over the final six matches of last season, Allick posted 2.40 blocks per set.

• Nebraska relied on four true freshmen in the 2023 season and all four are back as sophomores ready to elevate their games to new levels.

• Setter Bergen Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year in 2023, becoming the first freshman to win the award since it originated in 2012. Reilly was also an AVCA second-team All-American and an All-Big Ten first-team selection. Reilly led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set and received four Big Ten Setter of the Week honors and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades.

• Outside hitter Harper Murray is coming off a freshman season that included being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team, AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America Third Team. Murray finished second on the team with 3.23 kills per set, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen (3.46) in 2013. One of the Big Ten’s best six-rotation players, Murray also added 2.07 digs per set with a team-high 36 aces. She was a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

• Middle blocker Andi Jackson showed enormous athleticisim and potential the first time she stepped on the floor as a Husker, and she followed through with a strong debut season that included AVCA All-Region, All-Big Ten Second Team, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.01 kills per set and 1.09 blocks per set with a .399 hitting percentage, which ranked third in the Big Ten and 19th in the nation. Her hitting percentage was the best ever by a Husker freshman and ranked seventh all-time in the rally scoring era. Along with Reilly, Jackson helped the U.S. U21 National Team win the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto this summer, hitting .654 throughout the tournament with 39 kills and 10 blocks.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMATCH PREVIEW• Nebraska will take part in a primetime season-opening event, the AVCA First Serve Showcase, on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.• No. 2 Nebraska will play the first match of the Division I season, taking on No. 9 Kentucky at 6 p.m. (CT). Wisconsin will face Louisville in the second match of the doubleheader. All four teams participating in the AVCA First Serve Showcase are ranked in the top 10 of the AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll.ABOUT THE HUSKERS• Nebraska finished the 2023 season at 33-2 (19-1 Big Ten) and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla.• The Huskers won the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2017, and head coach John Cook was named AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year.• With four freshmen in the lineup, the Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season.• The Huskers, who had no seniors on their roster in 2023, return 10 letterwinners, including every starter.• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason (first team), libero Lexi Rodriguez (first team), setter Bergen Reilly (second team) and outside hitter Harper Murray (third team) were AVCA All-America selections in 2023.• Beason was the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, and Murray was both the AVCA North Region and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year, and Rodriguez was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.• The Huskers bring back 86.5 percent of their kills from 2023, 99.7 percent of their assists, 100 percent of their service aces, 96.2 percent of their digs and 79.4 percent of their blocks.• Nebraska brought in two new additions via the transfer portal in the offseason in Minnesota outside hitter Taylor Landfair and San Diego middle blocker Leyla Blackwell. Landfair, a 6-5 outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., is a senior for the Huskers but has two years of eligibility remaining after receiving a medical hardship for the 2021 season. Landfair was the Big Ten Player of the Year and an AVCA first-team All-American in 2022 at Minnesota after 4.36 kills per set on .257 hitting with 1.63 digs per set. Blackwell, a 6-4 middle blocker from San Diego, Calif., was a three-time All-WCC selection at San Diego and averaged 2.25 kills and 1.24 blocks per set with a .329 hitting percentage last season. Blackwell guided the Toreros to the NCAA semifinals in 2022 by shattering the school record for single-season block assists (152), and she finished sixth nationally at 1.50 blocks per set.• Nebraska has two freshmen on the roster who enrolled in January and played during the beach volleyball season. Skyler Pierce is a 6-2 outside hitter from Lenexa, Kan., and Olivia Mauch is a 5-6 libero from Bennington, Neb. Both Pierce and Mauch tied for the team lead with 18 wins during the beach volleyball season.SCOUTING REPORT: KENTUCKY• Kentucky finished last season with a 21-8 record and 17-1 mark in the SEC, which earned them the conference title. The Wildcats’ season ended in Lincoln in a 3-2 NCAA regional semifinal loss to Arkansas.&nbsp;• Kentucky was picked third in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll behind Texas and Florida. Eleanor Beavin, Brooklyn DeLeye and Emma Grome were all Preseason-All SEC selections. Grome led the NCAA with 12.10 assists per set last season and was an AVCA second-team All-American for the third time in her career. DeLeye was the SEC Freshman of the Year last year, averaging a team-high 3.69 kills per set. Beavin averaged 4.09 digs per set and was an All-SEC selection last year.&nbsp;• Kentucky took a foreign tour trip to Japan in May.SERIES HISTORY• Nebraska is 11-2 against Kentucky all-time. The Huskers have won 10 matches in a row in the series, including a 3-1 win in Lincoln last year.• Kentucky’s last win against Nebraska was in 1983.• Nebraska head coach John Cook has faced off against Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner, a Nebraska assistant from 2000-04, six times. The Huskers have won all six matches, three in sweeps and three in four sets.HALL OF FAME COACH COOK IN YEAR 25 at NU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nebraska head coach John Cook is in his 25th season as the Nebraska volleyball head coach in 2024. He has led the Huskers to four national championships, 11 final fours, 13 conference championships and 22 top-10 final rankings since 2000.• Cook has 850 career wins and is one of the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA history. Since taking over the program in 2000, Cook has led the Huskers to a nation-leading .873 win percentage (689-100).• Under Cook, the Huskers have achieved 68 AVCA All-Americans and 20 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, both among the best in the nation. He is a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, earning the prestigious honor in 2000, 2005 and 2023, and an eight-time conference coach of the year, including Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2023.• In 2023, Cook was voted AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading a young Nebraska team with no seniors to its first Big Ten title since 2017. The Huskers finished the regular season 28-1 overall, their best regular season record since going 28-1 in 2005. After going 26-6 last year and missing the NCAA regional finals for the first time since 2011, the Huskers started over with a starting lineup featuring four true freshmen and a junior transfer (Beason). Cook’s Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season. Despite having no seniors on the roster for just the second time in Cook’s 24 years at Nebraska - as well as starting a true freshman at setter for only the second time in Cook’s tenure - the Huskers earned the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and the sixth time overall under Cook.• Cook was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2017, joining former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit in the hall.RODRIGUEZ AMONG ALL-TIME GREAT NU LIBEROS• Lexi Rodriguez is in her final year of a stellar career as the Huskers’ libero. A four-year starter and a three-year team captain, Rodriguez will go down in history as one of the all-time greats in Nebraska volleyball history.• Rodriguez is a three-time AVCA All-American, earning first-team honors in 2021 and 2023, and second-team honors in 2022. She will look to join Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Sarah Pavan (2004-07) as the only four-time All-Americans in program history.• Rodriguez made her mark instantly as a freshman in 2021, earning AVCA National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Over the last two seasons, Rodriguez has guided the Huskers to the No. 1 defense in the country, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year again in 2023 to become the fifth player in Big Ten history to receive the honor twice in a career.• Rodriguez enters the 2024 season with 1,424 career digs, which ranks fifth in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in assists at NU with 1,890.BEASON BACK TO LEAD HUSKER ATTACK AGAIN• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason made an instant impact on the Nebraska volleyball program after transferring from Florida in 2023, and she will look to take the next step in her senior season as a second-year captain.• Last year, Beason put together a sensational season, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors and AVCA North Region Player of the Year, becoming just the second Husker (Kelly Hunter) to earn that honor.• Beason averaged a team-leading 3.76 kills per set on .282 hitting with 2.05 digs per set. She was named Big Ten Player of the Week four times and was the AVCA National Player of the Week on Oct. 23 after averaging 4.25 kills per set and 1.75 digs per set in wins against Northwestern and top-ranked Wisconsin.• Beason was the MVP of the NCAA Lincoln Regional after 19 kills, 11 digs and a career-high eight blocks in a regional final win over Arkansas.KRAUSE LOOKING TO PICK UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF• Outside hitter Lindsay Krause was having the best year of her Husker career in 2023 before it ended in mid-October with an ankle injury. At the time of her injury, Krause was averaging 2.50 kills per set and was hitting .285 for the season.• Not only that, Krause was putting up 2.82 kills per set on .366 hitting through six Big Ten matches, which led all Big Ten outside hitters in conference action at the time.• Krause was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Oct. 9 following a season-high 15 kills on .519 hitting at Michigan and nine kills on .381 hitting at Michigan State.&nbsp;DIFFERENT NAME, SAME GAME FOR ALLICK• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick, who went by Bekka&nbsp; during her first two seasons as a Husker, decided after time spent praying in the offseason to go by Rebekah, the name her dad always called her.• Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten second-team selection. Last season, she averaged 1.76 kills per set with a team-high 1.50 blocks per set, which ranked second among Big Ten players and seven in the nation. Her 1.50 blocks per set was also the No. 2 mark in school history in the rally scoring era.• Allick was at her best at the end of the 2023 season, registering a career-high 12 blocks in the NCAA regional final win over Arkansas and 10 blocks in the NCAA semifinal sweep of Pittsburgh.• Over the final six matches of last season, Allick posted 2.40 blocks per set.FRESHMEN TURNED SOPHOMORES• Nebraska relied on four true freshmen in the 2023 season and all four are back as sophomores ready to elevate their games to new levels.• Setter Bergen Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year in 2023, becoming the first freshman to win the award since it originated in 2012. Reilly was also an AVCA second-team All-American and an All-Big Ten first-team selection. Reilly led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set and received four Big Ten Setter of the Week honors and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades.• Outside hitter Harper Murray is coming off a freshman season that included being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team, AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America Third Team. Murray finished second on the team with 3.23 kills per set, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen (3.46) in 2013. One of the Big Ten’s best six-rotation players, Murray also added 2.07 digs per set with a team-high 36 aces. She was a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week.• Middle blocker Andi Jackson showed enormous athleticisim and potential the first time she stepped on the floor as a Husker, and she followed through with a strong debut season that included AVCA All-Region, All-Big Ten Second Team, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.01 kills per set and 1.09 blocks per set with a .399 hitting percentage, which ranked third in the Big Ten and 19th in the nation. Her hitting percentage was the best ever by a Husker freshman and ranked seventh all-time in the rally scoring era. Along with Reilly, Jackson helped the U.S. U21 National Team win the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto this summer, hitting .654 throughout the tournament with 39 kills and 10 blocks.

Husker game notes vs. Kentucky  

Receiving Votes: Papillion-La Vista (0-0); Omaha Central (0-0); Lincoln Southeast (0-0)

Receiving Votes: Adams Central (0-0); Columbus Scotus (0-0)

Receiving Votes: North Platte St. Patrick’s (0-0); Thayer Central (0-0); Bridgeport (0-0)

Receiving Votes: Hitchcock County (0-0); Ainsworth (0-0); Lawrence-Nelson (0-0); South Loup (0-0); Lyons Decatur Northeast (0-0); Osceola (0-0); Loomis (0-0)

Story by&nbsp;Hurrdat Sports<h2>Class A&nbsp;(Record)</h2>1. Omaha Westside (0-0)2. Millard South (0-0)3. Omaha North (0-0)4. Kearney (0-0)5. Elkhorn South (0-0)6. Millard North (0-0)7. Lincoln East (0-0)8. Bellevue West (0-0)9. Millard West (0-0)10. Creighton Prep (0-0)Receiving Votes: Papillion-La Vista (0-0); Omaha Central (0-0); Lincoln Southeast (0-0)<h2>Class B&nbsp;</h2>1. Bennington (0-0)2. Waverly (0-0)3. Elkhorn North (0-0)4. Skutt Catholic (0-0)5. Gretna (0-0)6. Norris (0-0)7. Seward (0-0)8. Hastings (0-0)9. Gretna East (0-0)10. York (0-0)Receiving Votes: Grand Island Northwest<h2>Class C-1&nbsp;</h2>1. Wahoo (0-0)2. Aurora (0-0)3. Ashland-Greenwood (0-0)4. Auburn (0-0)5. Pierce (0-0)6. Sidney (0-0)7. Columbus Lakeview (0-0)8. DC West (0-0)9. Cozad (0-0)10. Central City (0-0)Receiving Votes: Adams Central (0-0); Columbus Scotus (0-0)<h2>Class C-2&nbsp;</h2>1. Norfolk Catholic (0-0)2. Battle Creek (0-0)3. Hartington Cedar Catholic (0-0)4. Oakland-Craig (0-0)5. Wahoo Neumann (0-0)6. Ord (0-0)7. Boone Central (0-0)8. Fillmore Central (0-0)9. Malcolm (0-0)10. Yutan (0-0)Receiving Votes: Doniphan-Trumbull (0-0)<h2>Eight Man-1</h2>1. Stanton (0-0)2. Sandy Creek (0-0)3. Crofton (0-0)4. Shelby-Rising City (0-0)5. Plainview (0-0)6. Dundy County Stratton (0-0)7. Arapahoe (0-0)8. Summerland (0-0)9. Elkhorn Valley (0-0)10. Exeter-Milligan/Friend (0-0)Receiving Votes: North Platte St. Patrick’s (0-0); Thayer Central (0-0); Bridgeport (0-0)Eight Man-2&nbsp;(Record)1. Sandhills/Thedford (0-0)2. Central Valley (0-0)3. Archangles Catholic (0-0)4. Howells-Dodge (0-0)5. Riverside (0-0)6. Bruning-Davenport/Shickley (0-0)7. Neligh-Oakdale (0-0)8. Axtell (0-0)9. Elmwood-Murdock (0-0)10. Weeping Water (0-0)Receiving Votes: Hitchcock County (0-0); Ainsworth (0-0); Lawrence-Nelson (0-0); South Loup (0-0); Lyons Decatur Northeast (0-0); Osceola (0-0); Loomis (0-0)Six Man&nbsp;(Record)1. Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (0-0)2. Hay Springs (0-0)3. Pawnee City (0-0)4. Stuart (0-0)5. Arthur County (0-0)6. Shelton (0-0)7. Potter-Dix (0-0)8. Red Cloud (0-0)9. Cody (0-0)10. Hampton (0-0)

High School Football Preseason rankings

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

McCook, Neb. – North Platte Community College fell in straight sets to Laramie County Community College and Casper College to open the season at the McCook Community College Tournament on Friday.

“We played two tough teams to start the season,” said head coach Alexa McCall. “We learned a lot and are ready to make the adjustments tomorrow.”

Sophomore Jaelyn Dicke notched her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs against the Golden Eagles. EmiLee Walnofer registered 10 digs, while Zoe Maher and Fatima Gomez each notched four kills.

Knights started strong taking the first two points of the opening set. The Golden Eagles marched back with a 4-1 run as teams continued to swap points. Laramie County made the most of their rallies late and took set one, 25-20.

The Golden Eagles took the lead early, but North Platte stormed back to take the 14-13 advantage midway through the second set. Laramie County made a few short runs in the closing stages to hold off the Knights and claim set two.

Laramie County jumped out to a four-point advantage midway through set three. North Platte managed to trim the margin to 22-19, but the Golden Eagles rallied to secure the match.&nbsp;

In the second game, the Knights squared off with No. 16 Casper College. Dicke once again led the way with six kills, while Walnofer tallied 16 digs in the match.

The Thunderbirds leapt out to a 13-6 lead in opening set as they generated the momentum early. North Platte cut the margin to four with a 5-2 run, but Casper once again found their rhythm to pull away for the opening set win.

North Platte countered in set two with an early 5-3 lead, before six straight points shifted the momentum in favor of the Thunderbirds. Knights narrowed the margin to one midway through the set, but Casper regained control of the momentum and took a two set advantage.

North Platte looked poised to take their first set of the season with an early 9-6 lead in set three. Casper fired back with an 11-1 run to position themselves out front late in the set. Knights managed to trim the margin to six, but the tough Thunderbirds block helped secure the match.

Knights return to the court on Saturday for the second day of the McCook Community College Tournament. First serve against Highland Community College is set for 10 a.m. North Platte will also square off with Otero Junior College at 2 p.m.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsMcCook, Neb. – North Platte Community College fell in straight sets to Laramie County Community College and Casper College to open the season at the McCook Community College Tournament on Friday.“We played two tough teams to start the season,” said head coach Alexa McCall. “We learned a lot and are ready to make the adjustments tomorrow.”Laramie County 3, North Platte 0Sophomore Jaelyn Dicke notched her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs against the Golden Eagles. EmiLee Walnofer registered 10 digs, while Zoe Maher and Fatima Gomez each notched four kills.Knights started strong taking the first two points of the opening set. The Golden Eagles marched back with a 4-1 run as teams continued to swap points. Laramie County made the most of their rallies late and took set one, 25-20.The Golden Eagles took the lead early, but North Platte stormed back to take the 14-13 advantage midway through the second set. Laramie County made a few short runs in the closing stages to hold off the Knights and claim set two.Laramie County jumped out to a four-point advantage midway through set three. North Platte managed to trim the margin to 22-19, but the Golden Eagles rallied to secure the match.&nbsp;Casper 3, North Platte 0In the second game, the Knights squared off with No. 16 Casper College. Dicke once again led the way with six kills, while Walnofer tallied 16 digs in the match.The Thunderbirds leapt out to a 13-6 lead in opening set as they generated the momentum early. North Platte cut the margin to four with a 5-2 run, but Casper once again found their rhythm to pull away for the opening set win.North Platte countered in set two with an early 5-3 lead, before six straight points shifted the momentum in favor of the Thunderbirds. Knights narrowed the margin to one midway through the set, but Casper regained control of the momentum and took a two set advantage.North Platte looked poised to take their first set of the season with an early 9-6 lead in set three. Casper fired back with an 11-1 run to position themselves out front late in the set. Knights managed to trim the margin to six, but the tough Thunderbirds block helped secure the match.Knights return to the court on Saturday for the second day of the McCook Community College Tournament. First serve against Highland Community College is set for 10 a.m. North Platte will also square off with Otero Junior College at 2 p.m.

Knights fall to Golden Eagles and Thunderbirds to open season

Story by Set the Bar Communications

OMAHA, NE – With women’s sports on an all-time high, local business leaders Molly Huyck and Amy Hannesson, are announcing bringing a sports bar focused on women’s sports to Omaha. Launching this winter, SET The Bar will be a welcoming place for all, dedicated to women’s sports with an inclusive culture and housed in Omaha’s Benson business district, off 62nd &amp; Maple Street. SET The Bar will be the seventh women’s sports bar to launch in the U.S. and the first in Nebraska.

Co-Founder Molly Huyck said, “Omaha is the perfect community to celebrate women’s sports, and we are setting the bar high in bringing a new home for women’s sports to our city. Being one of the first few women’s sports bars in the U.S. is a special honor, and we know Omaha will show up and make us proud. I am thrilled for the launch!”

Fellow Co-Founder Amy Hannesson said, “When you look at the business side of SET The Bar, it all makes sense, but SET The Bar is about embracing and growing women’s sports in an environment that welcomes all. We know that everyone watches women’s sports and now Omaha will have a physical space to gather and celebrate the momentum of women’s sports, together. This movement is amazing for all sports fans and the Omaha area.”

SET The Bar will be a new type of sports bar with an array of craft cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, beers, a healthy and delicious food menu, and all in an environment that is not the typical sports bar feel – a place where the cofounders say that patrons will feel welcomed in the environment that is being designed for them. This week marks another milestone for the project with the Omaha City Council having approved the liquor license yesterday, unanimously.

Omaha City Council President, Pete Festersen, shared, “The first women’s sports bar in Nebraska, SET The Bar, is an exciting development for Benson and for Omaha. As the father of girls, I know how important supporting women’s sports is and to be early in the Nation in creating this gathering place for such celebration is awesome. I look forward to the grand opening of SET The Bar in a few short months.” President Festersen knows the area well and has been instrumental in Benson’s growth, working in the areas of the Benson Business Improvement District, Benson Creative District, Benson First Friday, and the Benson Neighborhood Association.

Targeting an early December grand opening, SET The Bar will be located at 6121 Maple St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68104.

SET the Bar is a local sports bar and restaurant with a unique mission: to support and elevate women’s sports. Our values of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration will drive our mission, helping build a community around shared passions through food and drink.&nbsp;In the simplest sense SET will serve high quality food and drinks and show women’s sports, but that is just the foundation. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and fans of women’s sports will come together to connect in an intentional and meaningful way.

We will uplift female athletes locally and from across the world, celebrate the momentum and innovation in women’s sports, and highlight issues of equity and equality both in-person and through social media platforms. SET will also connect with the local community – inviting them to be a part of SET in meaningful ways, positively impacting the community, Omaha, and the world of women’s sports.&nbsp;

Story by Set the Bar CommunicationsOMAHA, NE – With women’s sports on an all-time high, local business leaders Molly Huyck and Amy Hannesson, are announcing bringing a sports bar focused on women’s sports to Omaha. Launching this winter, SET The Bar will be a welcoming place for all, dedicated to women’s sports with an inclusive culture and housed in Omaha’s Benson business district, off 62nd &amp; Maple Street. SET The Bar will be the seventh women’s sports bar to launch in the U.S. and the first in Nebraska.Co-Founder Molly Huyck said, “Omaha is the perfect community to celebrate women’s sports, and we are setting the bar high in bringing a new home for women’s sports to our city. Being one of the first few women’s sports bars in the U.S. is a special honor, and we know Omaha will show up and make us proud. I am thrilled for the launch!”Fellow Co-Founder Amy Hannesson said, “When you look at the business side of SET The Bar, it all makes sense, but SET The Bar is about embracing and growing women’s sports in an environment that welcomes all. We know that everyone watches women’s sports and now Omaha will have a physical space to gather and celebrate the momentum of women’s sports, together. This movement is amazing for all sports fans and the Omaha area.”SET The Bar will be a new type of sports bar with an array of craft cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, beers, a healthy and delicious food menu, and all in an environment that is not the typical sports bar feel – a place where the cofounders say that patrons will feel welcomed in the environment that is being designed for them. This week marks another milestone for the project with the Omaha City Council having approved the liquor license yesterday, unanimously.Omaha City Council President, Pete Festersen, shared, “The first women’s sports bar in Nebraska, SET The Bar, is an exciting development for Benson and for Omaha. As the father of girls, I know how important supporting women’s sports is and to be early in the Nation in creating this gathering place for such celebration is awesome. I look forward to the grand opening of SET The Bar in a few short months.” President Festersen knows the area well and has been instrumental in Benson’s growth, working in the areas of the Benson Business Improvement District, Benson Creative District, Benson First Friday, and the Benson Neighborhood Association.Targeting an early December grand opening, SET The Bar will be located at 6121 Maple St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68104.--About SET The Bar&nbsp;SET the Bar is a local sports bar and restaurant with a unique mission: to support and elevate women’s sports. Our values of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration will drive our mission, helping build a community around shared passions through food and drink.&nbsp;In the simplest sense SET will serve high quality food and drinks and show women’s sports, but that is just the foundation. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and fans of women’s sports will come together to connect in an intentional and meaningful way.We will uplift female athletes locally and from across the world, celebrate the momentum and innovation in women’s sports, and highlight issues of equity and equality both in-person and through social media platforms. SET will also connect with the local community – inviting them to be a part of SET in meaningful ways, positively impacting the community, Omaha, and the world of women’s sports.&nbsp;

Women’s Sports Bar “SET The Bar” coming to Omaha

Former Husker men’s basketball assistant coach Jimmy Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 77.

Williams, a longtime college assistant coach, spent seven seasons at Nebraska and played a major role in the Huskers making seven straight postseason appearances in that span, including the 1994 Big Eight Tournament title and the 1996 NIT Championship.

Willliams coached the Husker big men, including 1999 Big 12 Player of the Year Venson Hamilton, as well as longtime NBA performer Mikki Moore and Derrick Chandler during his tenure. Williams, who served as NU’s Associate Head Coach in his final three years in Lincoln, played a significant role in the Huskers recruiting efforts under Nee, including players such as Hamilton, Tyronn Lue, Cookie Belcher and Larry Florence.

Williams played collegiately at Ashland College, helping the school win a national title in 1970 before going into coaching. He coached at Minnesota, Tulsa, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Memphis along with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Former Husker men’s basketball assistant coach Jimmy Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 77.Williams, a longtime college assistant coach, spent seven seasons at Nebraska and played a major role in the Huskers making seven straight postseason appearances in that span, including the 1994 Big Eight Tournament title and the 1996 NIT Championship.Willliams coached the Husker big men, including 1999 Big 12 Player of the Year Venson Hamilton, as well as longtime NBA performer Mikki Moore and Derrick Chandler during his tenure. Williams, who served as NU’s Associate Head Coach in his final three years in Lincoln, played a significant role in the Huskers recruiting efforts under Nee, including players such as Hamilton, Tyronn Lue, Cookie Belcher and Larry Florence.Williams played collegiately at Ashland College, helping the school win a national title in 1970 before going into coaching. He coached at Minnesota, Tulsa, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Memphis along with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

Former Husker hoops Assistant Jimmy Williams passes away

Senior Sarah Weber earned Big Ten Offensive Player-of-the-Week recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.

The Gretna, Neb., native scored three goals in Nebraska’s 3-2 win over Colorado State on Sunday afternoon for the 35th hat trick in program history.

This season, Weber leads the Huskers with three goals, good for the most by an individual in the Big Ten. She has six points (two points for a goal, one point for an assist) this season, which also leads the conference. In the first two matches of the season, Weber’s taken a team-high 16 shots.

Michigan’s Justina Gaynor was the Defensive Player of the Week, while Molly Pritchard (Ohio State) was the Goalkeeper of the Week and Minnesota’s Caroline Birdsell was the top freshman.

Up next, the sixth-ranked Huskers continue their five-game homestand on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Senior Sarah Weber earned Big Ten Offensive Player-of-the-Week recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.The Gretna, Neb., native scored three goals in Nebraska’s 3-2 win over Colorado State on Sunday afternoon for the 35th hat trick in program history.This season, Weber leads the Huskers with three goals, good for the most by an individual in the Big Ten. She has six points (two points for a goal, one point for an assist) this season, which also leads the conference. In the first two matches of the season, Weber’s taken a team-high 16 shots.Michigan’s Justina Gaynor was the Defensive Player of the Week, while Molly Pritchard (Ohio State) was the Goalkeeper of the Week and Minnesota’s Caroline Birdsell was the top freshman.Up next, the sixth-ranked Huskers continue their five-game homestand on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Weber named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

With summer collegiate baseball leagues coming to an end, Nebraska baseball was well represented in various leagues around the country.

Below is a recap of how each Husker fared in their summer league action.

ReturnersEvan Borst – Coastal Plain League (Macon Bacon)Appeared in six games, making five starts. • Went 1-0 with a 3.04 ERA. • Totaled 14 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. • Pitched a season-high five innings in two outings. • Allowed just two earned runs over the final 15.2 innings. • Tallied three outings with at least three strikeouts, including a season-high five strikeouts.

Max Buettenback – Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Earned all-star and postseason all-star recognition while leading the Stingers to the playoffs. • Ranked among the league leaders throughout the summer, finishing third in hitting (.395) and OPS (1.109), fourth in RBI (62), on-base percentage (.504) and slugging percentage (.605), sixth in hits (81), tied for seventh in stolen bases (30) and tied for ninth with nine homers. • Added 14 doubles, a triple and 49 runs in 53 regular-season games. • Ended the summer on a 17-game hit streak while recording 26 multi-hit performances. • Posted eight games with more than two hits, including four three-hit contests and a quartet of four-hit games. • Drove in two-plus RBI in 19 games and had three games with at least four RBI, including a season-high six RBI.

Dylan Carey – Cape Cod League (Falmouth Commodores)Played in 27 games for the Commodores. • Hit .304 at the plate with five doubles, a homer and 13 RBI. • Scored 16 runs and stole six bases. • Posted a .383 on-base percentage and an OPS of .774.

Grant Cleavinger – West Coast League (Corvallis Knights)Appeared in eight games, making a pair of starts. • Went 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA. • Recorded 18 punchouts in 9.1 innings of work. • Compiled a 1.82 WHIP and held opposing batters to a .188 hitting clip. • Posted six outings of at least an inning, including a season-high three-inning appearance. • Had four appearances with three-plus strikeouts, along with a season-high five strikeouts.

Trey Frahm – Coastal Plain League (Holly Springs Salamanders)Made six relief appearances for the Salamanders. • Went 0-1 with a save and a 4.26 ERA. • Totaled nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings. • Posted a 1.42 WHIP and limited opponents to a .190 batting average. • Had a strikeout in every outing, including two multi-strikeout games and a season-high three punchouts. • Pitched at least one inning in final five outings while tossing a season-high 1.2 innings.

Ryan Harrahill – Alaska Baseball League (Matsu Miners)Appeared in 12 games, making two starts. • Went 4-1 with a save and a 3.09 ERA. • Tallied 23 strikeouts in 23.1 innings. • Totaled a 1.11 WHIP and held opposing batters to a .190 batting average. • Recorded four outings of three-plus innings, with a season-high four innings in a relief appearance. • Didn’t allow an earned run over the final eight outings, totaling 12 consecutive innings without an earned run allowed. • Struck out three batters in three appearances and had a season-high four strikeouts in a three-inning save.

Ty Horn – West Coast League (Corvallis Knights)Earned all-star recognition while helping the Knights to a league-best 41-13 overall record. • Made nine appearances, making seven starts. • Went 1-0 with a save and a 2.20 ERA. • Totaled 39 strikeouts in 32.2 innings of work. • Had eight appearances with at least four innings, including a season-high five innings in two outings. • Posted four-plus punchouts in seven outings, along with a season-high seven strikeouts in a four-inning start. • Never allowed more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances, totaling 28.2 innings.

Carson Jasa – California Collegiate League (Walnut Creek Crawdads)Earned All-Division honors and appeared in the California Collegiate Showcase Game. • Made eight starts for the Crawdads. • Went 4-1 with a 4.08 ERA. • Recorded 52 strikeouts in 39.2 innings of action. • Pitched at least four innings in every outing, including a season-high seven-inning start. • Struck out a minimum of five batters in each start, along with five appearances of seven-plus strikeouts. • Struck out a season-high nine batters in a five-inning appearance.

Will Jesske – Kernels Collegiate League (Normal Cornbelters)Appeared in 40 games for the Cornbelters, hitting .320 at the plate. • Totaled 12 doubles, two triples and three homers. • Drove in 33 runs and scored 36 times. • Posted a .401 on-base percentage and .487 slugging percentage. • Compiled 15 multi-hit performances, including seven three-hit games and a four-hit contest. • Had at least two RBI in seven games, including a pair of three-RBI performances and two four-RBI contests.

Hayden Lewis – Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Appeared in 26 games, helping the Stingers to the playoffs. • Hit .266 with five doubles, a triple and three homers. • Drove in 16 RBI and scored 17 runs. • Tallied six stolen bases. • Posted a .358 on-base percentage and an OPS of .794. • Recorded 10 multi-hit performances, including one three-hit game. • Had three games of at least two RBI, along with a season-high three RBI.

Joshua Overbeek – Mid America League (Abilene Flying Bison)Played in 38 games for the Flying Bison. • Hit .340 at the plate with 10 doubles, two triples and six home runs. • Tallied 47 RBI and 40 runs. • Posted a .412 on-base percentage and .545 slugging percentage. • Recorded 13 stolen bases. • Compiled 17 multi-hit games, including six three-hit contests and a four-hit performance. • Drove in at least two runs in 13 games, along with seven three-RBI contests and season-high six-RBI outing.

Case Sanderson – Northwoods League (La Crosse Loggers)Earned all-star and postseason all-star honors while leading the Loggers to the Northwoods League Championship game. • Ranked among the league leaders throughout the summer, finishing second in on-base percentage (.505), fifth in hitting (.359) and OPS (1.049) and tied for eighth with 51 RBI. • Became the first player in organization history to have a three-homer game after going 3-for-4 with three home runs and seven RBI on July 30. • Tallied 13 doubles and six homers. • Scored 48 runs and stole five bases. • Posted 18 multi-hit games in the 46-game span, including seven three-hit contests and a season-high four hits once. • Drove in at least two runs in 14 games, along with six performances with three-plus RBI, including a season-high seven RBI. • Accounted for three-plus runs in 17 games for the Loggers.

Rhett Stokes – Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Played in 23 games for the Stingers in the summer. • Hit .372 at the plate with six doubles and a home run. • Tallied 15 RBI and scored 26 runs. • Had nine stolen bases in 10 attempts. • Posted a .431 on-base percentage and an OPS of .899. • Compiled 11 multi-hit performances, including six games with three hits. • Drove in at least two runs in four games, along with a season-high three RBI.

Gabe Swansen - Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Saw action in 18 games for the Stingers. • Hit .333 at the plate with five doubles and a home run. • Totaled 13 RBI and 16 runs. • Posted a .402 on-base percentage and an OPS of .842. • Finished play on a 10-game hit streak. • Had at least two hits in eight of the 18 games, including a pair of three-hit performances. • Tallied two RBI in four contests.

Tucker Timmerman – Alaska Baseball League (Matsu Miners)Appeared in eight games, making six starts for the Miners. • Went 3-1 with a 0.27 ERA. • Totaled 29 punchouts in 33 innings. • Compiled a .91 WHIP and held opponents to a .193 hitting clip. • Allowed just one earned run all summer, finishing the season on a 29-inning scoreless streak. • Last at least five innings in five of six starts, including a season-high seven-inning start. • Surrendered four hits or less in four starts. • Reached five strikeouts in three starts, along with a season-high eight strikeouts.

NewcomersKayden Anderson – Independence League (Fremont Moo)Played in 11 games for the Moo. • Hit .326 with four doubles. • Tallied 10 RBI and scored 12 runs. • Stole four bases in five attempts. • Posted a .473 on-base percentage and an OPS of .891. • Recorded four multi-hit games, including one three-hit contest. • Drove in a run in eight games, along with a season-high three RBI.

Pryce Bender – Jayhawk Collegiate League (Haysville Aviators)Saw action in 16 games as a two-way player for the Aviators. • Hit .241 at the plate with two doubles, a triple and a home run. • Drove in nine runs and scored 18 times. • Had five stolen bases in five attempts. • Made three appearances on the mound, making two starts. • Went 2-0 with a 3.55 ERA. • Totaled 11 strikeouts in 12.2 innings. • All three outings went at least three innings, including a season-high 5.2-inning start. • Recorded two appearances with four-plus punchouts, along with a season-high five strikeouts.

Robbie Bolin – Team USA/Cape Cod League (Falmouth Commodores)Represented Team USA at the historic Honkbalweek Haarlem and saw limited action with the Commodores in the Cape Cod League to end the summer. • Earned recognition as the best hitter of the tournament after leading Team USA in hitting. • Hit .391 with nine hits and an RBI. • Scored six runs and stole a tournament-high five bases. • Tallied four hits and scored four runs in a nine-game stint with the Commodores. • Drew six walks and stole five bases in five attempts.

Luke Broderick – Team USARepresented Team USA at the historic Honkbalweek Haarlem. • Appeared in one game for the Stars and Stripes, making a 3.1-inning relief appearance. • Allowed just three hits and didn’t surrender a run. • Compiled six punchouts and a pair of walks.

TJ Coats – KC Collegiate Baseball League (Precision Baseball KC)Played in 16 games with Precision Baseball KC. • Hit .447 with seven doubles and four home runs. • Drove in 17 runs and scored 17 times. • Totaled 21 hits in 47 at-bats. • Posted a .552 on-base percentage and an OPS of 1.403. • Drew eight walks and stole one base in two attempts.

Jaron Cotton – Northwoods League (Bismarck Larks)Saw action in 34 games with the Larks. • Hit .213 with six doubles and a triple. • Drove in 17 runs and scored 25 times. • Posted a .385 on-base percentage and an OPS of .688. • Stole seven bases in seven attempts. • Had five multi-hit performances, including a season-high three hits. • Drew 21 walks on the season and tallied 14 games with an RBI, along with a season-high three RBI.

Cooper Markle – Mid America League (Abilene Flying Bison)Played in 32 games for the Flying Bison. • Hit .278 at the plate with 10 doubles, a triple and three home runs. • Tallied 28 RBI and 29 runs. • Posted a .383 on-base percentage. • Compiled seven multi-hit games, including one three-hit performance and a four-hit contest. • Drove in at least two runs in eight games, along with four three-RBI contests.

Kanon Sundgren – Northwoods League (La Crosse Loggers)Helped the Loggers advance to the Northwoods League Championship game. • Hit .307 with four doubles and a home run in 19 games. • Drove in 16 runs and scored 13 times. • Stole two bases in two attempts. • Posted a .400 on-base percentage and an OPS of .800. • Totaled five multi-hit games, including a pair of three-hit games and a four-hit performance. • Posted 12 games with an RBI, along with three multi-RBI contests. • Concluded action with the Loggers on a five-game hit streak.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;With summer collegiate baseball leagues coming to an end, Nebraska baseball was well represented in various leagues around the country.Below is a recap of how each Husker fared in their summer league action.ReturnersEvan Borst – Coastal Plain League (Macon Bacon)Appeared in six games, making five starts. • Went 1-0 with a 3.04 ERA. • Totaled 14 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. • Pitched a season-high five innings in two outings. • Allowed just two earned runs over the final 15.2 innings. • Tallied three outings with at least three strikeouts, including a season-high five strikeouts.Max Buettenback – Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Earned all-star and postseason all-star recognition while leading the Stingers to the playoffs. • Ranked among the league leaders throughout the summer, finishing third in hitting (.395) and OPS (1.109), fourth in RBI (62), on-base percentage (.504) and slugging percentage (.605), sixth in hits (81), tied for seventh in stolen bases (30) and tied for ninth with nine homers. • Added 14 doubles, a triple and 49 runs in 53 regular-season games. • Ended the summer on a 17-game hit streak while recording 26 multi-hit performances. • Posted eight games with more than two hits, including four three-hit contests and a quartet of four-hit games. • Drove in two-plus RBI in 19 games and had three games with at least four RBI, including a season-high six RBI.Dylan Carey – Cape Cod League (Falmouth Commodores)Played in 27 games for the Commodores. • Hit .304 at the plate with five doubles, a homer and 13 RBI. • Scored 16 runs and stole six bases. • Posted a .383 on-base percentage and an OPS of .774.Grant Cleavinger – West Coast League (Corvallis Knights)Appeared in eight games, making a pair of starts. • Went 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA. • Recorded 18 punchouts in 9.1 innings of work. • Compiled a 1.82 WHIP and held opposing batters to a .188 hitting clip. • Posted six outings of at least an inning, including a season-high three-inning appearance. • Had four appearances with three-plus strikeouts, along with a season-high five strikeouts.Trey Frahm – Coastal Plain League (Holly Springs Salamanders)Made six relief appearances for the Salamanders. • Went 0-1 with a save and a 4.26 ERA. • Totaled nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings. • Posted a 1.42 WHIP and limited opponents to a .190 batting average. • Had a strikeout in every outing, including two multi-strikeout games and a season-high three punchouts. • Pitched at least one inning in final five outings while tossing a season-high 1.2 innings.Ryan Harrahill – Alaska Baseball League (Matsu Miners)Appeared in 12 games, making two starts. • Went 4-1 with a save and a 3.09 ERA. • Tallied 23 strikeouts in 23.1 innings. • Totaled a 1.11 WHIP and held opposing batters to a .190 batting average. • Recorded four outings of three-plus innings, with a season-high four innings in a relief appearance. • Didn’t allow an earned run over the final eight outings, totaling 12 consecutive innings without an earned run allowed. • Struck out three batters in three appearances and had a season-high four strikeouts in a three-inning save.Ty Horn – West Coast League (Corvallis Knights)Earned all-star recognition while helping the Knights to a league-best 41-13 overall record. • Made nine appearances, making seven starts. • Went 1-0 with a save and a 2.20 ERA. • Totaled 39 strikeouts in 32.2 innings of work. • Had eight appearances with at least four innings, including a season-high five innings in two outings. • Posted four-plus punchouts in seven outings, along with a season-high seven strikeouts in a four-inning start. • Never allowed more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances, totaling 28.2 innings.Carson Jasa – California Collegiate League (Walnut Creek Crawdads)Earned All-Division honors and appeared in the California Collegiate Showcase Game. • Made eight starts for the Crawdads. • Went 4-1 with a 4.08 ERA. • Recorded 52 strikeouts in 39.2 innings of action. • Pitched at least four innings in every outing, including a season-high seven-inning start. • Struck out a minimum of five batters in each start, along with five appearances of seven-plus strikeouts. • Struck out a season-high nine batters in a five-inning appearance.Will Jesske – Kernels Collegiate League (Normal Cornbelters)Appeared in 40 games for the Cornbelters, hitting .320 at the plate. • Totaled 12 doubles, two triples and three homers. • Drove in 33 runs and scored 36 times. • Posted a .401 on-base percentage and .487 slugging percentage. • Compiled 15 multi-hit performances, including seven three-hit games and a four-hit contest. • Had at least two RBI in seven games, including a pair of three-RBI performances and two four-RBI contests.Hayden Lewis – Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Appeared in 26 games, helping the Stingers to the playoffs. • Hit .266 with five doubles, a triple and three homers. • Drove in 16 RBI and scored 17 runs. • Tallied six stolen bases. • Posted a .358 on-base percentage and an OPS of .794. • Recorded 10 multi-hit performances, including one three-hit game. • Had three games of at least two RBI, along with a season-high three RBI.Joshua Overbeek – Mid America League (Abilene Flying Bison)Played in 38 games for the Flying Bison. • Hit .340 at the plate with 10 doubles, two triples and six home runs. • Tallied 47 RBI and 40 runs. • Posted a .412 on-base percentage and .545 slugging percentage. • Recorded 13 stolen bases. • Compiled 17 multi-hit games, including six three-hit contests and a four-hit performance. • Drove in at least two runs in 13 games, along with seven three-RBI contests and season-high six-RBI outing.Case Sanderson – Northwoods League (La Crosse Loggers)Earned all-star and postseason all-star honors while leading the Loggers to the Northwoods League Championship game. • Ranked among the league leaders throughout the summer, finishing second in on-base percentage (.505), fifth in hitting (.359) and OPS (1.049) and tied for eighth with 51 RBI. • Became the first player in organization history to have a three-homer game after going 3-for-4 with three home runs and seven RBI on July 30. • Tallied 13 doubles and six homers. • Scored 48 runs and stole five bases. • Posted 18 multi-hit games in the 46-game span, including seven three-hit contests and a season-high four hits once. • Drove in at least two runs in 14 games, along with six performances with three-plus RBI, including a season-high seven RBI. • Accounted for three-plus runs in 17 games for the Loggers.Rhett Stokes – Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Played in 23 games for the Stingers in the summer. • Hit .372 at the plate with six doubles and a home run. • Tallied 15 RBI and scored 26 runs. • Had nine stolen bases in 10 attempts. • Posted a .431 on-base percentage and an OPS of .899. • Compiled 11 multi-hit performances, including six games with three hits. • Drove in at least two runs in four games, along with a season-high three RBI.Gabe Swansen - Northwoods League (Willmar Stingers)Saw action in 18 games for the Stingers. • Hit .333 at the plate with five doubles and a home run. • Totaled 13 RBI and 16 runs. • Posted a .402 on-base percentage and an OPS of .842. • Finished play on a 10-game hit streak. • Had at least two hits in eight of the 18 games, including a pair of three-hit performances. • Tallied two RBI in four contests.Tucker Timmerman – Alaska Baseball League (Matsu Miners)Appeared in eight games, making six starts for the Miners. • Went 3-1 with a 0.27 ERA. • Totaled 29 punchouts in 33 innings. • Compiled a .91 WHIP and held opponents to a .193 hitting clip. • Allowed just one earned run all summer, finishing the season on a 29-inning scoreless streak. • Last at least five innings in five of six starts, including a season-high seven-inning start. • Surrendered four hits or less in four starts. • Reached five strikeouts in three starts, along with a season-high eight strikeouts.NewcomersKayden Anderson – Independence League (Fremont Moo)Played in 11 games for the Moo. • Hit .326 with four doubles. • Tallied 10 RBI and scored 12 runs. • Stole four bases in five attempts. • Posted a .473 on-base percentage and an OPS of .891. • Recorded four multi-hit games, including one three-hit contest. • Drove in a run in eight games, along with a season-high three RBI.Pryce Bender – Jayhawk Collegiate League (Haysville Aviators)Saw action in 16 games as a two-way player for the Aviators. • Hit .241 at the plate with two doubles, a triple and a home run. • Drove in nine runs and scored 18 times. • Had five stolen bases in five attempts. • Made three appearances on the mound, making two starts. • Went 2-0 with a 3.55 ERA. • Totaled 11 strikeouts in 12.2 innings. • All three outings went at least three innings, including a season-high 5.2-inning start. • Recorded two appearances with four-plus punchouts, along with a season-high five strikeouts.Robbie Bolin – Team USA/Cape Cod League (Falmouth Commodores)Represented Team USA at the historic Honkbalweek Haarlem and saw limited action with the Commodores in the Cape Cod League to end the summer. • Earned recognition as the best hitter of the tournament after leading Team USA in hitting. • Hit .391 with nine hits and an RBI. • Scored six runs and stole a tournament-high five bases. • Tallied four hits and scored four runs in a nine-game stint with the Commodores. • Drew six walks and stole five bases in five attempts.Luke Broderick – Team USARepresented Team USA at the historic Honkbalweek Haarlem. • Appeared in one game for the Stars and Stripes, making a 3.1-inning relief appearance. • Allowed just three hits and didn’t surrender a run. • Compiled six punchouts and a pair of walks.TJ Coats – KC Collegiate Baseball League (Precision Baseball KC)Played in 16 games with Precision Baseball KC. • Hit .447 with seven doubles and four home runs. • Drove in 17 runs and scored 17 times. • Totaled 21 hits in 47 at-bats. • Posted a .552 on-base percentage and an OPS of 1.403. • Drew eight walks and stole one base in two attempts.Jaron Cotton – Northwoods League (Bismarck Larks)Saw action in 34 games with the Larks. • Hit .213 with six doubles and a triple. • Drove in 17 runs and scored 25 times. • Posted a .385 on-base percentage and an OPS of .688. • Stole seven bases in seven attempts. • Had five multi-hit performances, including a season-high three hits. • Drew 21 walks on the season and tallied 14 games with an RBI, along with a season-high three RBI.Cooper Markle – Mid America League (Abilene Flying Bison)Played in 32 games for the Flying Bison. • Hit .278 at the plate with 10 doubles, a triple and three home runs. • Tallied 28 RBI and 29 runs. • Posted a .383 on-base percentage. • Compiled seven multi-hit games, including one three-hit performance and a four-hit contest. • Drove in at least two runs in eight games, along with four three-RBI contests.Kanon Sundgren – Northwoods League (La Crosse Loggers)Helped the Loggers advance to the Northwoods League Championship game. • Hit .307 with four doubles and a home run in 19 games. • Drove in 16 runs and scored 13 times. • Stole two bases in two attempts. • Posted a .400 on-base percentage and an OPS of .800. • Totaled five multi-hit games, including a pair of three-hit games and a four-hit performance. • Posted 12 games with an RBI, along with three multi-RBI contests. • Concluded action with the Loggers on a five-game hit streak.

Huskers in Summer League review

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Th Nebraska Kearney volleyball team reported to fall camp today (Aug. 19) in preparation for its season-opener in three weeks.

The Lopers have just four days of “fall camp” as they scrimmage Metro State (Aug. 23/7 p.m.; Aug. 24; 12 p.m.) and Colorado School of Mines (Aug. 24/10:30 a.m.) this weekend. UNK then faces Colorado State-Pueblo next Friday (Aug. 30/5 p.m.) in its final tune-up. All scrimmages are free and open to the public, but match results will not be recorded.

Head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers, 758-108 in his Loper tenure, and his staff must replace All-Americans Emersen Cyza (outside hitter) and Jaden Ferguson (right side) but plenty of firepower returns to help the Lopers duplicate last year’s 29-6 record. UNK reached the second round of the NCAA’s ultra-tough Central Regional, were MIAA Tournament runners-up and finished 10th&nbsp;in the final national poll.

North Platte redshirt junior setter&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;is a returning All-American with newcomer libero/defensive specialist&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) a two-time All-American playing for Hillsdale (Mich.) College. UNK added more experience in the backrow in redshirt junior&nbsp;Aleena Peterson&nbsp;(Kansas City) from Southwest Baptist. &nbsp;Next, fifth-year senior right-side&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius), senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) and sophomore middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) have each earned All-MIAA honors in their careers. Finally, eight freshmen have come aboard.

UNK begins the year Sept. 6-7 in California with the home opener set for Sept. 10 vs. Peru State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724181623000.jpeg" alt="North Platte native Peyton Neff (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>North Platte native Peyton Neff (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Th Nebraska Kearney volleyball team reported to fall camp today (Aug. 19) in preparation for its season-opener in three weeks.The Lopers have just four days of “fall camp” as they scrimmage Metro State (Aug. 23/7 p.m.; Aug. 24; 12 p.m.) and Colorado School of Mines (Aug. 24/10:30 a.m.) this weekend. UNK then faces Colorado State-Pueblo next Friday (Aug. 30/5 p.m.) in its final tune-up. All scrimmages are free and open to the public, but match results will not be recorded.Head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers, 758-108 in his Loper tenure, and his staff must replace All-Americans Emersen Cyza (outside hitter) and Jaden Ferguson (right side) but plenty of firepower returns to help the Lopers duplicate last year’s 29-6 record. UNK reached the second round of the NCAA’s ultra-tough Central Regional, were MIAA Tournament runners-up and finished 10th&nbsp;in the final national poll.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724181686624.jpeg" alt="Lauren Taubenheim (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Taubenheim (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte redshirt junior setter&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;is a returning All-American with newcomer libero/defensive specialist&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) a two-time All-American playing for Hillsdale (Mich.) College. UNK added more experience in the backrow in redshirt junior&nbsp;Aleena Peterson&nbsp;(Kansas City) from Southwest Baptist. &nbsp;Next, fifth-year senior right-side&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius), senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) and sophomore middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) have each earned All-MIAA honors in their careers. Finally, eight freshmen have come aboard.UNK begins the year Sept. 6-7 in California with the home opener set for Sept. 10 vs. Peru State.

UNK Volleyball Roster Features Two All-Americans, Four All-MIAA Selections & Eight Freshmen

By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcasting

&nbsp;The excitement
of the upcoming Chadron State football season has been clouded over in recent
days after a very serious injury at last Saturday’s practice.

Junior safety
Jason Pugal faces a lengthy rehabilitation after he was injured making a hit as the offense and defense were going through game-like action in full pads.&nbsp; 

I was covering practice at the field Saturday and while Pugal was being assessed by training staff the players separated out around the field in their position groups and shortly after were directed to go to the locker room. Practice was canceled for the remainder of the morning once it was understood Pugal was going to need serious medical attention.&nbsp; 

Trainers, local emergency crews and athletics department staff were all on hand to manage the situation, and were able to get Pugal immobilized, back-boarded and taken to Chadron Community Hospital. He was eventually transferred to Rapid City via helicopter later in the afternoon for additional treatment.

According to
the family’s Go Fund Me page, Pugal suffered a “severe neck injury” –
fracturing his neck and compressing his C6 vertebra. The injury has left him
without feeling from the chest down.&nbsp; The
statement reads that Pugal has undergone spinal fusion surgery and will begin
an intense rehab as his next steps once he gets back home in
California.

He was about to
begin his first season with the Eagle football team, transferring from Palomar
College.&nbsp; The 20-year-old is married, and
donations on his Go Fund Me page had reached over $20,500 of the $30,000 goal as of Monday night.&nbsp; 

The family has been told it will cost $28,000
just to fly Jason home to begin rehab, and the communities that know and
support Jason and CSC football have clearly stepped up in a major way already.

&nbsp; Here is a link to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/gby9sf-support-jasons-journey-to-recovery">Go Fund Me Page</a>&nbsp;if you'd like to contribute, and where the family is also updating Jason’s status.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I’ll pass along
significant updates as we get them as well.&nbsp;


Meanwhile, the team did return to the practice field yesterday following
Sunday’s mandatory off day.&nbsp; The season opener is in just over a week when UNK visits Chadron, August 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724162018972.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcasting&nbsp;The excitement
of the upcoming Chadron State football season has been clouded over in recent
days after a very serious injury at last Saturday’s practice.Junior safety
Jason Pugal faces a lengthy rehabilitation after he was injured making a hit as the offense and defense were going through game-like action in full pads.&nbsp; I was covering practice at the field Saturday and while Pugal was being assessed by training staff the players separated out around the field in their position groups and shortly after were directed to go to the locker room. Practice was canceled for the remainder of the morning once it was understood Pugal was going to need serious medical attention.&nbsp; Trainers, local emergency crews and athletics department staff were all on hand to manage the situation, and were able to get Pugal immobilized, back-boarded and taken to Chadron Community Hospital. He was eventually transferred to Rapid City via helicopter later in the afternoon for additional treatment. According to
the family’s Go Fund Me page, Pugal suffered a “severe neck injury” –
fracturing his neck and compressing his C6 vertebra. The injury has left him
without feeling from the chest down.&nbsp; The
statement reads that Pugal has undergone spinal fusion surgery and will begin
an intense rehab as his next steps once he gets back home in
California.He was about to
begin his first season with the Eagle football team, transferring from Palomar
College.&nbsp; The 20-year-old is married, and
donations on his Go Fund Me page had reached over $20,500 of the $30,000 goal as of Monday night.&nbsp; The family has been told it will cost $28,000
just to fly Jason home to begin rehab, and the communities that know and
support Jason and CSC football have clearly stepped up in a major way already.&nbsp; Here is a link to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/gby9sf-support-jasons-journey-to-recovery">Go Fund Me Page</a>&nbsp;if you'd like to contribute, and where the family is also updating Jason’s status.&nbsp;&nbsp;I’ll pass along
significant updates as we get them as well.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the team did return to the practice field yesterday following
Sunday’s mandatory off day.&nbsp; The season opener is in just over a week when UNK visits Chadron, August 29.

CSC safety faces long rehabilitation after devastating practice injury Saturday

Lincoln&nbsp;- A total of 11 current and former Husker student-athletes across all sports will receive their degrees during University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Commencement ceremonies at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.

Former Husker Niles Paul (Omaha, Neb.), who spent six NFL seasons with Washington after being drafted in the fifth round in 2011, will earn his degree to headline a group of four football student-athletes in the graduating class. In his four seasons as a Husker (2007-10), Paul hauled in more than 100 receptions for more than 1,500 yards, while racking up more than 4,000 all-purpose yards for the Big Red. He claimed All-Big 12 honors as both a returner and wide receiver during his career while also earning Academic All-Big 12 accolades.

Teddy Prochazka (Elkhorn, Neb.), Braden Klover (Wymore, Neb.) and Keegan Menning (Fremont, Neb.) add three more homegrown Huskers to football’s graduating class.

Former Nebraska men’s basketball starter Trey McGowens (Pendleton, S.C.) also leads the group of graduates. McGowens, who spent his final season at Nebraska in 2021-22, spent time in the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets in 2023-24, while also playing for the Edmonton Stingers in Canada’s CEBL. He was the MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U23 Men’s World Cup for USA Basketball.

Clay Bradford (Humble, Texas) and Rans Sanders (Grand Island, Neb.) add a pair of graduates for the Nebraska baseball program, while Brooke Bream (Phoenix, Ariz.) represents the Husker women’s golf team.

A trio of international students round out the class of summer graduates, led by men’s tennis student-athlete Nic Wiedenhorn (Stuttgart, Germany), women’s tennis player Raphaelle Lacasse (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and women’s gymnast Lucy Stanhope (Warrington, England).

Overall, the 11 Husker graduates in August came to Nebraska from four states and three foreign countries. Over the last three graduations (December 2023, May 2024, August 2024), a school-record total of 154 Husker student-athletes from 27 states and 12 foreign countries have earned their degrees from the University of Nebraska.

Nebraska continues to feature one of the highest graduation rates in the nation, while leading the nation in NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award winners (18) across all sports. Nebraska also leads the Big Ten and ranks second in NCAA Division I with 362 College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans (362) across all sports. More than 100 Nebraska student-athletes all time have earned prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.

August 2024 Nebraska Student-Athlete Graduates (11)

Student-Athlete (Sport), Hometown - Major

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Lincoln&nbsp;- A total of 11 current and former Husker student-athletes across all sports will receive their degrees during University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Commencement ceremonies at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.Former Husker Niles Paul (Omaha, Neb.), who spent six NFL seasons with Washington after being drafted in the fifth round in 2011, will earn his degree to headline a group of four football student-athletes in the graduating class. In his four seasons as a Husker (2007-10), Paul hauled in more than 100 receptions for more than 1,500 yards, while racking up more than 4,000 all-purpose yards for the Big Red. He claimed All-Big 12 honors as both a returner and wide receiver during his career while also earning Academic All-Big 12 accolades.Teddy Prochazka (Elkhorn, Neb.), Braden Klover (Wymore, Neb.) and Keegan Menning (Fremont, Neb.) add three more homegrown Huskers to football’s graduating class.Former Nebraska men’s basketball starter Trey McGowens (Pendleton, S.C.) also leads the group of graduates. McGowens, who spent his final season at Nebraska in 2021-22, spent time in the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets in 2023-24, while also playing for the Edmonton Stingers in Canada’s CEBL. He was the MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U23 Men’s World Cup for USA Basketball.Clay Bradford (Humble, Texas) and Rans Sanders (Grand Island, Neb.) add a pair of graduates for the Nebraska baseball program, while Brooke Bream (Phoenix, Ariz.) represents the Husker women’s golf team.A trio of international students round out the class of summer graduates, led by men’s tennis student-athlete Nic Wiedenhorn (Stuttgart, Germany), women’s tennis player Raphaelle Lacasse (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and women’s gymnast Lucy Stanhope (Warrington, England).Overall, the 11 Husker graduates in August came to Nebraska from four states and three foreign countries. Over the last three graduations (December 2023, May 2024, August 2024), a school-record total of 154 Husker student-athletes from 27 states and 12 foreign countries have earned their degrees from the University of Nebraska.Nebraska continues to feature one of the highest graduation rates in the nation, while leading the nation in NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award winners (18) across all sports. Nebraska also leads the Big Ten and ranks second in NCAA Division I with 362 College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans (362) across all sports. More than 100 Nebraska student-athletes all time have earned prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.August 2024 Nebraska Student-Athlete Graduates (11)Student-Athlete (Sport), Hometown - Major<ul>
 <li>Clay Bradford&nbsp;(Baseball), Humble, Texas - Child, Youth &amp; Family Studies</li><li>Brooke Bream&nbsp;(Women’s Golf), Phoenix, Arizona - Economics</li><li>Braden Klover&nbsp;(Football), Wymore, Nebraska - Nutrition &amp; Health Sciences</li><li>Raphaelle Lacasse&nbsp;(Women’s Tennis), Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Finance</li><li>Trey McGowens&nbsp;(Men’s Basketball), Pendleton, South Carolina&nbsp;- Child, Youth &amp; Family Studies</li><li>Keegan Menning&nbsp;(Football), Fremont, Nebraska - Accounting/Finance</li><li>Niles Paul&nbsp;(Football), Omaha, Nebraska - Individualized Program of Studies</li><li>Teddy Prochazka&nbsp;(Football), Elkhorn, Nebraska - Sports Media &amp; Communication</li><li>Rans Sanders&nbsp;(Baseball), Grand Island, Nebraska - Child, Youth &amp; Family Studies</li><li>Lucy Stanhope&nbsp;(Women’s Gymnastics), Warrington, England - Psychology</li><li>Nic Wiedenhorn&nbsp;(Men’s Tennis), Stuttgart, Germany - Sports Media &amp; Communication</li>
 </ul>

11 Huskers to earn Degrees at August commencement

Sarah Weber netted three goals, good for the 35th hat trick in program history and first since 2018, as the sixth-ranked Nebraska soccer team defeated Colorado State 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,336 fans.

Weber’s hat trick marked her first, second and third goals of the season and improved her career mark to 35 finishes, which ties her for 10th in Husker history. Florence Belzile, who finished the 2023 season ranked second nationally with 17 assists, tallied a pair of dishes along with Jordan Zade who recorded her 17th and 18th career assists. Grad transfer Gracie English rounded out the group with an assist of her own, good for the first point of her Husker career.&nbsp;

With the win, Nebraska improves to 1-1-0 on the season, while Colorado State suffers its first loss of the year (0-1-0).

To get the scoring started, Zade sent a throw to Belzile, who dribbled and dished to Weber, gathering and scoring into the back left corner of the net in the 14th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, the Huskers stretched the lead to 2-0, as Belzile sent a pass into the 18, which was intercepted by the goalie, before Weber gathered and shot for the finish. Colorado State outshot the Huskers 9-6 in the first half but were unable to capitalize, and Nebraska held the score advantage at half.&nbsp;

In the second half, Colorado State evened the game with goals by Mia Massey and Maggie Altman in the 63rd and 70th minute before Weber recorded the hat trick. In the 71st minute, Zade got the play started as she dribbled across midfield and passed to English. The Belleville, Ill., native then sent a cross to Weber who netted the goal.&nbsp;

Cece Villa started for the Huskers in goal, as she tallied the win and played the complete game along with Lauryn Anglim and Zade.&nbsp;

The Huskers continue their five-game homestand on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSarah Weber netted three goals, good for the 35th hat trick in program history and first since 2018, as the sixth-ranked Nebraska soccer team defeated Colorado State 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,336 fans.Weber’s hat trick marked her first, second and third goals of the season and improved her career mark to 35 finishes, which ties her for 10th in Husker history. Florence Belzile, who finished the 2023 season ranked second nationally with 17 assists, tallied a pair of dishes along with Jordan Zade who recorded her 17th and 18th career assists. Grad transfer Gracie English rounded out the group with an assist of her own, good for the first point of her Husker career.&nbsp;With the win, Nebraska improves to 1-1-0 on the season, while Colorado State suffers its first loss of the year (0-1-0).To get the scoring started, Zade sent a throw to Belzile, who dribbled and dished to Weber, gathering and scoring into the back left corner of the net in the 14th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, the Huskers stretched the lead to 2-0, as Belzile sent a pass into the 18, which was intercepted by the goalie, before Weber gathered and shot for the finish. Colorado State outshot the Huskers 9-6 in the first half but were unable to capitalize, and Nebraska held the score advantage at half.&nbsp;In the second half, Colorado State evened the game with goals by Mia Massey and Maggie Altman in the 63rd and 70th minute before Weber recorded the hat trick. In the 71st minute, Zade got the play started as she dribbled across midfield and passed to English. The Belleville, Ill., native then sent a cross to Weber who netted the goal.&nbsp;Cece Villa started for the Huskers in goal, as she tallied the win and played the complete game along with Lauryn Anglim and Zade.&nbsp;The Huskers continue their five-game homestand on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.&nbsp;

Weber’s hat trick powers Huskers past CSU

Despite holding the 22-13 advantage in shots, the No. 6 Nebraska soccer team (0-1-0) dropped the season opener against Oklahoma State (1-0-0) 2-0 at Hibner Stadium on Thursday evening in front of 1,379 fans.

In a matchup between two former Big 12 foes, the teams saw a scoreless first 45 minutes, but Nebraska led in shots (9-6) and corners (8-1). The Huskers had action from 18 athletes led by Sarah Weber with two shots and a full 45 minutes of play.

The Huskers continued to hold the momentum in the first half taking seven shots to Oklahoma State’s two, but it was the Cowgirls who found the back of the net twice in the final 45 minutes. Lexi Lee scored in the 67th minute, with assists from Laudan Wilson and Xcaret Pineda, before Adelhia Ghonda recorded the finish in the 75th minute, with the dish from Reganne Morris.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sami Hauk recorded three saves and played the entire 90 minutes, along with Reese Borer and Lauryn Anglim. Weber and Sadie Waite combined for 10 shots, and midfielder Florence Belzile tallied the team’s lone pair of shots on goal.&nbsp;

Up next, NU continues its homestand as the Huskers host Colorado State on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsDespite holding the 22-13 advantage in shots, the No. 6 Nebraska soccer team (0-1-0) dropped the season opener against Oklahoma State (1-0-0) 2-0 at Hibner Stadium on Thursday evening in front of 1,379 fans.In a matchup between two former Big 12 foes, the teams saw a scoreless first 45 minutes, but Nebraska led in shots (9-6) and corners (8-1). The Huskers had action from 18 athletes led by Sarah Weber with two shots and a full 45 minutes of play.The Huskers continued to hold the momentum in the first half taking seven shots to Oklahoma State’s two, but it was the Cowgirls who found the back of the net twice in the final 45 minutes. Lexi Lee scored in the 67th minute, with assists from Laudan Wilson and Xcaret Pineda, before Adelhia Ghonda recorded the finish in the 75th minute, with the dish from Reganne Morris.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sami Hauk recorded three saves and played the entire 90 minutes, along with Reese Borer and Lauryn Anglim. Weber and Sadie Waite combined for 10 shots, and midfielder Florence Belzile tallied the team’s lone pair of shots on goal.&nbsp;Up next, NU continues its homestand as the Huskers host Colorado State on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Huskers fall to Cowgirls, 2-0 

Nebraska Rifle Head Coach Richard Clark announced the hiring of Kristen Derting as assistant coach for the Husker program on Thursday. 

Derting will enter the coaching ranks during the 2024-25 season with the Big Red. She is a graduate of Ole Miss and competed on the Rebel rifle team for five years. During that time, she was a six-time CRCA All-American and an 11-time All-GARC (Great American Rifle Conference) team member. During her collegiate career, Derting posted career highs of 594 in the smallbore, 598 in the air rifle and 1,188 in the aggregate.&nbsp;“I am very excited to be joining the Nebraska rifle team as its assistant coach,” Derting said. “I look forward to growing and improving the skills of the team this season.” 

In addition to competing for Ole Miss, Derting qualified for the USA National Team and has competed in five international competitions over the last two years, including the World Cup in 2023 and the Continental American Championships in 2022.“We are excited to welcome Kristen to the Nebraska rifle program,” Clark said. “Her experience as a collegiate athlete at Ole Miss and member of the USA National Team make her an excellent addition to our coaching staff. She brings a wealth of technical knowledge and leadership skills that will help push our program to the next level.”

The Salem, Ore., native was a force for the Rebels, as the team qualified for four straight NCAA Championships during her tenure. In 2023-24, Derting led the team with an air rifle average of 593.4 and competed in both the smallbore and air rifle in every match for Ole Miss.&nbsp;Derting earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi in December of 2023 and her master’s degree in hospitality administration/management from Mississippi in August of 2024.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska Rifle Head Coach Richard Clark announced the hiring of Kristen Derting as assistant coach for the Husker program on Thursday. Derting will enter the coaching ranks during the 2024-25 season with the Big Red. She is a graduate of Ole Miss and competed on the Rebel rifle team for five years. During that time, she was a six-time CRCA All-American and an 11-time All-GARC (Great American Rifle Conference) team member. During her collegiate career, Derting posted career highs of 594 in the smallbore, 598 in the air rifle and 1,188 in the aggregate.&nbsp;“I am very excited to be joining the Nebraska rifle team as its assistant coach,” Derting said. “I look forward to growing and improving the skills of the team this season.” In addition to competing for Ole Miss, Derting qualified for the USA National Team and has competed in five international competitions over the last two years, including the World Cup in 2023 and the Continental American Championships in 2022.“We are excited to welcome Kristen to the Nebraska rifle program,” Clark said. “Her experience as a collegiate athlete at Ole Miss and member of the USA National Team make her an excellent addition to our coaching staff. She brings a wealth of technical knowledge and leadership skills that will help push our program to the next level.”The Salem, Ore., native was a force for the Rebels, as the team qualified for four straight NCAA Championships during her tenure. In 2023-24, Derting led the team with an air rifle average of 593.4 and competed in both the smallbore and air rifle in every match for Ole Miss.&nbsp;Derting earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi in December of 2023 and her master’s degree in hospitality administration/management from Mississippi in August of 2024.

Huskers hire Derting as Assistant Coach

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, have officially sold out its inaugural clinics which are set to kick off next week. 120 fourth- through eighth-graders will attend the three clinics that will run from&nbsp;August 19 through 21 at the&nbsp;College of Saint Mary Fieldhouse, the Supernovas home practice facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn, Assistant Coach&nbsp;Thomas Robson&nbsp;and outside hitter&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;will run the clinics.&nbsp;

August 19 will be the one and only Serving Clinic with a mix between technical training and games. The Supernovas were the best serving team in the PVF last season, leading the league with 98 aces and a 1.00 aces per set average. That also included outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;winning the PVF Server of the Year award with a league-leading 35 aces. August 20 and 21 will be the All Skills Clinic to improve an athlete’s all-around volleyball skills.&nbsp;

Supernovas season tickets for the 2025 season are officially on sale and going fast! To become a season ticket member and secure the best seat in professional volleyball, click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5-uPjG9oHCb0PRIb3rbNYgt-jsS6m1yChap8wJNzpllUkiF4LEJSC75Et5XiCT-i30voVnZSmXiaSq1NUNIlTgUSB2kbYSsvnCLPID6cXU-WLBkHsWU6O9rm17ohzU9zD3-dja4jmDvU&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;or call 402-502-5268.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5yBvk8SiH6Nn-QThZEnq3d6fZnuGOuYAk5txe1InaWFR5-O-19hBbtyhG6PSynLm39VLNqM_Fl97CmejpcpkKqdvlWjsu4XnFw9N7WVvoMVTnBlAS5XP38lAWmek2rSPcdN3BU93BjQu&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Commination'sOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, have officially sold out its inaugural clinics which are set to kick off next week. 120 fourth- through eighth-graders will attend the three clinics that will run from&nbsp;August 19 through 21 at the&nbsp;College of Saint Mary Fieldhouse, the Supernovas home practice facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn, Assistant Coach&nbsp;Thomas Robson&nbsp;and outside hitter&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;will run the clinics.&nbsp;August 19 will be the one and only Serving Clinic with a mix between technical training and games. The Supernovas were the best serving team in the PVF last season, leading the league with 98 aces and a 1.00 aces per set average. That also included outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;winning the PVF Server of the Year award with a league-leading 35 aces. August 20 and 21 will be the All Skills Clinic to improve an athlete’s all-around volleyball skills.&nbsp;Supernovas season tickets for the 2025 season are officially on sale and going fast! To become a season ticket member and secure the best seat in professional volleyball, click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5-uPjG9oHCb0PRIb3rbNYgt-jsS6m1yChap8wJNzpllUkiF4LEJSC75Et5XiCT-i30voVnZSmXiaSq1NUNIlTgUSB2kbYSsvnCLPID6cXU-WLBkHsWU6O9rm17ohzU9zD3-dja4jmDvU&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;or call 402-502-5268.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5yBvk8SiH6Nn-QThZEnq3d6fZnuGOuYAk5txe1InaWFR5-O-19hBbtyhG6PSynLm39VLNqM_Fl97CmejpcpkKqdvlWjsu4XnFw9N7WVvoMVTnBlAS5XP38lAWmek2rSPcdN3BU93BjQu&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supernovas sell out Inaugural Clinics

Chadron State College is experiencing a unique turn of events this season. One of their football coaches from last year has transitioned to a player role this year. This unusual situation is not only a testament to the coach's dedication but also a potential game-changer for the Eagles this fall.

A year ago, Nick Gossage, a native of Colorado Springs, was a graduate assistant helping Head Coach Jay Long tutor the offensive line.  Now, he's seeking playing time alongside players he coached last season.

Gossage, a 24-year-old standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, didn't let his injuries define his future. He thought his playing days were over at the end of the 2021 season at Fort Hays State in Kansas,  where he'd started at right guard all season but played with a painful left shoulder that he knew needed surgery when the schedule ended.  He'd had the same surgery in 2019 when he was a redshift freshman and played in about half of the Tigers' games when they won their second straight conference championship.

Because of COVID-19, the Fort Hays football team didn't play any games in 2000, even though it practiced most of the fall. Gossage's participation was cut short when he broke a bone in his right foot during workouts. However, he recovered to participate in spring drills and earned a starting job for the '21 season.

But, because of his second shoulder injury and surgery at the end of that season, he decided his college football career was over.  

"I was mentally done playing," Gossage recalls.  "I still loved football, but the injuries had taken their toll. I was still recovering from my surgery when spring practice occurred in 2022, so I missed that season and graduated in December."

He earned a bachelor's degree in social science, emphasizing secondary education, with the intention to teach and coach.  He moved home during Christmas vacation.  By then, his father, Erick Gossage, who had taught K-5 physical education for 30 years, had become the head football coach at Liberty High in Colorado Springs where Nick had attended and earned two-time all-conference and all-area player honors and a team captain for two years.

Nick sometimes hung around the school that spring, helping his dad and, by chance, was there when Chadron State Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith stopped to see if Liberty had any college prospects he could recruit.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723645264333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC AthleticsChadron State College is experiencing a unique turn of events this season. One of their football coaches from last year has transitioned to a player role this year. This unusual situation is not only a testament to the coach's dedication but also a potential game-changer for the Eagles this fall.A year ago, Nick Gossage, a native of Colorado Springs, was a graduate assistant helping Head Coach Jay Long tutor the offensive line. Now, he's seeking playing time alongside players he coached last season.Gossage, a 24-year-old standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, didn't let his injuries define his future. He thought his playing days were over at the end of the 2021 season at Fort Hays State in Kansas, where he'd started at right guard all season but played with a painful left shoulder that he knew needed surgery when the schedule ended. He'd had the same surgery in 2019 when he was a redshift freshman and played in about half of the Tigers' games when they won their second straight conference championship.Because of COVID-19, the Fort Hays football team didn't play any games in 2000, even though it practiced most of the fall. Gossage's participation was cut short when he broke a bone in his right foot during workouts. However, he recovered to participate in spring drills and earned a starting job for the '21 season.But, because of his second shoulder injury and surgery at the end of that season, he decided his college football career was over. "I was mentally done playing," Gossage recalls. "I still loved football, but the injuries had taken their toll. I was still recovering from my surgery when spring practice occurred in 2022, so I missed that season and graduated in December."He earned a bachelor's degree in social science, emphasizing secondary education, with the intention to teach and coach. He moved home during Christmas vacation. By then, his father, Erick Gossage, who had taught K-5 physical education for 30 years, had become the head football coach at Liberty High in Colorado Springs where Nick had attended and earned two-time all-conference and all-area player honors and a team captain for two years.Nick sometimes hung around the school that spring, helping his dad and, by chance, was there when Chadron State Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith stopped to see if Liberty had any college prospects he could recruit. "I met Coach Smith and told him I was looking for a chance to earn a master's degree and help coach college football. I told him to tell me if something opened up," Gossage recalls. "Early that summer, he called me and told me Chadron State was looking for someone to be an assistant offensive line coach. I jumped at that opportunity, arrived in Chadron in July (2023), and helped Coach Long last season."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723647297644.jpeg" alt="Gossage hitting the weight room" />
 <figcaption>Gossage hitting the weight room</figcaption>
 </figure>Since earning a master's degree takes two years, Gossage also helped with spring football last April. While chatting with Coach Long, he mentioned that he probably had another semester of football eligibility since he had redshirted as a true freshman in 2018 and Fort Hays had not played in 2020. The supposition proved to be true. He was NCAA eligibile and cleared to play this fall, returned home after the CSC school year ended in May, and began working out to get back into playing shape."After school was out at Liberty, Dad had his football players running and lifting four days a week, and I joined them," Gossage said. "I worked hard. I knew I needed to get back into serious shape and be ready to play. In July, I returned to Chadron to work with the players who had stayed here for the summer. I was a little nervous about how I'd be received by the guys I had coached last year when I told them I was going to play again," Gossage noted. "But that only lasted about one day. Sometimes, they still call me 'coach.' We've gotten along great."When the first week of practice ended last Saturday, Gossage said there are no guarantees that he'll be among the starting linemen or even get to play much, but he's trying to do his best to contribute."There's a lot of competition up front this year. Competition breeds championships. I saw it happen at Fort Hays," he said. "Coach Long has brought in some good transfers, and we have five or six other seniors besides me on the O-line roster. We'll have a unique line and an exceptional team this fall. We've got the right kind of zip at quarterback now and good competition at every position. It should be a fun year. I'm competing to start, but if that doesn't happen, I'll try to help those ahead of me succeed. I've had a lot of experience and might be able to give them some tips," Gossage continued. "I want this team to win." Here's a footnote to the story: Nick has a famous relative from Colorado Springs who still lives there. He's Richard "Goose" Gossage, one of major league baseball's first and all-time outstanding closers, primarily with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres in the late 1970s and much of the '80s. Altogether, Goose pitched 22 years in the majors, struck out 1,502 batters, was an All-Star Game selection eight times, and was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 2008.Nick said Goose is a third cousin, but the family is close, and Goose and his wife, Corna, often attend family birthday parties and graduations. "It's nice to be related to someone famous," Nick noted. "That's how some people remember my last name."