2024 Senior Class: Where are They Now?

It’s been over two months since the ‘24 senior class has left campus – but your favorite players aren’t going anywhere. While they have left a massive void within the program both leadership and play-wise, they are now making impacts at the next level. 

​

The most notable departure – star libero and fan-favorite, Lexi Rodriguez, has taken her talents to LOVB Omaha, where she trains under the tutelage of the 2020 Best Libero at the Olympics and former Husker All-American, Justine Wong-Orantes. This dynamic has caused mixed emotions among Husker faithful; excited to see both on the same team among other Nebraska greats, but lamenting the fact that only one can wear the libero jersey. In professional volleyball, defensive specialists are rarely utilized, and Lexi has had limited play time so far; only playing in 2 matches at the half-way point of the season. While many are upset at this, Rodriguez can’t understate how impactful it has been for her to learn under Justine’s tutelage, “Getting to watch her and play alongside her – just watching her pass makes everything look like a free ball, it's crazy. Having her [Jordan] and Justine in the gym has been super helpful.”

​

Lexi has tallied 6 digs on the season and is passing 44.4% in-system. The highlight of her professional career so far cam in the 5th set versus Salt Lake, where she came in as a serving sub and dialed up a critical ace. She followed with an impressive dig on the next play, but Omaha didn’t win the point. 

In regard to the ace, she said; “it was definitely crazy, lots of nerves as to be expected. I owe a lot of credit to all my coaches and my teammates for believing in me and just showing that they have trust in me because it helps me just go out there and play my game and try and believe in myself as much as possible.” LOVB Omaha started off on a hot-streak – winning their first 3 matches – but are currently on a 5-match losing streak. They look to turn it around tonight at home against Salt Lake.

​

Merritt Beason, the “mom” of the team, was picked #1 overall in the Pro Volleyball Federation draft to the Atlanta Vibe. She started off her career with a bang – leading her team with 17 kills (.347) in a five set thriller against Omaha, including 6 in just the fifth set. It was only fitting for Nebraska to be the place where both her collegiate and professional career blossomed, and made for a heartwarming full-circle moment as she was greeted by a standing ovation. “It's cliche to say, but everyone always says there's No Place Like Nebraska, and I think this is just a testament to that. To have a welcome like that, it did almost brought tears to my eyes. This is such a special place in that regard, just welcoming girls back home… It’s just a testament to how special Nebraska and Nebraska Volleyball really is.” 

​

Merritt is currently one of the leading favorites for “Rookie of the Year,” tallying 131 kills (3.44/set), 14 blocks, and 10 aces so far. She was invited to participate in the inaugural PVF All-Star Match, one of just four rookies on the roster. “It's obviously such a cool opportunity to play in the first one,” Merritt says, “and for us as rookies to have the opportunity is even more special. Obviously all of these girls are great volleyball players, so being able to play beside them in one match is crazy…it's a really cool experience.” The Atlanta Vibe are currently 5th in the league standings at 6-8, looking for a spark after a 3-match loss streak. 

​

Lindsay Krause, the homegrown Husker out of Papillion, has found herself even closer to home as she was drafted #19 overall to the defending PVF champions, the Omaha Supernovas. She joins other former Huskers in Ally Batenhorst, Kaitlyn Hord, and Kayla Caffey – reminiscent of the 2021/2022 teams. Krause and Batenhorst have gotten limited playing time, waiting in the wings behind “Player of the Year” candidate Brooke Nuneviller, and reigning “Rookie of the Year” in Reagan Cooper. Lindsay has appeared in 25 sets so far – combining for 6 kills and 1 ace on the season. She tallied her season-high 6 kills at home versus San Diego, where the Supernovas fell in four sets. Omaha is currently sitting at 10-4, tied for first in the league with the Orlando Valkyries. 

​

Speaking of San Diego – Leyla Blackwell found herself back in the warm weather of California after her year in Lincoln, drafted in the fourth round to the Mojo. Like Krause, she had 6 kills in their first matchup versus Omaha, and was so excited to be back in the state. “It was definitely an emotional moment, it's been a quick turnaround getting into the next season, so I was really looking forward to this match and just being back in the state of Nebraska and this environment. It’s so special, anytime you play any volleyball in the state of Nebraska, you know the fans are gonna love it and it's just a great environment.” Leyla has played in 26 sets – totaling 33 kills (.367%), 10 blocks, and 4 aces.

​

Kennedi Orr is the only senior not pursuing volleyball professionally, but not without good reason. She shared a seven minute TikTok regarding her volleyball journey – how she went from the top recruit in the country to a serving specialist, recounting the mental and physical obstacles in her path. “I kinda had a decision to make that I was either gonna be an asshole or I was just gonna support Bergen and every single person on my team, and I really couldn’t see it any other way.” Kenna is a rare treasure in the age of the transfer portal; while many would have left after a year or two on the sidelines, she chose to stay and contribute in any way she can. Her intangibles; such as her leadership, empathy, and nasty serves, proved that she could still bring the team success in other ways than setting. Kennedi has bought an apartment in Lincoln and has made appearances at both Supernovas and LOVB Omaha games, supporting her former teammates and close friends. 

​