Battle of the 'Bros: Who Will Get the Jersey?

Nebraska Volleyball is known for its defense. It's a staple of the program, and always expected to set a precedent and lead the nation in lowest opponent hit percent. With Lexi Rodriguez graduating after four years of breaking records and making history in the libero role, it is time to find someone to fill her (very, very large) shoes.  There are four defensive specialists and eligible candidates on the 2025 roster, let's break down who's most likely to get the elusive jersey. 

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Maisie Boesiger, a 5’6 senior out of Firth, NE, is more known for her infectious positivity and TikToks than her presence on the court, but former Coach Cook dished out plenty of praises; saying she should not be underestimated, even listing her as one of the most improved players over the last season. Regardless, Boesiger is still a walk-on and moreso a depth and culture piece than a forefront for the starting role; it's unlikely that she will get consistent playing time, but expect to see her on the service line or cheering on the sidelines. Boesiger has appeared in 50 games over the course of her career, often as a serving specialist, and has tallied 36 digs and 6 aces in her three seasons with the Huskers. 

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Laney Choboy – the 5 '3 junior out of Raleigh, NC, and human-firecracker – is one of the favorites for the role. She's quick, explosive, and will not hesitate to sacrifice her own body (or someone else’s cough cough john cook) if there's even the slightest possibility she can get the ball up. Laney has trained as a defensive specialist in the right and middle back positions, but she has little in-game experience in the left back where liberos typically play. Choboy racked up 185 digs (1.67 per set) in the 24-25 season, her style of play is eye-catching saves and jaw-dropping digs, and there's no doubt she excels in the intangibles. The coaching staff said her mere presence on the court is “worth 2 points in itself.” While her skill as an energy-boost are undeniable, the key factor in whether she gets the role is if she can train on her weaker skills – like serve receive – and if she can step into the leadership position, carrying on the standard that Lexi set. 

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Olivia Mauch, the 5’6 sophomore out of Bennington, NE, is the other largest likelihood to get the jersey. Mauch has been a starter since her first collegiate game, and has proven to hold her own against some of the hardest hitters in the country. She has plenty of USA National Team experience, helping the U19 team win the gold medal in the 2023 FIVB World Championships as the starting libero. Although she was constantly targeted as a freshman, her passing numbers rivaled that of the best in the nation. Many have compared Olivia to Lexi for how similar their play style and demeanor are on the court. She isn’t making a flashy dig every other point, but she is stable and consistent – a solid foundation for the team to rest upon. In her freshman season she played in all 36 matches, averaging 1.61 digs per set and 196 total, also adding 21 aces and 13 assists. In a poll I conducted on who my audience’s picks were, Olivia tallied 49% of the votes; Choboy had 45%, the other two each with 3%. 

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Keri Leimbach, a 5’4 freshman right out of Lincoln, carries on the torch of homegrown defensive players for the Huskers. She played for Lincoln Lutheran High School, where she went 4-for-4 in state championships, averaging 6 digs per set and adding 54 aces in her senior season. She was a four-time first-team all-state selection and surpassed over 2,000 digs in her high school career. Leimbach is similar to Choboy in how they’re both self-described hype girls; loud, competitive, and spirited. Whether Keri gets consistent playing time this season is determined by what system Busboom-Kelly chooses to run and whether Leimbach can make a case for herself. If there's no urgent need for fill, it could be wise to redshirt her for an extra year of eligibility down the road, but that's up to the coaching staff. 

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Regardless, Nebraska is – as usual – abundant with riches, and it’s simply a matter of who can step into the elusive role and carry on its rich legacy.