Work Trip? Beach Vacation? Huskers Doing Both in Hawaii

While other programs are stuck on campus in the capricious early-spring weather, confined to the monotonous grind of the 6am lift and late-night homework, Nebraska Volleyball is on a much-needed break under the golden rays amongst the flora and fauna of Oahu. While the girls have settled into a routine in the offseason, it is surely a welcome respite from land-locked Lincoln. As someone who had to endure the cruel mundanity of Pennsylvania winter, I know how critical a tropical getaway and UV rays can be to curing seasonal depression and burdening anxiety. It simultaneously gives you something to look forward to, experience, make memories, and look back on fondly. It's not a bad recruiting pitch either – after all, few teams can say that they grant their players an all-expenses paid, 9-day trip to a tropical island each spring. 

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The girls were ready to start adventuring after waking up before dawn, one layover, and six hours on a plane. The first order of business when they arrived? Trying Hawaiian shave ice. Freshman Keri Leimbach approved of hers; “11/10. It's so good.” Second? Going on the sunrise trail; a stunning cove on the coast that has been featured in several of their Instagram photoshoots over the years. After that, it was time for some volleyball – twenty feet from the lapping shores of the ocean. The Huskers won all their matches, defeating Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific in sweeps. They picked up some soda and acai bowls, then hit the beach. “I’m just having the best day ever,” Maisie Boesiger says. “I’m so happy to be here in Hawaii, I love it here. I love my team – we have all just been roasting in the sun.”

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Team bonding is a critical facet of the trip, and roommate assignments are crucial in cultivating the bond. “Whoever your roommate is in Hawaii, it's fun because y’all get super close since you’re together all the time,” Maisie says. Laney Choboy and Ryan Hunter – the North Carolina duo – are rooming together. They’re one of those duos that match each other's energy to a T.  Here are the other room combos: Skyler and Keri, Harper and Campbell, Bergen and Olivia, and Andi and Teraya, while the three seniors each have their own. For Freshman Teraya Sigler, it's her first trip to Hawaii and she says she is “in love.” When asked about the trip, Sigler jokes, “I will not be leaving. You won’t see me at campus, and I’ll be here.” 

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There are so many benefits to the Huskers Beach season, in and out of the sand. It's just another thing that sets Husker Volleyball apart from everyone else in college volleyball. 

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A few quick notes: Sky and Choboy combo have looked very impressive in the sand this season.

You saw the DBK "TikTok" debut yesterday, but as I've asked around, it is nothing new for the new Husker HC.  "I think that is something you are just going to see more of now.  Dani and her staff at Louisville did those things all the time.  They were very interactive with the athletes". Plus, when you are in Hawaii, who wouldn't be smiling and dancing:)